Some queries re Burma
 

Hi there everyone..have used this site for our trip to Japan in 2004 and then again the Europe site for Italy so hoping for more of the same for our visit to Burma/Myanmar.

We are going late July for about 10 days and hope to visit Mandalay, Maymyo,Pagan besides Rangoon.We think we got a good deal flying Jetstar Asia from Singapore and now I need to work out how to get to these places and where we stay.

I should mention that my parents were Anglo-Burmese so this trip is also about finding out a bit about my heritage.

I must admit that there does not seem to be much detailed information about so I am hoping for a lot of help from people like Bob(?)who appears to know a lot about Burma.

Anyway, first question of a long list.I do not want to fly from Rangoon to Mandalay-scared of old planes and I do want to see a bit of the countryside.Should we hire a driver for the whole trip or bus or train?Three of us will split the cost.How much would the driver cost?

Hey..how come that picture appeared??Sorry,Bob I did not do that!!!

Sometimes those annoying pictures pop up. It's happened to me,too.I don't know how they pop up either. Happy Travels!

For an answer on the smileys, check this link:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/smileys/

So when you intend to type something like "colon B", you get :B

In your case, you typed "b parenthesis" which gave you b(

The best way to prevent this from happening is to preview your reply.

I have been doing a great deal of research on Myanmar (Burma) as we intend to go there next February. We have been advised to fly where there are long distances involved (Yangon - Mandalay and Mandalay - Bagan, for example) as the roads are terrible. I don't think the planes are that old.

The planes are not old as long as you fly on the private airlines. They are managed by Singapore Air I believe. Just don't ever use the government airline.

Craig..what sites have you used?I have been to virtual.tourist and Lonely Planet but there does not seem to be the nitty gritty stuff around..you know the stuff you might get embarrassed to ask about.I'm also interested in getting up to date information especially about how the authorities treat you and any dangers.

Albaaust - the most recent edition (2005) of the Lonely Planet Guide to Myanmar (the book, not the web site) has tons of information. The following web site may also be helpful:

http://www.myanmartravelinformation.com/

A couple of people on this forum have used Santa Maria, a Yangon-based travel agency to arrange private tours with flights, hotels, drivers etc. They also have a web site:

http://www.myanmartravelinformation....aria/index.htm

Hope this helps.

Thanks Craig..I have done a search on your questions and therefore, gathered a bit more info.Have a couple of silly questions as I have not bought the Lonely Planet yet...might need to order it in..
What are FECs?
Can I book internal flight and pay for them on the net?
Can I book and pay for hotels on the net

FEC's are foreign exchange certificates. The government used to make foreign tourists exchange a certain amount of dollars for them at exorbitant rates. Fortunately they no longer do this.

You can book and pay for flights and hotels on the internet. However, the rates I'm being quoted by Myanmar-based agents have been better than what I have found on the internet.

Where do I go to book flights on the net and what is the best site to book hotels?
Also, has anyone been to Maymyo? Is it worth staying there for a couple of days or should we go to somewhere like Inle Lake which everyone seems to like?

For flights, the three private airlines:
www.airmandalay.com
www.airbagan.com
www.yangonair.com

You can find hotels on these asian sites:
www.precisionreservations.com
www.asiarooms.com
www.asiatravel.com
www.myanmar-hotels-discount.com
www.asiahotels.com

Maymyo is now called Pyin U Lwin. Lonely Planet dedicates a few pages to it but it doesn't seem that interesting to me.

Thanks Craig. I have already gone to some of the sites you gave me.I wish more of the sites had reviews of the hotels.It seems as if very few people who have been to Myanmar write about it!!

I have tried to send an email to Bob re a driver for the whole trip versus part but as yet no luck. I have posted to another thread so hopefully,he'll respond.

I am also hoping that Gloria can help as I think she has been there recently.

Where are you staying when you are in Myanamar.

This is also a general call -Has anyone stayed at the Thamada in Yangon( Notice I am using the new names!!)? Is it a central location and is it OK? I have tried to get onto its website but it seems to be unavailable.

BTW iam also going to Vietnam for 10 days as part of the trip...have not started investigating that yet!!

Bob is in France - I don't think he has been checking his e-mail. I believe he is returning on the 18th.

I've been looking at the Savoy and the Governor's Residence (Pansea) in Yangon, the Aureum Palace (new) or the Hotel @ Tharabar Gate in Bagan and the Inle Resort (also new) or the Inle Princess Resort at Inle Lake.

Just had a look at this site
www.myanmartravelagent.com
and they are offering very reduced prices for the Strand. It might suit you. Unfortunately, I am having trouble booking a triple room..Had a look at the Savoy and they do not have prices for triple rooms either.

Craig, For whatever it's worth, the Aureum Palace in Bagan is supposed to be the best hotel there, but it's apparently owned by the son in law of one of the generals. On Inle Lake, why is the Lake View Resort not on your list? (we're going through the same decision process as you).

CCC, I did some Googling on the Aureum. The owner's name is Te Za and he his holdings are pretty far-reaching through his business Htoo Trading Company. His holdings are vast and also include Bagan Air. I'm not sure that he is actually married to the general's daughter although there were rumors. Apparently he is very well connected with the military regime - don't know how he would be successful otherwise.

Where did you get your information? I would be interested in learning more. This is the article I read that had the most information on him:

http://www.irrawaddy.org/aviewer.asp?a=4761&z=104

Lake View Resort is on my short list but the other two are right next to each other so I know the Inle Resort will have the same great sunsets as the Inle Princess. It seems that the Inle Resort may be a cut above the other two though.

I heard this from the people who are arranging our trip. I don't want to say who because I don't want to get them in trouble, but here's what they had to say:
" the hotel is undoubtedly the best in Bagan despite the abhorrence to the industry and the local communities. This property is owned by an entrepreneur who is the son-in-law of present general."

Had been trying to decide between Inle Princess and Lake View, but will have to add Inle Resort to the mix. It gets harder, not easier!

Keep me posted ccc - I would probably not consider the Aureum if there is a direct family connection. The problem is that Te Za's company's presence is everywhere in Myanmar.

Are you still planning to go to Myanmar again with your children this time this summer?

Craig, Yes, unless something changes our entire family of 6 will be there for 7 or 8 days this summer. Can't wait! I've been there twice (albeit a long time ago) and I've always considered it my favorite travel destination of all time.