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.
we are a family of 4 from malaysia/france [2 boys aged 9 and 11]
we are planning a 20 day route which goes in a kind of circle, from yangon, fly up to heho [inle lake] then by car to mandalay, then to bagan and from there, to the coast for sittwe and mrauk-u, then take plane or boat down to ngapali beach and finally return to yangon
the part where we are stuck is to figure how to get from bagan to sittwe or mrauk-u. on the map these 2 spots don't seem far but there doesn't seem to be any flight in between. is it true that we cannot travel overland, by private car for example? it seems crazy if we have to fly from bagan down to yangon, then back up to sittwe!!
pls advise, thanks so much
JAMES&SERVANE
ANSWER: Hi, James and Servane,
The good news is you're right! It's not far from Bagan to Mrauk-U. The other good news is there's a road from Salay to Mrauk-U. Unfortunately, the bad news in the paradox that is Burmese travel, is you're not allowed to take that road AND there's no flight from Bagan to Mrauk-U (even though that would unite Burma's two most famous ancient sites!) You'll have to fly Pagan to Yangon and then back out to Sittwe and ferry to Mrauk-U. And yes, it is crazy . . . especially since it's going to cost you about $300 a head (Bagan down, Sittwe r/t). Sorry! I'm not in charge! Love Sittwe and the fish market there (get there VERY early). . . and Mrauk-U (especially Kotataung) is wonderful and very different from Pagan. More like dark stone bunkers filled with buddhas. Bike around there. I'd also recommend taking a trip from there downriver to the Laytoo Chin tribe.
Have fun,
Nancy B
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Dear Nancy,
What a lightning response, thank you!
And we've never felt so unhappy to be so right!
I'm thinking an alternative route may be doable:
Yangon to Bagan by air
Bagan to Mandalay by express boat (less than 7 hours?)
Mandalay to Heho by private car (around 7 hours?)
Heho to Thandwe by air
Thandwe to Sittwe -- can we do it by speed boat?
Sittwe to and from Mrauk U by boat
Sittwe back to Yangon by air
Any suggestion or correction?
Thanks, J&S
Answer No problem, James. Expect a few obstacles when it comes to Myanmar! Sounds like a good route. The tourist boat to Mandalay can take a bit longer, or you could be lucky, but it's a lovely, smooth,uncrowded tranquil ride. Bring stacked stainless "lunch boxes" (we call 'em Zebras, because of the manufacturer)filled with rice, curry and veggies for the boat especially for the kids. (Though hawkers will wade into the river to sell to you at Pakokku.) Mandalay to Heho (or Nyaungshwe . . .you are stopping at Inle Lake aren't you!? It's beautiful! With wonderful markets.) . . . the drivers like to race each other and see how fast they can go on this route (insist on seat belts) . . . it will probably be faster. Thandwe to Sittwe is not a "speed boat" (it's far) but there is a hydrofoil that's faster. And for Mrauk-U also, there's a fast and slow ferry. Take the fast one. (Or spend $35 to charter.) And make sure you book all air well in advance . . . especially since it may involve standing on line in the Myanmar Air office. (Columbus Travel in "Chinatown" in Yangon is good.)
Have fun!
Nancy B
