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.
I've planned trip to kachin in the mid of 12/08, if start at mandalay
train to myitkyina it possible? any bus/taxi around there, and how to reach bhamo and take ferry back to mdl within 6 days. I like the great scenery and also the local life.
or should be changed to northern shan by train. which one is worth for?
Also the weather and costs.
thanaks
ga
Answer Hi, ga!
When I went to Bhamo, the only way we were allowed to get there (unless you wanted to take the SLOW boat both ways . . . not a ferry, by the way, no matter what anyone tells you it almost always takes 2 nights . . . getting stuck along the way depending on water levels) was to fly to Bhamo (approx. $100USD), no land access was available and you could only travel within a few kilometers from town . . . so, unless something's recently changed, no bus/taxi from Myitkyina to Bhamo. (If you're fond of scenery and local life, you may want to go up to Putao and do the Phonekan Razi trek where you stay in local houses, including Kachin, and trek through the jungle for 10 days.) The boat back from Bhamo (to Mandalay)is marvelous (though quite uncomfortable)for scenery and communing with locals. But as I said, figure 2 days, 2 nights (about $25USD without cabins). Train's not recommended as auxilary routes are beyond slow, but up to you. Weather in June? Not ideal. Hot and sticky and could be rainy.
Have fun!
Nancy B
