Myanmar ( Burma )

deejaybee

Hi

Just wondered if any forumites recently done any travelling to Myanmar ? and what the safety/security was like ?

My son is mid-twentys, so obviously can make his own decisions, and is very well travelled anyway - has been living and working in Northern Thailand for around 2 years now.

Last time we had a chat, he mentioned that he and a couple of friends planning on travelling to Myanmar soon, for a few weeks.

Anyway, a few days later I had a quick look on gov.uk for their travel advice, and although I realise they may go a bit over the top with the warnings, it has worried me.

So if anyone can either put my mind at rest or alternatively tell to try to persuade him to can this trip, its appreciated.

Thanks

yellowmug

It's a pretty safe, if very undeveloped country. I was there two years ago and had a fantastic time. It's opening up to tourists much more now.

There are areas of the country where it isn't safe to travel but these aren't where the main areas of interest for tourists and travellers are.

What are you worried about in particular?

deejaybee

The FCO advise against all but essential travel to Rakhine State except for the tourist resort of Ngapali and travel to/from the resort via Thandwe airport. See Local travel
The FCO advise against all but essential travel to Kachin State (except the towns of Myitkyina, Bhamo and Putao) due to continued risk of armed conflict. See Local travel
There is a high threat from terrorism. There were a number of small bomb explosions in Rangoon, Taungoo and Sagaing between 11 and 15 October 2013. See Terrorism.
Take care in the border areas with Thailand, Laos or China. The situation in ethnic states where armed groups operate is volatile. There is ongoing conflict in the far north of Shan State and recent low level conflict in Mon State. See Local travel
Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings and don’t take photographs or videos of the military, the police or demonstrations. See Political situation
There are restrictions on freedom of movement and speech. British Embassy officials are not allowed to travel freely outside Rangoon without permission from the Burmese government, except to a limited number of destinations. Consular assistance in an emergency may be restricted or delayed.
Most visits are trouble-free.

deejaybee

Hi,

Cheers for feedback :beer:

Yep as you say the areas to avoid look to be off the tourist trail.. will encourage him tohave good read of the advice..

Gavin83

What advice have you read?

I went there last year and found it incredibly safe. As mentioned it is undeveloped and there are certainly parts you can't go to but he'll be fine with that, especially if he is already used to Thailand.

It was easily my favourite South East Asian country and I'm sure he'll have a wicked time.

deejaybee

Hi Gavin,

It was the official UK government advice that I read, see my post above. They do say that most visits are trouble-free though.

PompeyPete

deejaybee wrote: »

My son is mid-twentys, so obviously can make his own decisions, and is very well travelled anyway - has been living and working in Northern Thailand for around 2 years now.

Says it all really. He lives in the area, knows a bit about SE Asia, the people, culture, and is already acclimatised. So he's already far better prepared than the average tourist.

Me and the cook did Burma 4 years ago for almost 3 weeks. Apart from the flights from BKK to and from Yangon, our first 3 and final night accommodation in Yangon had nothing else pre-booked.

We used our first few days in Yangon to get organised for our trip up the spine of Burma.

Hired a taxi/driver/guide for 2 weeks. Before we went firm with the taxi, we got the driver to show us the sights in and around Yangon. We were happy with him, went back to his office and sorted out an itinerary and cost for the trip.

During that fortnight we visited Bago, Taungoo, Temples of Bagan, Mt Popa, Mandalay, Pwin oo Lyin, Kalaw, and Inle Lake.

Never once felt in and danger, even strolling the streets after dark with only a torch and the moonlight to see where we were going.

Because we were travelling by road, we could stop where we wanted and when we wanted. So we saw far more than folk who hop around by air and miss everything in-between.

Like all of SE Asia, all your senses are tested all the time. Great experience, and just one of many.:)