Myanmar/Birma

[Nancy]

Anyone been to Myanmar during the last year? I'm planning to go with a friend, but she is a little scared :-). Any tips and recommendations are greatly appreciated.

[not preaching but...]

Many humanitarian groups are asking people to boycott tourism to Myanmar due to the repressive nature of the regime there.

I guess lots of people will instantly classify me as a bleeding heart liberal for saying this but I have some sympathy for their views. The military regime in Myanmar is one of the most regressive and brutal in the world. The country is supposed to be beautiful but the tourist dollar goes to support some pretty unsavoury practices!

(However, if you do go, let us all know what it was like!!)

[Panda]

how come that a lot of times people react to postings by giving their opinions instead of answering the questions of the posters? don't know, but i don't like it.

[Kyat]

I've been to Burma many times although not recently.  It was great but make sure you take lots of USD with you so that you don't have to do it the hard way (ie not backpacking etc).  Some good hotels and lots to see in Rangoon but be aware of the places to go and NOT to go to.  Also be aware of the official foreign exchange rates for the local currency (Kyat or "chat") as there is a HUGE difference between the "official rate" and the so called black market rate.  You may be obliged to buy Kyat at the airport on arrival at the official rate (USD 200 minimum - used to be?!), but should avoid if possible - I did - assert yourself. Careful as to how you describe yourself on arrival.  A friend described herself as a "writer" and got the 3rd degree when questioned as to What exactly is it you write?!  Sensetive issue for the locals.  People are friendly good is OK but not great and make sure you drink bottled water only and a word of advice: DON'T GET SICK!

Enjoy  

[Henry]

Nancy, you are obviously American.

Burma is not spelt : Birma

[Nancy]

Henry, I'm not American. There are more countries on earth where the country name is spelt as Birma :-)

[Henry]

I'm very sorry Nancy

[Monk]

Nancy, I've never heard of Birma either. But I think the Burmese people still refer to their country as Burma. I have been there several times over the last few years and found it to be a wonderful country with amazingly sincere people. I have never been cheated in all my travels there. As you know they are devoutly Bhuddist and any wrong they do to another human being or living thing actually they believe they will have to pay for in their next lives. The Government has a bad press. They are not perfect but then again local Burmese wish that people like Aung San Su Kyi would stop sabotaging their need to do business. They are poor people and depend on tourism. Any western media that depicts their country as being a tyranny and unsafe upsets them as it means less income for them. If you want to go there and not support the Gov then don't change your USD with the official banks. Do it on the black market which will give you a much better rate anyway. Only Hotels will take USD only. Everyone else takes Kyat.
As for your friend being worried, please tell her that it is not the Burmese Gov intention to upset it's tourists. A statement has been set out by the Minister of Tourism that anyone found to be errant towards any tourists suffers the consequences. It is a perfectly safe place to visit - and one of the most breathtaking countries I've been to.

[TIGER]

I've visit 4/5 times this year drop me a line and I'll recommend some cheap good hotels..
it really is a great place to visit and don't get into the western propergander -given by robin cook and the like...
The people are friendly and the pagoda's are wonderful. The place is easy to get around and rich in natural resources and was the "Singapore" of 50's.
you'll enjoy it - only check out the visa -requirements as visitor are expect to change money on arrival - if you go on a buisness visa then you don't.