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Myanmar (Burma)/Boat trip Bhamo - Mandalay
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Question
Hi Nancy,
planning to do the boat trip from Bhamo to Mandalay in October.
How many days will it take to organize?
Do the public boats leave EVERY day?
How many days in advance do we have to buy tickets in Bhamo? Can you arrive in Bhamo one day and taking the boat back to Mandalay leaving the next day?Or is possible to buy the ticket in Mandalay as well?
How would you recommend to travel to Bhamo from Mandalay?
Hi! Best way to get to Bhamo is to fly. Generally, only Myanmar Air (the gov't airline) flies there and they are not computerized, so generally it's easiest to book in Myanmar (Columbus Travel in Chinatown in Yangon is good). There's usually no problem getting a flight since they bump locals for foreigners (since you pay much, much more).
From Bhamo, public boats do not leave everyday. It depends on the time of year and water levels. And no matter what anyone tells you the trip will take 2 days and TWO nights. I wouldn't count on being able to return the next day. Although, you'll have a better chance if you get a space on the very crowded deck instead of a cabin (of which there are very few). Generally, you have to go to Inland Water Transport office in Bhamo, but you can try to see if a travel agent (or MTT, the gov't travel agent) will book it for you. They never used to.
Have fun! The boat ride is arduous but amazing!
Nancy B
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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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