4 week solo trip through Myanmar/ Burma
 

Hi guys,

my name is Stijn 22 years old and i am planning to visit myanmar this summer (June).
Nobody is able to join me because of school/work etc. So i was wondering if some of you have experince with traveling on their own through myanmar and are willing to share their experience.
When i think of traveling on my own through myanmar a couple of questions came up:
- are there a lot of people traveling in this country in June?
- is there a popular route through myanmar? so its easy to meet new people who go the same direction.
-and if you dont meet anyone suitable for travelling together, how is myanmar on your own?

hope somebody can help me with these questions so i can decide wheter i will go on this adventure on my one or wait for a couple of years for someone from home who will join me .

thanks!

This is a trip where is it worthwhile doing lots of research. Read everything you can lay your hands on about history, culture. I put together a reading list years ago: http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...-bookshelf.cfm.

And do read a good guide book - it will be worthless for info on prices, but there is a lot you need to know.

I'd recommend going to Burma as soon as you can, as it is changing rapidly. That said, unlike most SE Asia counties, there isn't a "backpacker's ghetto" like KSR in Bangkok, nor are there hoards of travelers. Still, you will meet like-minded people.

Have you looked at Thorntree forum on Lonely Planet ? It's a good source of info on Myanmar, and seems to have more backpackers than this forum. Forgive me for assuming you're backpacking, just going by your age :)

I just spent 18 days solo in Myanmar, it wasn't too difficult to meet other people (I wasn't looking for anyone to travel with).

The usual route is Yangon, Bagan, Inle Lake, Mandalay, although with a month you will have time to explore further. As Kathie says, research is very important.

June will be rainy season in Southern parts, doesn't really matter as it's still hot.

Happy to answer any specific questions.

It is a most rewarding country to visit.

thanks for the booklist Kathie! i will defenitely use them for research!

thanks for the advice sartoric!

how much do you pay for a avarage (for backpackers, you were right about that!;) )room?

and is it true a lot of travelers are retirees and older couples? not as much travelers from my age?

There are plenty of young backpackers in Burma. Prices in Burma for lodging are higher than in surrounding countries.

I saw plenty of young people travelling in Myanmar, and don't discount the oldies ! If they are in Myanmar it means they are pretty well travelled and have had an interesting life.

Backpacker rooms run from about $20 - $40 depending on whether you want private or dorm rooms.

Food can be very cheap, a huge tasty stir fry might cost $2, a glass of beer 60 cents.

If you are travelling mainly by road, then the rainy season will definitely have a lot to say about your progress.

You should definitely go. Its a beautiful place, and not overrun by tourists - as others have pointed out. Plus u also get extra points with friends for having gone somewhere they would not have :-)
Seriously, the only thing you have to worry about is the weather - it will be HOT AND Can also be very wet!