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.
Looking to travel to Burma at the end of 2008.
If possible I would like to try and travel to Matupi in chin state but am unsure whether that would be allowed.
Could anyone comment on what towns are allowed to be visited that are in or close to Chin state.
Any help greatly appreciated.
ANSWER: Hi, sb!
In light of the recent crisis, I'm really recommending that people do not travel to Myanmar this year. The scarce food, transport and resources are desparately needed to help the people there. And the officials have just a few other things to do than issue tourist permits. Also, considering the crisis, I'm not sure they are issuing special permits for tourist travel. Generally speaking, in the Chin State travel is allowed, but generally in the vicinity of Mt. Victoria or pertaining to (birding etc.) treks around that area. The only way to know whether they'll permit you to go around (one of the most interesting states in Burma) is to querie one of the agencies that obtain these permits like Tony at WATT or Shota at Myanmar Adventure Tours.
Thanks for advice, but am going for family reasons, not tourist.
Not looking at package tours.
My fiance (by the time we travel wife) is chin. We want to go so we can meet her mother that she has not seen in over 15 years. Not interested in package tours, as she read writes and speaks fluent chin and burmese.
However being on "foreign" passports we are trying to work out the closest we can get to chin state without causing any problems with the military or breaking any visa laws etc, (and abiding by any visa's that we might get). We just want to do the right thing by the authorities but visit the family.
Can a Joe average foreigner travel to Mt Victoria without too much trouble ?? Where would be the closest we could get to chin state without upsetting the government, whilst still being able to visit the family ?? Even if the family had to travel somewhat.
Answer Hi, sb,
And thanks for the clarification. Just so you know, the "agencies" I mentioned are not really for "package" tours, but for permits, which unfortunately in permit areas, come with "guides". But if you're willing to meet somewhere close by, that helps.
To reach the main area of Kanpetlet (where Mt. Victoria is), or Mindet, you have to cross the Ayeyarwaddy River by boat and go to Mindet along Kanma, Pauk, Kyaukhtu road. Figure 8 hours for 92 miles. But I can't guarantee you they won't send you back at checkpoints if you're traveling solo. Burmese-speaking will help, but the real problem is the "suspicion" of foreign passports. Another route is the day trip (97 miles) from Bagan, Chauk, Saw, Kanpetlet. On the southern border (depending on where in the Chin state her mom lives) is the road from Magwe to Sittwe, but foreigners aren't allowed to take it. Be warned, it's pretty rough travel and best Nov.-Apr.
Have fun! And good luck!
Nancy B
