AboutNancy B Expertise One of my all-time favorites. I`ve been there more than 10 times (for at least a month each time), done the tourist loop five times and travelled to several permit-only areas. Aside from the Yangon, Bago, Inle, Kalaw, Mandalay, Pagan, Pyay route, I`ve travelled twice to Sittwe, Mrauk-U and the Chin areas and then down to Ramree Island, Ngapali and Pathein. Been on the wonderful boat from Bhamo to Mandalay and sojourned in the south a bit past Moulmein. Most recently I trekked in the northern Kachin state, camped and stayed with the Rawang tribe, for 2 weeks on the way to Phonekan Razi to see the Himalayas from the east. I`ve taken nearly every mode of transport--trains, planes, buses, boats, bikes, oxcarts, trekking on foot. I can answer logistical questions about airfare, hotels, restaurants, trekking, trains, restricted/open areas and, especially, cultural/religious sites and their significance.
Experience The world is a fascinating place and nothing reveals this more thoroughly than exploring faraway lands. I've got a penchant for the exotic, a friendly face and a true curiousity about the people, art and life.
Question Nancy, I came onto this list cold - i.e. found it via Google search. I gather
there has been some discussion on the viability of travelling between India
and Burma by private car. I gather that it was/is still not on. I thought that
might have been scotched following the India-ASEAN rally in 2004. Do you
have any further news on this score? I am planning a long trip that ideally
would see me depart Guwahati in India and make a beeline for Thailand - via
Burma. Any tips would be appreciated.
Paul Hellander
Author, Lonely Planet Publications
Answer Hi, Paul,
Take me with! Only bad news is nope, without special dispensation, it's still a no-go. You could try contacting a very professional travel agency like Tony (the bird expert and leader of National Geographic folks) at WATT (Wild Bird Adventure Tours, No.(5) Thazin Myaing Lane, Kyankhinsu Ward, Mingalardone Township, Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)
Tel: (95+1) 666469, P.O Box 1136
Email: wildbirdtt@mptmail.net.mm
Website: http://www.wild-myanmar.com), and see if he can wrangle you a permit from the government . . . but for the privilege of that permit (on the VERY outside chance that you get it), you will probably need to pay $80USD per day, and the government may give you an escort.
Let me know if you're able to work something out!
Nancy B
