Is Burma over run by tourism? Should I skip Burma and go to Chiang Mai?
Mar 26th, 2014, 05:49 PM
#1
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Is Burma over run by tourism? Should I skip Burma and go to Chiang Mai?
Finally getting around to spending two weeks in Burma and especially looking to travel north to Mandalay and looking to find a local guide to take me to Kengtung or anywhere that hasn't been over run. I heard also the Bagan is also over run and that the temples are filled with venders selling their wares, getting in the way of enjoying the peace and spirituality of the temples. Any current views? Thank you!
Mar 26th, 2014, 06:26 PM
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Burma is has MUCH less tourism than northern Thailand. Yes, increasing numbers of people are visiting Burma, but the numbers don't approach the numbers of people who visit Chiang Mai.
Lots of places (almost all) in Burma are not overrun. Those who have been to Burma before the door opened more sometimes tell people it's too late. But it is not. Yes, there are vendors at the temples of Bagan, as there have been for decades, just now there are more. But when we were there in 2011, our friend took us to various temples off the beaten path (we had seen the major temples in 2009), and we encountered almost no one else at these temples. Remember there are thousands of temples at Bagan, so just because one is crowded, it doesn't mean all are crowded.
The area around Kentung is a good one for trekking into villages. If you want a place that has amazing temples and almost no visitors, see if Mrauk U is open. It takes time to get there, but it is well worth it.
Take a look at our Burma photos at www.marlandc.com
Lots of places (almost all) in Burma are not overrun. Those who have been to Burma before the door opened more sometimes tell people it's too late. But it is not. Yes, there are vendors at the temples of Bagan, as there have been for decades, just now there are more. But when we were there in 2011, our friend took us to various temples off the beaten path (we had seen the major temples in 2009), and we encountered almost no one else at these temples. Remember there are thousands of temples at Bagan, so just because one is crowded, it doesn't mean all are crowded.
The area around Kentung is a good one for trekking into villages. If you want a place that has amazing temples and almost no visitors, see if Mrauk U is open. It takes time to get there, but it is well worth it.
Take a look at our Burma photos at www.marlandc.com
Mar 26th, 2014, 06:34 PM
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You just can't compare the two, except to say there are far more tourists in Chiang Mai where the infrastructure is more developed to meet the needs of those tourists.
In that respect, parts of Myanmar are sort of more charming simply due to the minor challenges. The people are easily the most welcoming and friendly that I have encountered in many trips to SEAsia and beyond.
Yes, in Bagan there are (mainly women) people selling things at various temples, you can easily avoid them with good grace.
Your call, but it is rapidly changing.
I noticed a difference between my first visit in August 2013, and the recent trip in Feb/Mar 2014.
As Myanmar becomes more exposed to Western culture and habits, things will sadly change.
I'd go.
In that respect, parts of Myanmar are sort of more charming simply due to the minor challenges. The people are easily the most welcoming and friendly that I have encountered in many trips to SEAsia and beyond.
Yes, in Bagan there are (mainly women) people selling things at various temples, you can easily avoid them with good grace.
Your call, but it is rapidly changing.
I noticed a difference between my first visit in August 2013, and the recent trip in Feb/Mar 2014.
As Myanmar becomes more exposed to Western culture and habits, things will sadly change.
I'd go.
Mar 26th, 2014, 07:27 PM
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Here are the numbers: Thailand welcomed 23 million tourists in 2012 (latest year for which there are complete data); Myanmar is hoping to welcome 3 million tourists in 2014, they have never had that many before.
Mar 26th, 2014, 11:08 PM
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Hi artyguy,
Burma or Chiang Mai are totally different experiences. Chiang Mai can cope with many more tourists than Burma and if you want to have an easygoing temple-visiting trip, then go to Chiang Mai. You cannot be disappointed. I liked our time there http://konniandmatt.blogspot.com/201...-feb-2010.html very much. But this is Thailand, very well experienced with tourists. Burma has its special charme. Even if you have to plan a little more ahead, like booking of your preferred guesthouse, you should go for it. The people are incredibly friendly and open and the Bagan feeling is very unique, even with hawkers in only a few of the many temples. For us, Bagan was the place to be, we enjoyed staying there for nearly 10 days. Pls check in our travel notes: http://konniandmatt.blogspot.com/201...-nyaung-u.html
Happy travels, wherever you go!
Cheers, Konni, www.konniandmatt.blogspot.com
Burma or Chiang Mai are totally different experiences. Chiang Mai can cope with many more tourists than Burma and if you want to have an easygoing temple-visiting trip, then go to Chiang Mai. You cannot be disappointed. I liked our time there http://konniandmatt.blogspot.com/201...-feb-2010.html very much. But this is Thailand, very well experienced with tourists. Burma has its special charme. Even if you have to plan a little more ahead, like booking of your preferred guesthouse, you should go for it. The people are incredibly friendly and open and the Bagan feeling is very unique, even with hawkers in only a few of the many temples. For us, Bagan was the place to be, we enjoyed staying there for nearly 10 days. Pls check in our travel notes: http://konniandmatt.blogspot.com/201...-nyaung-u.html
Happy travels, wherever you go!
Cheers, Konni, www.konniandmatt.blogspot.com
Mar 27th, 2014, 05:29 AM
#8
Everything and every place changes with time. That doesn't mean its not worth visiting. Would you skip the Louvre, Pompei, Machu Picchu or Angkor Wat to name just a few because lots of tourists are there? Would you deny yourself seeing something truly amazing because tourists are there? That's for each of us to decide.
As mentioned above I was just in Myanmar and was it crowded in some places? yes. Did we avoid the crowds for the most part? yes. I looked at another TR where you also posted asking about the crowds and our experience a year later was nothing like what this poster described. Mandalay was the only place we felt it overcrowded. And that probably could have been avoided by better scheduling of where we went. We did not have crowds at all on Inle Lake. There were other tourists on the lake but nothing of note. We went to the Lotus workshop and we were the only tourists in it and I thought it fascinating as I have never seen lotus weaving. Some of the temples in Bagan were crowded and had tour buses near them, but as Kathie said you can easily avoid them, we did.
The tourist presence in Chiang Mai was much more so than in Myanmar, but that didn't take away from our visit to CM this trip or last.
I say if you're interested in Myanmar then go. Plan your trip pin off season and there will be less tourists for sure. If you are looking for a totally untouched & undiscovered country, you missed that window in Myanmar.
As mentioned above I was just in Myanmar and was it crowded in some places? yes. Did we avoid the crowds for the most part? yes. I looked at another TR where you also posted asking about the crowds and our experience a year later was nothing like what this poster described. Mandalay was the only place we felt it overcrowded. And that probably could have been avoided by better scheduling of where we went. We did not have crowds at all on Inle Lake. There were other tourists on the lake but nothing of note. We went to the Lotus workshop and we were the only tourists in it and I thought it fascinating as I have never seen lotus weaving. Some of the temples in Bagan were crowded and had tour buses near them, but as Kathie said you can easily avoid them, we did.
The tourist presence in Chiang Mai was much more so than in Myanmar, but that didn't take away from our visit to CM this trip or last.
I say if you're interested in Myanmar then go. Plan your trip pin off season and there will be less tourists for sure. If you are looking for a totally untouched & undiscovered country, you missed that window in Myanmar.
Mar 27th, 2014, 02:47 PM
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Firstly I'm greatly relieved by everyones positive comments which of course makes huge sense! So thank you for your perspective and sharing your photos and blogs.
I've spent the entire day researching and I think I have a plan for my trip to Myanmar, and could use (I hope one final push for order).
My wish list:
10 or so days in Myanmar. Then 20 days in Thailand. But can add or subtract days depending on suggestions.
My plan is to fly into Rangoon October 29th. I’d like to add Hpa-an. But not necessary. Then fly up north. Will fly where necessary to save time, and hire a car and driver also if suggested.
My BIGGEST question is not sure what order I should do this so I could help me here as well as amount of days.
The wish list: Mandalay, Inle Lake, Bagan, back to Mandalay and fly (Wed and Sat flights leave for Chiang Mai I've read) and tour Thailand. I fly home November 30th, 2014
I want to also do a 2 day trek. Stay in a home stay. I've read: Kalaw to Lake Inle is a nice trek. I heard Kentung is less touristy and might be preferred? But open to other options.
Lastly I discovered November 6th is the Taunggyi Ballon Festival... and I think I should def do this. But don't know how to get there and how it would fit in my itinerary? Could us help here! And probably need to reserve a guest house many days in advance, if not months in advance?
Can you advise where to fit this in my itinerary? Because I'm traveling alone, I'm looking to stay in small guest houses where I think I have the best chance of meeting folks and saving money. Probably more LP then Fodors? Suggestions welcomed!
Thanks for your thoughts... and happy traveling! Artyguy
I've spent the entire day researching and I think I have a plan for my trip to Myanmar, and could use (I hope one final push for order).
My wish list:
10 or so days in Myanmar. Then 20 days in Thailand. But can add or subtract days depending on suggestions.
My plan is to fly into Rangoon October 29th. I’d like to add Hpa-an. But not necessary. Then fly up north. Will fly where necessary to save time, and hire a car and driver also if suggested.
My BIGGEST question is not sure what order I should do this so I could help me here as well as amount of days.
The wish list: Mandalay, Inle Lake, Bagan, back to Mandalay and fly (Wed and Sat flights leave for Chiang Mai I've read) and tour Thailand. I fly home November 30th, 2014
I want to also do a 2 day trek. Stay in a home stay. I've read: Kalaw to Lake Inle is a nice trek. I heard Kentung is less touristy and might be preferred? But open to other options.
Lastly I discovered November 6th is the Taunggyi Ballon Festival... and I think I should def do this. But don't know how to get there and how it would fit in my itinerary? Could us help here! And probably need to reserve a guest house many days in advance, if not months in advance?
Can you advise where to fit this in my itinerary? Because I'm traveling alone, I'm looking to stay in small guest houses where I think I have the best chance of meeting folks and saving money. Probably more LP then Fodors? Suggestions welcomed!
Thanks for your thoughts... and happy traveling! Artyguy
Mar 27th, 2014, 03:02 PM
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Good to hear you've decided to persevere with Myanmar, it is a most rewarding country to visit.
Spend a couple days in Yangon, fly to Nyaung U for Bagan for say three days, fly to Heho for Inle Lake, somehow fit in your trek before the ballon festival -Taunggyi is near to Inle Lake, then on to Mandalay for a few days before flight to Chiang Mai. Check for direct flights on oway.com.
This route saves you any backtracking.
Sorry can't help with hostels, but would suggest you research on Tripadvisor.
Spend a couple days in Yangon, fly to Nyaung U for Bagan for say three days, fly to Heho for Inle Lake, somehow fit in your trek before the ballon festival -Taunggyi is near to Inle Lake, then on to Mandalay for a few days before flight to Chiang Mai. Check for direct flights on oway.com.
This route saves you any backtracking.
Sorry can't help with hostels, but would suggest you research on Tripadvisor.
Mar 27th, 2014, 03:24 PM
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If you want to do the balloon festival, make your guesthouse reservations NOW. Expect there may be price-gouging on accommodations, as the whole Inle Lake area was always full for the balloon festival even before the influx of visitors a few years ago.
As much as I love Thailand, with your amount of time, I'd split it 20 days in Myanmar, 10 in Thailand. With a mere 10 days in Myanmar you won't be able to do all of the things on your list.
Is there something special in Mandalay for you? IMO, it is the most missable place in the country. I agree with sartoric, spend one or two nights in Yangon on arrival, fly to Bagan, spend three days (4 nights), fly to HeHo for Inle Lake and the Balloon festival (you'll need at least 4-5 nights). If you want to trek, visit hill tribes/do homestay, fly to Kentung for a few days for your trekking. Fly to Mandalay, then on to Chiang Mai.
Take a look at Thorntree - there are lots of travelers to Burma over there who can advise you on guesthouses.
As much as I love Thailand, with your amount of time, I'd split it 20 days in Myanmar, 10 in Thailand. With a mere 10 days in Myanmar you won't be able to do all of the things on your list.
Is there something special in Mandalay for you? IMO, it is the most missable place in the country. I agree with sartoric, spend one or two nights in Yangon on arrival, fly to Bagan, spend three days (4 nights), fly to HeHo for Inle Lake and the Balloon festival (you'll need at least 4-5 nights). If you want to trek, visit hill tribes/do homestay, fly to Kentung for a few days for your trekking. Fly to Mandalay, then on to Chiang Mai.
Take a look at Thorntree - there are lots of travelers to Burma over there who can advise you on guesthouses.
Mar 28th, 2014, 04:42 AM
#12
Glad you decided to go to Myanmar. I agree with Kathy, Mandalay is definitely a place where I'd spend less time. Time wise I think you might want to add a few days to Myanmar. I think yo will be rushed with only 10 days. I spent 18 days in Myanmar and for us that was a good amount of time. Click on my name and you can see our trip report. We didn't do trekking like you plan, but we did spend 3 nights in Hsipaw & 1 night in Pyin OO Lwin and you could switch them out of your trekking time.
Mar 28th, 2014, 11:03 AM
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Huge shout out to Kathie for figuring out the sequences of places to visit which includes the balloon festival! And the amount of suggested days. I def can add more days and less days in Thailand with everyone's advice. I didn't know that Inle Lake and Taunggyi were one and the same as per on the same lake. I realized that this morning when I googled Taunggyi, but still wasn't certain. All the names are finally making sense.
Now that I have this figured out, the flight arrangements is overwhelming. Might I make more sense to contact a agency to arrange these for me? Regarding places to stay, I fear these agencies will put me up in "touristy" hotels where I really want to stay in Guest houses that are small and intimate where a single traveler can meet fellow travelers.
Suggestions? Like maybe have the agent arrange for flights and tell them where I want to stay or just make my guest houses reservations on my own?
What do you all think?
Weather? up north? Jackets? in November?
So many questions, my apologies...
Heard about Tea Salads, is this safe for a foreigner to eat?
thank you!!!!
Now that I have this figured out, the flight arrangements is overwhelming. Might I make more sense to contact a agency to arrange these for me? Regarding places to stay, I fear these agencies will put me up in "touristy" hotels where I really want to stay in Guest houses that are small and intimate where a single traveler can meet fellow travelers.
Suggestions? Like maybe have the agent arrange for flights and tell them where I want to stay or just make my guest houses reservations on my own?
What do you all think?
Weather? up north? Jackets? in November?
So many questions, my apologies...
Heard about Tea Salads, is this safe for a foreigner to eat?
thank you!!!!
Mar 28th, 2014, 11:17 AM
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Taunggyi is maybe 30-45 minute drive from Inle, so yes, it is close. Do contact an agent to book your flights. You can tell an agent where you want to stay or what kinds of places you want to stay. For guesthouses in this price range, you may need to book yourself, though several people have reported on agencies willing/able to book lower priced guesthouses. Shan Yoma is one I remember that got great reviews.
Note that agencies want you to be happy. They may respond to a first request with a canned itinerary, but if you give them as much detail as possible they will be glad to accommodate you. The agencies are pretty overwhelmed, so it may take some patience to get everything booked.
Since you are going to be in the Inle area longer, consider visiting Kakku as well.
Tea leaf salads... they are served cold so you may be able to eat them or not. If you want to try one, choose the place as carefully as possible.
You will want a light jacket up north for early mornings on the lake. We were glad we both brought windbreaker-type jackets with us to Inle. Also bring a hat - the sun is intense - and plenty of sunscreen.
Note that agencies want you to be happy. They may respond to a first request with a canned itinerary, but if you give them as much detail as possible they will be glad to accommodate you. The agencies are pretty overwhelmed, so it may take some patience to get everything booked.
Since you are going to be in the Inle area longer, consider visiting Kakku as well.
Tea leaf salads... they are served cold so you may be able to eat them or not. If you want to try one, choose the place as carefully as possible.
You will want a light jacket up north for early mornings on the lake. We were glad we both brought windbreaker-type jackets with us to Inle. Also bring a hat - the sun is intense - and plenty of sunscreen.
Mar 28th, 2014, 02:21 PM
#15
I agree to book the flights through a travel agent. I would try the booking sites, Agoda, Asia rooms etc for booking guest houses if the TA can't help you.
Inle lake was very chilly in the am up until maybe 11ish. We were there in February.
figuring out the names and locations is not always clear cut as names often have different spellings and name changes.
Inle lake was very chilly in the am up until maybe 11ish. We were there in February.
figuring out the names and locations is not always clear cut as names often have different spellings and name changes.
Mar 29th, 2014, 10:54 AM
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I found a travel agent: Travel-Myanmar.net
and wondering if anyone has heard of them?
Their website looks pretty good and decided to add more days to the Kentung trek which they call the Golden Triangle. They also had correct dates for 2014 Balloon Festival.
Thanks everyone, you've all been awesome!
and wondering if anyone has heard of them?
Their website looks pretty good and decided to add more days to the Kentung trek which they call the Golden Triangle. They also had correct dates for 2014 Balloon Festival.
Thanks everyone, you've all been awesome!
Mar 30th, 2014, 05:16 AM
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I just came back yesterday from a week in Myanmar - Yangon, Bagan, Inle Lake. To repeat, it is NOT OVERRUN By tourists in any way!!
I made the hotel bookings myself but used Odyssey Travels for domestic air tickets and some ground transportation. Very happy with their service - they were absolutely helpful and went way beyond expectations in trying to make the trip an enjoyable one. Their website is http://www.odysseymyanmar.com - you can also contact Khin Khin there at [email protected]
I made the hotel bookings myself but used Odyssey Travels for domestic air tickets and some ground transportation. Very happy with their service - they were absolutely helpful and went way beyond expectations in trying to make the trip an enjoyable one. Their website is http://www.odysseymyanmar.com - you can also contact Khin Khin there at [email protected]
Mar 30th, 2014, 10:35 AM
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Artyguy, it sounds like your trip and ours might overlap. Once you firm up your itinerary, post it on this forum. Maybe we can arrange a GTG. We arrive in Yangon on 8 November and fly to Chiang Mai on 16 November and go to Bagan and Inle Lake in between.
