Travelling to Mrauk U
Jun 11th, 2011, 07:56 AM
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Travelling to Mrauk U
I will be in Burma in August and would like to visit Mrauk U. How likely will it be that my plans will be derailed due to flight cancellations between Yangon and Sitwee and boat trip cancellations to Mrauk U due to rough water because it's monsoon season? Is it even worth it to try to visit Mrauk U during this time period? Has anybody visited in August and what was your experience? Thanks!
Jun 11th, 2011, 09:55 AM
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It's complicated getting to Mrauk U even in high season. I've just made all of my arrangements for November.
I'd only try it if you have plenty of time and flexibility in your schedule. Flights from Yangon to Sittwe are not daily in the off season, and they will cancel if there are not enough passengers. The public boat only runs a few days a week, and particularly during low season they don't stick to their schedule. If you are willing to pay for a private boat from SIttwe that will give you more options to get to Mrauk U. Depending on when the flights do run, you are likely to spend at least one night in Sittwe, and with the irregular flights and boats, you may spend up to three nights there.
Are you working with a travel agent in Yangon? They will be able to tell you their experience with getting people to/from Mrauk U in August.
I'd only try it if you have plenty of time and flexibility in your schedule. Flights from Yangon to Sittwe are not daily in the off season, and they will cancel if there are not enough passengers. The public boat only runs a few days a week, and particularly during low season they don't stick to their schedule. If you are willing to pay for a private boat from SIttwe that will give you more options to get to Mrauk U. Depending on when the flights do run, you are likely to spend at least one night in Sittwe, and with the irregular flights and boats, you may spend up to three nights there.
Are you working with a travel agent in Yangon? They will be able to tell you their experience with getting people to/from Mrauk U in August.
Jun 16th, 2011, 06:23 AM
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Thanks Kathie.
My agent has me flying into Sittwe in the am and immediately taking a private boat to Mruak U. And on the return, taking an early morning private boat and flying out of Sittwe in the afternoon. They say its doable...
They also offered me the alternative of Mawlamein & Hpa An. Has anyone visited there? Is it someplace worhwhile to visit? Any comments are welcome.
My agent has me flying into Sittwe in the am and immediately taking a private boat to Mruak U. And on the return, taking an early morning private boat and flying out of Sittwe in the afternoon. They say its doable...
They also offered me the alternative of Mawlamein & Hpa An. Has anyone visited there? Is it someplace worhwhile to visit? Any comments are welcome.
Jun 16th, 2011, 07:05 AM
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Great! Glad your agent was able to arrange it. I was able to arrange this during high season (no stay in Sittwe) but was told it was harder during low season with less frequent flights. Have a great time!
I haven't been to Mawlamein and Hpa An, so can't help there.
Do come back and tell us about your trip.
I haven't been to Mawlamein and Hpa An, so can't help there.
Do come back and tell us about your trip.
Jun 16th, 2011, 06:24 PM
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mm obviously there is no way to predict the weather....if you have all the arrangements made great. Just always remember where you are travelling & be flexable if things don't go as planned. Sometimes those unplanned adventures are the best! Have a wonderful trip. We really enjoyed our visit to Mruak U.
Kathie good to hear you have avoided a stay in Sittwe! We could not manage that on the way in at all. The flight schedules must be a bit different.
Kathie good to hear you have avoided a stay in Sittwe! We could not manage that on the way in at all. The flight schedules must be a bit different.
Jun 16th, 2011, 06:29 PM
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Jules, it turned out that (at least with the predicted schedules) we needed a night in Sittwe or a night in Yangon. We opted for Yangon. We plan to visit a bookstore and buy a couple of books on Mrauk U that are only available in Burma.
BTW, how did you get around in Mrauk U? Horsecart? Bike? car? walking?
BTW, how did you get around in Mrauk U? Horsecart? Bike? car? walking?
