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.
after reading the various posts of people taking extensive holidays, i feel like a dilettante, if that's the word i'm seeking. A friend and I (both Americans) are staying at a Thai resort near Chiang Rai that is right on the Ruak river and thought about crossing into Burma for a day. Will we need to exchange $300 each into FECs - that we would unlikely spend in a day - thus adding $600 onto the cost of the adventure? I'm assuming i would need to get a visa in the US before departing - is that correct these days?
thanks for your help
Answer Sorry to be so late, Jeff . . .just back from Europe. You have perfect timing.
1) No one's had to change FECs for years now, so no, don't worry, you won't have to.
2) If you're just doing a day, you go in from Mae Sai and don't need a visa. They'll take your passport at the border and give you a temporary "visa" that just permits you to be in Mae Sai for the day. If you want, you can contract for a trip for 3 days to Kentung (Kyaingtong)without a Burma visa, too). The only gliche is if the border at Mae Sai/Taichilek is closed. Then you can't go unless you get a visa (in Bangkok is easy, but on a regular schedule takes about 2-3 days) and fly into Yangon. Mae Sai is the only access overland, except for special travel from Muse and the Chinese border (or by boat from S. Thailand to Myeik archipelago).
Have fun!
Nancy B
