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'm getting a lot of conflicting information about the boats form Sittwe to Mrauk U and back.
1. I'm interested in taking the slow diesel boats in both directions. These seem to be on a charter basis only and the rate for the whole boat (less than 4 people) are ~$200-$215US for the trip to/from Mrauk U. Are there any of these slow diesel boats on a regular schedule basis. If so what days do they run and how much per person?
2. According to the Myanmar blueprint guidebook (published 2006) the Zwenadi fast ferry ($20)may have stopped operations. They ran on a daily schedule. Do you know if they're still operating and if so what is their scheduled days of operation? and cost per person.
3. Lastly the government ferries. Unfortunately, this may be our only option. Do you know what days they run from Sittwe to Mrauk U and from Mrauk U to Sittwe?
Is it best to just go to Sittwe and make arrangements from there?
Is it safe to presume that I can get some sort of transport to Mrauk U for the following day?
Are there any travel agents or transportation sources you can recommend in Sittwe?
Regards,
Vaughn
Answer Hi, Vaughn,
Hmmm, interesting. Why would you prefer a slow diesel boat to a government ferry? And whereever did you get these rates? Also, when are you going? Because the size of boat that can navigate depends on the river levels and times of day for the tides.
1) I'd recommend taking the slow or fast government ferry to Mrauk-U from Sittwe (5 to 8 hours, which one depends on the day of the week)and chartering a boat back. Fuel prices may have gone up a bit since I did it, but I paid $35USD for a private charter (for just one!) so that I could come back in the afternoon (when water levels are usually too low for the government ferry). I simply went to the dock in Mrauk-U (with snacks for the trip), negotiated and hopped on. I will say at some point there was an engine problem and we were stranded, but only for about 40 min.
2) Blueprint? You mean Footprint? Anyway, as I said, my experience is the fast ferry was still running, but only on certain days.
3) The government ferries usually run every day, but sometimes only in the morning. And yes, I'd just go to Sittwe and make arrangements. If you need any help, go to the wonderful folks at the modest Prince Guest House. (I'd also recommend staying at their place in Mrauk-U.)
And yes, usually, you can get transport the next day.
But don't forget Vaughn, nothing is set in Myanmar . . . especially in light of the recent protests and difficulties. The government can decide at any time to clamp down, cancel certain things, or make certain areas inaccessible. I will say the Mrauk-U area especially (and Sittwe a bit less so) has always maintained a little more of a remote and independent stance. But it also has smuggling (and official gov't) trade with Bangladesh and things can shift.
Also, hope you're not going in the summer when it's crazy rainy!
