Myanmar and orphanages

[Michelle]

I'd like to go to Myanmar in January. Has anyone experiences with orphanages in Yangon or any other city will they allow me to bring goods for the children? All tips about Myanmar and its orphanages are highly appreciated!

[BTDT]

Hello.  I'd urge you to contact (in Singapore) the Australian, British and American Embassies.  All three have  Embassies in Yangon (the Americans do not have an Ambassador however (last time I looked) as they are not happy with the Junta.  The Brits are very outspoken about things and the Australians less so.  You should use the Embassies in Yangon to assist you in your objectives in Myanmar.  They are however very wary of foreigners who may have alterior motives in their goodwill gestures however sincere they are.

You may also contact the Honorary Consul General In Yangon for The Netherlands, his name is U Hla Tun and is a very nice (but now quite elderly) statesman who will also be helpful to you as he is "local".  He is the local Agent for one of the Big 5 international accounting firms in Yangon and can be contacted via The Netherlands Embassy in Singapore or Bangkok.

Good luck.

[Michelle]

BTDT, thanks for your helpful input! You seem to know a lot about Myanmar. Have you been travelling through the country?

[BTDT]

Yes but not recently.  I set up a foreign business there a few years ago.  Be aware that both the foreign embassies AND the Myanmar Government will be skeptical of your intentions as in the past others have "tied themselves to a tree" for their cause to gain international attention.  Most recently a British fellow was imprisoned for a few years (?) for his protestations re: Dauw Ang San ... He was released about a month ago.  His goal (I think) was to bring attention to himself and the cause...

Burma is a beautiful country and you CAN visit and see it but be mindful that you are a GUEST there and guests should not step over the line even if you don't care where the line is drawn.

[span]

Hi, I went to Myanmar with another girl last year. It is a wonderful place to visit. We did, however, find it quite hard to get used to people literally staring right into our faces! It is really important to dress appropriately and not to draw attention to yourself. Also the local people will expect a "gift" for simple things such as showing you how to get somewhere or allowing you to use a ferry. It becomes natural to accept this. The people generally are very courteous and kind.
One point of interest; we had a Lonely Planet guidebook and were told that it was banned due to its political nature.
I hope that your plans to visit the orphanages go well and you have a great trip. Good Luck.