artyguy

First off love these valuable forums and the generosity of people sharing their experiences.

Here goes:

Planning on 10 - 14 days of travel in Myanmar before heading into Thailand. Then fly out of Bangkok November 30th back home.

Will land in Rangoon and then head up north and then from there into Thailand. Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai. Then down to Bangkok and the islands and home.

One of my hopes is to go trekking and visit villages to get a sense of life in Myanmar and Thailand. Get off the tourist road so to speak. Possibly do home stays in villages. Any suggestions for who to contact to make this happen? Travel agencies that are experience in this area? Is it safe? I've heard that some areas of northern Myanmar isn't safe, but hard to get accurate information on this.

I am finding out that I should make my travel plans before visiting the country. Then make my flights once I'm in the country. And looking for guest houses and "local places to stay". Do not want to stay in "Holiday Inn like places". So I welcome suggestions here also.

If you have any contacts or suggestions or possible thoughts you may of done, I'd welcome your thoughts.

Best wishes, Stuart

Kathie

Myanmar is a different beast than any other country. While things are changing rapidly there, there are still many things that are difficulties for travelers.

Yes, some areas of northern Burma are off limits, but you don't have to worry a lot about that as you will not be allowed anywhere near the fighting. The easily accessibly "wow" experiences in the country are Bagan and Inle Lake. You can trek from Hspiaw to Inle, but it is a well-trodden path. If you really want to trek in areas with less contact with western culture, opt for trekking out of Kentung. You will be required to have a local guide. Trekking is really the only instance in which home stays are allowed. Your guide will know where you can stay. There was an excellent report here a couple of years ago from someone who did this.

Any agency in Yangon can get you plane tickets and can connect you with someone to arrange your trekking.

There aren't many places in Burma I'd describe as "Holiday Inn like places" so you don't need to worry about that. Some places are more atmospheric than others. If you give us your nightly budget, we can be more helpful in suggesting places.

I'd spend as much time as possible in Burma.

thursdaysd

Have you verified (and if so, how) that you can actually cross from Myanmar to Thailand overland?

Kathie

Thursdays' point is well-taken. That border opens and closes without any announcement. It can be open one direction and not the other; it can be open but requires a government guide with you. And it has been years and years since one could go overland to the border to cross. It typically requires a flight to get close to the border to make the crossing out of Burma. Note that it may also require a permit. if it does, it can take two weeks or more for the permit to be approved. But if you really want to do this, talk with a local agent as they may be able to facilitate the process.

sartoric

Hi Stuart

I'd check the Lonely Planet Thorntree forum and Tripadvisor about land crossings out of Myanmar. Note comments above that the government can change things quickly and without warning.

I see an issue with booking accommodation before you have flights organised. Oway.com can be used for flights in Myanmar.

In Chiang Rai there is an excellent guide called Jermsak, find him through Tripadvisor and book him well ahead. He can provide a range of suggested itineraries. If you're interested in cooking "Cook Thai Yourself" run by a fabulous Thai lady named Tik, was great for us, find her on TA.

In Chiang Mai there are loads of tour and accommodation opportunities, again, have a look at LP or TA.
We took a day trip to Doi Inthanon National Park, which included two picturesque waterfalls, the highest peak in Thailand, some lovely gardens, and a couple of tribal village markets.

I could make some recommendations for lodgings in Myanmar, but what worked for me may not be ideal for you. I found that Agoda had more options than any other hotel booking website.

There's a fairly lengthy trip report called Golden Land about my recent trip to Myanmar. Hotels I stayed at and enjoyed (or not) are listed there.

Happy planning

yestravel

There are lots of treks out of Hsipaw that can be arranged. We didn't do any long ones but we did meet people doing a variety of treks to various locales and for differing durations. Mr. Charles Guest House which has a variety of accommodations also has guides and offers all kinds of treks. You could contact them and see what is offered. The guides were very knowledgeable as to what areas are closed for trekking.
I agree that Lonely Planet Thorntree is a good place to check for this type of information. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntr...-asia-mainland
There are couple websites that I looked at when considering trekking
http://www.timetravelturtle.com/2013...lages-myanmar/
Travelfish is another good site
http://www.travelfish.org/board/post...vel-to-se-asia
I second the recommendation for Jermsak. He is fabulous. I believe this is the address I used to contact him at the end of last year.
[email protected]

artyguy

Why thank you all! Sorry about the confusion with regards to traveling overland. I intend to fly out of Burma. Most likely from Mandalay to Chiang Mai or Rai which ever is closer. Then continue down south. Will check out the valuable resources.

With regards to budget, looking at the $40 - $50 range per night. Which is probably more Lonely Planet then Fodors, lol. But welcome any guest house/ inn that you all might of heard or stayed. Cheers

Kathie

Flying out of the country will make it easier for you. I don't know what the current status of flights from Burma to Chiang Mai is (those flights have been off-again on-again). You may have to fly to Bangkok and change planes. There are no flights from Burma to Chiang Rai, but you can fly to Chiang Rai via Bangkok..