T_Dean

We are traveling to Sri Lanka mid-February 2013 for about four weeks before heading to Myanmar. I had hoped to be flexible in our itinerary but, based on visa requirements and comments I've read on this forum, it appears that I have to completely book Myanmar soon. I've checked airline schedules and some hotels and I think the following itinerary is doable, give or take a few days. Does the following plan seem reasonable?

March
11 - 0120 Depart Colombo - 0615 Arrive Bangkok(BKK)
11 - 1055 Depart Bangkok (DMK) - 1220 Arrive Mandalay
12 - Mandalay
13 - Mandalay
14 - Boat Mandalay - Bagan
15 - Bagan
16 - Bagan
17 - Bagan
18 - Fly Bagan to Helo
19 - Inle
20 - Inle
21 - Inle
22 - Inle/Heho - Yangon - Sittwe/Mrauk U
23 - Mrauk U
24 - Mrauk U
25 - Fly Sittwe - Yangon
26 - Yangon
27 - Depart Yangon (RGN)
27 - Depart Bangkok (BKK)

Kathie

The first part of your plan loos good, though do think through whether you want to do the boat from Mandalay to Bagan. We opted not to do it on the basis of reports by others. It takes all day and is not especially scenic.

The last part of your trip is likely to be a problem. Sittwe/Mrauk U has been closed to visitors because of the ethnic violence. Whether it will be open by mid-Feb is unknown. If it is open, you will need to hire a private boat to be able to actually have two full days of sightseeing at Mrauk U. Do have a plan B.

Are you working with an agent? The agent will be your best source of info on whether Mrauk U is open.

T_Dean

Thanks Kathie. I'll take the boat trip out. So far I've worked this out on my own but I've sent a request to Santa Maria. If the Mrauk U is out, what would you think is worth adding instead.

Nywoman

I loved the boat trip to Bagan. Then I like leisurely river trips.

Would also try for an extra day in Yangon it has much to offer.

Enjoy your trip.

rhkkmk

i would want to be back in bkk the day before i leave for home

Ladouca

I agree with rhkkmk I think being back in Bangkok the day before is safer - you never know when a flight will be cancelled or delayed in Burma.

T_Dean

Thanks for you replies. The planning for Burma is more difficult than I expected. We decided to delay the trip and go to Kerela instead.

Kathie

Sorry you have to delay your Burma trip. It is more difficult planning than elsewhere in SE Asia.

alan_s

When you plan your trip again, browse through the trip reports here, which include the faster boat from Mandalay to Bagan: http://loraltravel.blogspot.com/2006...of-france.html

>The planning for Burma is more difficult than I expected. We decided to delay the trip and go to Kerela instead.

You will also notice some reports on Kochi and Munnar there.

I would spend a day less each in Inle Lake and Bagan and add some time at the beginning in Mandalay so that you can see both the "3 cities" and Pyin oo Lwin and at the end in Yangon to see Shwe Dagon and do some shopping in Scott's Market.

Cheers, Alan

alan_s

I just noticed this:

>11 - 0120 Depart Colombo - 0615 Arrive Bangkok(BKK)
>11 - 1055 Depart Bangkok (DMK) - 1220 Arrive Mandalay

For anyone needing to transfer between those Bangkok airports, this may help: http://loraltravel.blogspot.com.au/2...k-and-dmk.html