Tuesday 20 November 2012

I haven't been to Burma yet, and this is what I know already!

The highlight of my 2013 Trip is Burma, also known as Myanmar. Some say that it's the last country, where the real Asia can be found, a country with amazing culture, smiling people and where word 'kindness' still has a meaning.
I've done an extensive research on Burma. I really want to find out as much a I can about the country, so I can travel responsibly.




I first read what I could on Polish and English language blogs, then I joined the Facebook fan page for Myanmar and I'm following Myanmar news on Twitter. Then, I read an extensive Aung San Suu Kyi's biography, The lady and the Peacock (unfortunately, I haven't seen the movie yet, but hope to in the next few weeks).
You can imagine how much I know about this amazing country, but this is a travel blog and, as a travel blogger, I have a duty to provide you with some essential information on how to prepare for the trip to Burma. So, I will omit the long and rich history and the political situation. Although interesting, it would take me ages to go through it. I think the below would be enough to help you out.


  • Visa - you need a visa to get in. There are only two embassies in Europe: in Berlin and in London. You can apply by post. The cost is around £14 per person. You can also apply at the embassy in Bangkok, which takes around 3 days. To all bloggers and journalists: there is an application form you need to fill in and, when asked about your profession, DO NOT admit that you work as a writer. Any media - related professions will cancel your chances for a visa straight away.

  • Getting into the country - at the moment all land crossings are closed and you can only fly to Yangon. The tickets from Air Asia are relatively cheap.

  • Crossing the border at the airport - you will be asked to declare any electronic equipment you carry, this includes your mobile phone and your camera. 

  • Looking for accommodation - the government owns most of the places in Burma: restaurants, shops and hotels. I don't have to tell you that Burmese government tortured political prisoners for years, and the country is still under oppression. The officials get richer and richer, while the others remain poor. But there are still places, which are owned by the locals, and the money you will pay will go directly to them. If you want to travel responsibly then do your research. Lonely Planet has a good list of private places. There is also lots of information about it on the internet. 

  • Food - Burmese food is apparently delicious and there is also a great variety of it. I can't wait to try all the curries and noodles! Again, the same rule as with the accommodation applies - try to eat at local markets and street stalls, and not at fancy restaurants.

  • Communication - there is no mobile network with the 'outside world'. That's right! You might (emphasis on 'might') be able to communicate with your travel mates, who are currently in Burma, but not with those in Thailand, or anywhere else in the world. Internet is only available in fancy hotels, and it is very slow and expensive. Wait till you leave the country to update your Facebook status, there are better ways to spend your time and money.

  • People - everyone who's been to Burma say that the people are the friendliest they have ever encountered. The locals smile and want to chat all the time, even if the don't know any English. I also read that they like to have their photos taken. 

  • Spies and politics - that's right! Apparently, Burma is full of secret 007s. Well, not exactly. These people spy on the locals and tourists and then report them to the officials. Thanks to them a lot of innocent people rot in the Burmese prisons. Usually, it's easy to recognise them, as they speak better English than anyone else and, during a conversation, they will want to talk about politics. The safest thing is not to get involved in any chats about politics and, what's even more important, do not encourage it. I read stories of people thrown into prison for getting involved into conversations, which in the western world, would be a normal way of expressing ones political views. Also, by discussing these issues with locals, you put them in danger. 
Besides that, there are problems with power supplies and hot water, but this is not the thing I'm worried about. I'm actually thinking of the snakes, spiders and rats that many tourists have seen in Burma, and which are very common in towns and cities. 

This is the most useful information I could think of. See, I haven't bee there yet, and I really know a lot!
What about you? Have you been to Burma? Do you have something you would like to share? Or maybe, just like me, you are going for the first time, and you know something I should be aware of, too? Don't be shy! Leave a comment!





14 comments:

  1. In my opinion Internet access is not as bad as you say, although it's quite a challenge. There are internet cafes, sometimes also in hostels. The speed of connection you can compare to one we had in year 2000. It is good to save your email message from time to time while you write it, as the connection breaks up sometimes.
    Maybe you will be able to update your blog there :)

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  2. Thanks Aga! many people complain on the connection. I guess we grew too comfortable with what we've got.
    I think I will put some short updates, but will leave the whole story telling to when I get back to Thailand and use my sister's computer and a free wi-fi in the cafes there :)

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  3. You might want to read this report by BBC and this report by Amnesty International (which dates back 20 years) before committing to the trip.

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  4. Thank you, GreenLava. I'm aware of what's happening in the country. If you are concerned by my safety, then please do not worry. Tourist are not allowed to wander outside the touristy spots, and you can only visit the main attractions, which are outside the war zones and are protected. If the unrest is bigger, I'm sure the English embassy will issue a warning and we will cancel our trip.

    If you think that I shouldn't go because people die there and I shouldn't back up the regime, then please be sure that I will only stay at the non-goverment run hostels and eat at markets. I am also following Aung San Suu Kyi's advice, who said that tourist should visit their country to make the Burmese aware what is going on in the rest of the world and that westerners are truly interested in their country.

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  5. I badly want to go to Burma. Especially now it is on the up with all the changes the Government has gone through already. I think you are right though in that Burma is still the real Asia.

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    1. Yes, it's the best time to go there. Not only because of all the changes, but also because it's not spoiled yet. It's still has its own character.

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  6. 1) Visa - They don't cancel visa for journalists anymore. Even blacklisted people are now allowed to enter the country 4) Accommodation - Government does not really own those, most of those belong to cronies. 6) Communication - Internet connection is horrible but you can now get it almost everywhere to stay connected. 8) Please please do forget about spy cliche. It's so 2009. Your blog post sounds like either it has been written in 2009/10 or your research based on opinions written around there.

    Okay, now you got the views of a pure local. Welcome to mystical land! ;)

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    1. Thank you for your constructive feedback and for really useful information. Unfortunately, this is what I found on the internet and in books I read.
      It will be interesting to check the difference between what people say and what the reality is.

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  7. Oh, have fun! I haven't been to Burma before but I had a friend (solo female) who went a couple of years back and loved it. To me it's that 'off the beaten track' place that we're all constantly looking for :)

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    1. You're right! It is still the off the beaten track place. It will be a journey of a life time to me.
      I will have a new post soon from a person who lives there. I hope you will visit back soon to read it.

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  8. One place where being close to clueless about politics is a benefit I guess! I would love to see Burma. Hope it's everything you hope it will be and more!

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    1. Thank you. I will try to update the blog when I'm there!

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  9. Great tips, research and advise, and comments here. I am planning to go in Feb 2013 too, so look forward to reading more of your planning and your adventures!

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    1. Wonderful! I will post some information as soon as I can.

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