Myanmar (Burma)

The first thing you need to do before going to Burma (Myanmar) isn't wondering about what you are going to need to pack; It's essential you first read up as much as possible about current events and the recent history of this troubled country. There is a ethical debate on whether tourists should go or not because of the military junta that current controls the population; In recent years they have violently surpressed all forms of protest and have imprisoned and tortured thousands of dissidents (including Buddhist monks) as well as commiting genocide and over war crimes in regions bordering Thailand (Kayin State). Many pro-democracy Burmese groups have stated ...  Read the complete review

*** A QUICK NOTE ON BURMA *** There are two sides to every story, Aung San Suu Kyi has called for a boycott on tourism; and its understandable as the country is ran by the military who control everyone and everything by fear. On the other hand though it is still wonderful and beautiful country. The people at the bottom of the hierarchy need your money. The military led government give them nothing. I did a lot of research before I went, and made a conscious decision that going was what I felt was right. By being careful about how and where I spent my money I was ale to be a real help to the Burmese people. While I felt (and still feel) that the tourism boycott ...  Read the complete review

My wife and I travelled to Myanmar in February 2001 and had a tremendous time. There are two schools of thought as to whether one should visit Myanmar. On the one hand to go is to support the military regime and surpression. On the other hand to go is to experience a wonderful country, wonderful people and have the chance to pass on the odd dollar or two to grass-roots people. We flew into Yangon from Bangkok - about and hour's flight and stayed at a wonderful hotel, The Strand. There's enough to see in Yangon to consume a good 2 days. Budhist temples, markets etc - all full of colour, culture and local life. Our next stop was Pagan, a flat ...  Read the complete review