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About Nancy 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.
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You are here: Experts > Cultures > Southeast Asia for Visitors > Myanmar (Burma) > Myanmar - only 4 days
Expert: Nancy B - 10/27/2009
Question
1 - I'll have only four nights/ five days for a trip to Myanmar. Which cities should I? I don't care taking a plane for domestic flights, to see at least some of the main attractions of the country...
2 - I will be in Thailand before. Do you know if there are flights from Chiang Mai or Bangkok to Mandalay or I must go to Yangon and than take another flight? Is AirMandalay a safe airline company?
Answer
Hi, Cintia,
Yep, right now you can go Chiang Mai-Yangon on Air Mandalay (though be aware that these things change). And Air Mandalay is a very good airline . . . I remember when it started in the mid 90's, Singapore and Malay-owned, with new jets, and we were all thrilled we had an alternative to crash-n-burn Myanma Airways (government airline since the '50s). Since that time, Myanma Airways also has some Singaporean (and Brunei!) interest and some new planes (though endless government bureaucracy and antiquated ledger system). Last I heard Yangon Airways was still running . . . don't know their safety record . . . it's just 3 years old and a joint venture between Myanma Airways and a Thai group, but the Thai group's been bought out. Don't fly Air Bagan (only 5 years old), totally Burmese-owned, but not just any Burmese, a notorious arms dealer . . . and had an aborted take-off last year . . .it is "not known" if the 57 passengers survived! Ah, welcome to Myanmar! Of course, the other airline that flies to Myanmar is the lovely (and more expensive) Thai Airways.
As for what to do. That depends on your interests. For me, the "can't miss" places are Yangon, Inle Lake, Mandalay and Pagan. If you go to Inle, you don't really have time for Mandalay. Personally, I find Mandalay a hot scrappy commercial town with an overwhelming Chinese character (though, yes, impressive ancient sites and great food!) Fly to Yangon (part of 1 day, 1 night), fly to Heho (1 day, 1 night) to go to Inle Lake, fly back to Yangon and fly to Pagan or if you can, direct to Pagan (rest of day, 1 night and next day), fly back to Yangon. It's a bit of a race! Myanmar is a big country!
Have fun,
Nancy B
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