interesting.......! (Myanmar (Burma))

Member Name: kissy1

Product:	Myanmar (Burma)
Date:	09/05/09 (57 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: lovely place and people

Disadvantages: military controlled

*** 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 is a good idea in principle, I think it ignores the needs of the people there; and cuts them off from the real world even more than the military do. It's undoubtable that there are issues in Burma, everywhere I went I was listened to. The military have eyes and ears in every single village; on my 2nd day there I was warned to be careful about what I said and who to. But if you talk to the people about anything else then they don't shut up!!!! As long as you're careful and don't mention politics then you'll be absolutely fine!

About the country:-
Burma is to the East of India and west of China and Thailand. It shares borders with 5 different countries (Thailand, Laos, China, India and Bangladesh). It has a coast which lies in the Andaman Sea.

Where I went:-
I flew into Yangon and visited Mandalay, and a few places in between! I travelled by train where I could, but most of the time it was in cars, escorted by the military!

What I thought of the landscape:-
Burma is so beautiful, it's a shame more people don't get to see it. Mandalay is one of the most beautiful cities I've ever visited.

What I thought of the people:-
So friendly, especially the children. Always happy to discuss anything except politics and its amazing how good their English is considering how little they hear of it.

What I thought of the transport system:-
Limited and military controlled. Travelling in Burma is not a pleasant experience, its comfortable; but who wants a military escort?

How much does it cost?
Not much, to be frank. You can haggle for everything, and it's expected. Take enough US dollars to last as there are no atm's there.

Final opinion:-
I loved Burma, except the transport, but I'm not going to tell you weather or not to go; read up on it and make your own decision.

Summary: you need to make up your own mind on this one!