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've read a lot of your posts and found it really helpful!
We live in Hanoi and are planning to go to Burma in late January. My husband
and I used to be backpackers and we're not interested in organized tours but
we are going with the kids (4 and 6) and my mother-in-law who is a dynamic
76 year old. I have two main questions: we have about 10 days and are
planning to spend as follows: Rangoon (1 full day), fly to Mandalay (2 full
days), boat to Pagan (Pagan 3 days) fly to Helo (Inle for 3 days) back to
Rangoon for last night. Is there anything you would change?
Also, we are looking for hotel or guesthouse recommendations that are a
notch above your average backpacker type places. We want to try and support
locals and not stay at resorts but we definitely need hot water, decent beds,
etc. and a little ambiance/charm wouldn't hurt. Most of the blogs and sites
I've read talk either about the best cheap deal or the fancier places.
last comment: We are planning to try and book the hotel in Rangoon and the
others as we go...is this an ok strategy with kids and seniors in tow?
All ideas appreciated! Thanks, Susan
Answer Hi, Susan,
Hmmmm, I do wonder what the political situation will be in Jan. If things keep up, it may be pretty tense. Even without the imprisonments and protests, the inflation rate was up 35% in June (some folks couldn't afford rice)and in August the gas prices doubled (which also affects electricity generators). If you do go, throw money around like crazy to the regular folks . . . they really need it.
Your itinerary sounds fine. Medium hotels . . . they're around, but some may not be the best for a 76-year-old. For instance, Yoma I in downtown Yangon is a great small personal place (the area I prefer). . . all the rooms are up 3 or 4 flights of stairs. You could try to stay at Asia Hotel (decent, but not small) downtown or Queen's. After that you get the luxe class--Pansea etc. In Pagan, sure you can wing it and there are a lot of choices. Mandalay, I have yet to like a hotel there, so I don't know what to tell you. Inle . . . check the Little Inn in advance (in Nyaungshwe) . . . it's a lovely but reasonable b&b type place!
Have fun!
Nancy B
