Burma what`s it like.
Discussion
My son has just got a job in Rangoon (Yangon) Burma and I fancy a trip as its different.Any of you guys been there? is it worth the expense? advice & tips,where to go,what not to do,all that sort of stuff.I`ve looked at some of the hotels and it sounds very cheep,is that so or do westerners get ripped off?
Well, it's been an military dictatorship for decades, not much below North Korea in terms of seclusion, so not really much of a tourist spot. However it seems to be changing very quickly over there. Usual advice - register with the Embassy when he gets there, make sure he has lots of shots, and ask his co-workers what's good to do.
My missus is from Myanmar. Dave is wrong - on the plane to Yangon from Singapore it's almost entirely full of westerners, and the place is growing massively as sanctions are lifted. Lots of great places to travel to - Inle, Mandalay, Pagan etc. There are some very nice 5* beach resorts as well.
Also, as a Westerner, it's quite safe, as the Burmese don't want western tourists getting attacked/killed so you'll be looked after well. Ignore the BBC propoganda, it's a great country.
Also, as a Westerner, it's quite safe, as the Burmese don't want western tourists getting attacked/killed so you'll be looked after well. Ignore the BBC propoganda, it's a great country.
Thanks Bing,I get the feeling the Burmese people are nice and friendly,the place looks interesting and the hotel rates are very cheep.Your right about expansion,my son will be planning a full upgrade of their mobile phone network.The only thing that puts me off is getting there,no direct flights so 25-35hrs travel time.
pokethepope said:
skyscanner has LHR to Yangon via Bangkok taking less than 20 hours. If you want to break it up HK or Singapore are perfect for a couple of days visit and then fly on to Burma.
The quote I had was with Singapore Airlines with a 9-12hr wait at Singapore before the flight to Burma.With more research there are lots of options,Goa and Sri Lanka both have flights to Burma.So two holidays are on the cards? and it sounds very expensive?Edinburger said:
I've wondered about Burma too. Don't know much more about it but my Grandad fought there in WWII (with the Royal Scots).
Don't understand why flights would be so long though as Hong Kong, Vietnam, etc., is only 9/10 hours?
my grandad too hes still got a japanese sword he brought back - not sure who he was with thoughDon't understand why flights would be so long though as Hong Kong, Vietnam, etc., is only 9/10 hours?
Old Merc said:
The quote I had was with Singapore Airlines with a 9-12hr wait at Singapore before the flight to Burma.With more research there are lots of options,Goa and Sri Lanka both have flights to Burma.So two holidays are on the cards? and it sounds very expensive?
It's Myanmar 
Are you planning on travelling much when you are there, or just visiting Yangon? Happy to ask my missus anything you like.
I'd take a couple of days in Sing just to break up the journey a bit. Give me a PM if you're over.
one tip that has not been mentioned - bring cash, USD, new notes too.
There is not much by way of ATM / Credit card network for paying for stuff (although i am sure this is improving every day) and they are not a big fan of receiving old used dollar bills.
I went to Bagen a few years ago and it was fantastic, but a bit "closed" in that they were very wary of you taking pictures, no internet, no mobile phone roaming, everything had to be paid in cash etc. However i am told that even those few years are an incredible difference!
Seems to be becoming a big investor market!
There is not much by way of ATM / Credit card network for paying for stuff (although i am sure this is improving every day) and they are not a big fan of receiving old used dollar bills.
I went to Bagen a few years ago and it was fantastic, but a bit "closed" in that they were very wary of you taking pictures, no internet, no mobile phone roaming, everything had to be paid in cash etc. However i am told that even those few years are an incredible difference!
Seems to be becoming a big investor market!
.... We need to have a beer 
Are you planning on travelling much when you are there, or just visiting Yangon? Happy to ask my missus anything you like.
I'd take a couple of days in Sing just to break up the journey a bit. Give me a PM if you're over.
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Thanks for the offer.The object of the trip would be to spend time with my son, who I don't see very often as he is always traveling,he could be there for three months or over a year.I will wait for his verdict on the business then organise a trip.
petemurphy said:
Edinburger said:
I've wondered about Burma too. Don't know much more about it but my Grandad fought there in WWII (with the Royal Scots).
Don't understand why flights would be so long though as Hong Kong, Vietnam, etc., is only 9/10 hours?
my grandad too hes still got a japanese sword he brought back - not sure who he was with thoughDon't understand why flights would be so long though as Hong Kong, Vietnam, etc., is only 9/10 hours?
Edinburger said:
It's interesting, isn't it. My Grandad was taken POW aby the Japanese and escaped and would always scowl and swear at any Japanses people on TV! He also used to complain that the media always focused on the war in Europe rather than Asia and I think a lot of people felt that way.
mine never spoke of it - shame really would love to know more he's from york so i presume some sort of yorkshire regiment. quite bad i dont know really.Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff