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.
Question Dear Nancy:
We are traveling to Myanmar in just 3 weeks and I have been following the current news out of Yangon regarding the large protests taking place in Yangon so I have some concerns. I was wondering if you thought that the current protests will affect either travel around the country and safety for US tourists. In what ways if any do you think that a tourist might be affected? Any information and insight you can offer is most appreciated. I did write to the tour company to ask them same questions but believe that I may not receive back an unbiased answer.
Thank you.
Answer Hi, Karen,
Well, no one can predict the future, so I can not give you a definitive answer. These protests are significant and the largest and most widespread since '88. ('88 protests were caused by currency devaluation, these are caused, in part, by doubling the gas prices.) In general, the government takes great pains to keep tourists out of harm's way by not letting you even remotely close to any troubled area. And right now, the monks have asked the Myanmar citizens not to join them so that there will be no violence. But no one can tell you how things will develop, how citizens will react or how the government will. I'd keep checking the news. I hope this bit of information helps!
Take care,
Nancy B
