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Trip Report
My amazing trip to Myanmar
I've been planning this trip in my head for quite some time and finally in 2017 I had a spare month while traveling in Asia. So the choice was easy. Myanmar here I come!
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AsiaMyanmar (Burma)27 days / August 2017
Highs & Lows
Temples of Bagan
Spit of betel everywere
Itinerary Overview
Myanmar seems to be a kind of like a hidden gem in Southeast Asia. Everyone knows it's there but for some reason people don't go there. I don't want to get into politics so I'll spare you reading about Rohingya people in my itinerary, though it could be one of the reasons tourists seem to avoid visiting Myanmar. Not that neighbouring Thailand is flawless...but you know, it's all about having good PR ;-) Myanmar has poor PR and, in result, not many tourists.
I have spent there a month, maximum time I was allowed to hang out in this beautiful country on a single entry tourist visa. And I'm longing to go back ever since I left. You won't find a TOP 10 places to visit in Myanmar in here because it was a lazy month for me. I didn't want to spend too much time moving around. Instead, I chose a few locations and explored each of them. I also wanted to leave something for the next time. Because I know we will meet again.
Q & A
What would you have changed?
Plan better and spend more time in Mandalay.
Anything go wrong during the trip?
Poor planning on my side so I can only blame myself for it. Apart from that, it was perfect.
How was the food?
In general Myanmar is not exactly a foodie destination. But saying that, a fermented tea leaf salad is to die for! I know, sounds odd but it's delicious. The Brunch Society - Yangoon Kaung Myat Restaurant - Yangoon Rangoon Tea House - Yangoon
What tips would you give a friend?
Remember that it might be difficult to find an ATM if you're heading to a small town (but then again that's kind of a rule everywhere in the world ;)) so better have some cash with you.
Packing tips?
It's going to be boiling hot in Bagan. Always. Bring a hat if you're planning to go there. If you're planning to go to Myanmar during rainy season, bring flip flops and a waterproof bag to store your valuables.
Transportation Tips?
Transport is super comfy and cheap in Myanmar. Unless you want to fly. Domestic flights are expensive. Night bus from Yangon to Bagan booked here https://jjexpress.net/
Any surprises?
Myanmar is quite expensive in comparison to other countries in SEA.
Booking details?
Booked some things by ourselves online mainly on booking.com but if you're staying in a hotel/hostel, they will also help you book transportation, etc. No need to book way in advance.
Lodging
We stayed in two different places, a luxurious hotel and a cheap hostel in a Chinese neighbourhood 1) Belmond Governor's Residence https://www.belmond.com/hotels/asia/myanmar/yangon/belmond-governors-residence/ 2) Traveller's House Hostel
Shwe Nadi Guest House Centrally located budget option in Bagan. Close to many shops, restaurants, etc. You can rent little, electric e-bikes next door. http://www.booking.com/Share-dLJZW9
We stayed in two different places : 1) The Green Vally Inn An ok, budget option in Nyaungshwe. Not a fancy place and you have to pay for extra for everything, e.g. air-conditioning, etc. https://www.booking.com/hotel/mm/the-green-vally-inn.en-gb.html 2) Shwe Inn Thaa Floating Resort Amazing place for sunsets on the lake! Totally mind-blowing spectacle. Resort itself is ok, it's not a very luxurious hotel but it's comfortable. Though what is tricky about staying in resorts on Inle Lake is that you're kind of like a prisoner. You are literally in the middle of a massive Lake so you're either gonna stay in the resort (and that's boring for longer than 1 day) or you have to get a taxi boat if you want to go anywhere. Worth no notice, boats are not allowed on the late after sunset when it's dark. http://www.booking.com/Share-brIlhA
Hotel Yadanarbon Mandalay Nice, hotel with a lovely rooftop pool. Good value for money. They also offer airport shuttles. http://www.booking.com/Share-Vr3rhO