Some of my friends warmed me saying that it is already two years late to visit Myanmar. I must disagree with this. The main reason is, I traveled during the low season - end of March - and I barely saw tourists during my trip. Making this choice probably changed my whole appreciation of the country, and I couldn't be more glad I've done it.
Having only 9 days in the country, I had to makes choices in terms of destination. I landed in Yangon, visited Bagan, Mandalay and Inle lake. I took 3 flights and 1 night bus which was happily surprising. The bus was very comfy, they gave us food and drinks + a blanket. If you're not a big fan of the Burmese airlines, you can travel by bus (or by boat between Mandalay and Bagan). The travel hours are convenient, but the journeys are sometimes a bit long.
There are lots to see in all the cities listed above. I must admit that I have a preference for Bagan and Inle lake. However, I found Yangon pleasant, and more interesting than Mandalay.
See below for all the details!
Oh, and yes, you will find ATM wherever you're going!
Oh, and yes, you will find ATM wherever you're going!
Travel agent - to book transport tickets and/or hotels
Min Than Htut - min@pronititravel.com
He is reliable and happy to answer all sorts of questions!
Yangon
Indicative prices
Airport to city center - 7,000 kyats
Downtown to bus station - 5,000 kyats
Downtown to Schwedagon pagoda - 2,000 kyats
Downtown to Inya lake - 2,5000 kyats
Inya lake to airport - 4,0000 kyats
Restaurants
Nilar Win's: 377 Maha Bandoola Rd - for a great lassi & yogurt!
Fuji Coffee House: 116 University avenue rd - great coffee and decent European dishes
Bagan
Indicative prices
Airport to Old Bagan - 5,000 kyats
1 day bicycle - 1,5000 kyats
1 day electric bicycle - 7,000 kyats
Restaurants
Santhidar: Main rd, between the Old and New Bagan (Myin Kaba) - a must go! Familial restaurant, great food served by generous people.
Black Bamboo: near Yar Khin Thar Rd (Nyaung Oo) - for both local and French cuisine
Lacquerware shop
Golden Cuckoo: Myin Ka Par village. Large choice of products with different quality. Negotiation possible!
Sand Paintings
999 Shop: at the end of Yar Khin Thar Rd (Nyaung Oo). Incredible quality, more expensive than what you can find in temples. Only a few designs available. Fixed price, you can maybe negotiate around 2,000 k.
Great sunrise, with nobody else than yourself and a few people
Schwesandaw and Bulethi temples
Mandalay
Indicative prices
Airport to city center - 4,000 kyats in a shared taxi
1 day bicycle - 1,500 kyats
Visit of 3 cities by motorbike + driver - 15,000 kyats
Add 3,000 to see the sunrise on U Bein bridge
Restaurant
Marie Min: 27th St, between 74th and 75th St - nice and quiet place, good for lunch and drinks!
Inle lake
Indicative prices
Airport to Nyaungshwe - 25,000 kyats
Nyaungshwe to airport - 15,000 kyats
1 day bicycle - 1,5000 kyats
Cross the lake by boat - 6,000 kyats / boat
1 day boat trip - 15,000 kyats / boat
Add 3,000 kyats to go down to the south canal
Restaurant
Four Sisters: 105 Nam Pan, near the jetty - the place is nothing special but the food is great! One unique menu served and cooked by the family. Good, hearty, and very cheap!
Massage
Thae Su Family: 4,000 kyats for 1 hour massage. Follow the signs on the road! On Kyone Yoe Rd.
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