Revisiting Myanmar, New Trip Plans
Tour Operators? We used Diethelm Travel once more. Diethelm has a huge presence in Southeast Asia, is extremely reliable, and has an excellent reputation - so important in this part of the world. There are many other Myanmar tour operators but we stick with Diethelm. We E-mail back and forth to make plans (leisure@diethlem.com.mm) and use wire-transfers for payment (extremely simple to wire-transfer) - credit cards aren't accepted. Diethlem usually requires a minimal deposit and they are very responsive to your needs. As a reminder - I never recommend anyone that we haven't used, receive no discounts and pay our own way.
Visas? Yes, you must have one. Diethelm obtained our Visa-upon-arrival for a small surcharge, but you can also go on-line to Embassy of Myanmar, download forms, fill out, and mail off application and passport to get a Visa. The Embassy had on-line applications for Visas in 2004, but it was discontinued. Who knows, perhaps they will reinstate it because it was so easy to do.
Air? Some of the airlines services to Myanmar are: Myanmar Airways - you don't want to use - deplorable safety record; Thai, Silkair, Malaysia Airlines, Air China, Indian Airlines and Air Mandalay (operates Chiang Mai to Yangon). It just depends where you are flying from. We flew Thai Airlines from Bangkok, a one-hour flight.
Health? The usual innoculations for travel. Hep A, keep your Polio booster up-to-date, Tetanus, etc. None of these compulsory for entry but we always take precautions. It is also advisable to take Malaria pills so ask your Dr. which one he/she recommends. Our drug of choice is Lariam (Mefloquine is the generic). (We prefer the once-a-week Lariam to the once-a-day Malarone - but it's your choice). Sub-continental travel requires lots of medical preparation...but it is worth it!
Travel Insurance? We always take out travel insurance! There have been three separate last-minute incidents in the past (two for medical reasons, one for death in family) that would have cost mega-bucks if there wasn't insurance on these trips. Travel Guard provides coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellation, baggage damage, and much more and that is who we use.
Money? There are no credit cards accepted in Myanmar (with the exception of a few hotels), and no ATM's. Their currency is Kyats (pronounced "chats"). You do NOT want to exchange any money at their "official rate," something like 450 to 1. The "alternate market" rate (safe and everyone uses) is something like 1,250 to 1! Show me the money! The Burmese want Euros or $$$$ and it's not advisable to change more than $100-200 U.S. at one time for several reasons...you can develop a hernia carrying around wads of money....and everything is very inexpensive! We changed $100 U.S. and walked away with 125,000 Kyats! We tip and make purchases using U.S. $ which, believe me, they'd rather have. Bring new post-2001 $50 and $100 bills, for the best exchange rate.
Water? Only bottled or boiled. If I've forgotten anything you'd like to know, e-mail me. I'll be happy to respond.
Included? Myitkyina-Hopin-Indawgyi Lake in the north; Mandalay-Heho-Pindaya-Kalaw-Inle Lake; Sittwe; Mrauk U with boats upriver to visit the Chin Tribe; and much more; (Note: In Myanmar, your guide usually travels with you for the entire trip. That means you are paying for all his expenses along with yours. A small price to pay for assistance in handling any potential problems.) Also included: All sightseeing, tours and transfers; hotels (very nice, and many new hotels); three meals a day with western menus available if you don't like Chinese or Thai food; domestic flights; entrance fees, including camera fees to take photos; private a/c car when needed; and international airport departure tax. All of this was part of our arrangements. If you have enough free air miles to lower your Trans-Pacific costs - use them....or not.
Once again, you can do a trip like this for less than we paid, but we like the security of someone handling all the inevitable glitches....and there is always a glitch...minor or major...on every trip we've ever taken. If you speak the language, problem-solving isn't an issue and you can certainly travel through Myanmar on your own...
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