Myanmar (Burma)

[Reef]

Anyone been?

I was there for a fortnight recently - the most interesting country I've ever visited. The regime is absolutely appalling, one of the worst in the world, but it's possible to visit there without giving much to the government, and supporting local economies instead.

The men wear skirts, and most women wear facepaint. It's got some unbelievable temples that top Angkor Wat (Cambodia) imo. Amazing countryside and trekking possibilities, and fascinating cultures. There is absolutely no hassle there. And the people are some of the nicest I've ever met. A must for anyone visiting south east Asia I think, only E50 each way from Bangkok with Air Asia.

If you do go though I'd advise you to read up a lot on the political situation there to be well informed and appreciate the terrible hardship hidden behind the people's smiles and welcomes.

[ho chi feen]

Anyone been?

I was there for a fortnight recently - the most interesting country I've ever visited. The regime is absolutely appalling, one of the worst in the world, but it's possible to visit there without giving much to the government, and supporting local economies instead.

The men wear skirts, and most women wear facepaint. It's got some unbelievable temples that top Angkor Wat (Cambodia) imo. Amazing countryside and trekking possibilities, and fascinating cultures. There is absolutely no hassle there. And the people are some of the nicest I've ever met. A must for anyone visiting south east Asia I think, only E50 each way from Bangkok with Air Asia.

If you do go though I'd advise you to read up a lot on the political situation there to be well informed and appreciate the terrible hardship hidden behind the people's smiles and welcomes.


You bastard!

So you made it to Pagan?

[Reef]

Yeah, and had the place to myself... the package tourists don't come during the monsoon season. Cycling around thousands of temples only meeting a tourist every two hours or so.

Beats the pants off Angkor Wat which felt a bit like a theme park it was so crowded!

Have you been?

[ho chi feen]

Have you been?

No man, wish I had though. For all the above reasons, and more besides.

Last time I was in SEA, there had been a series of explosions in Yangon (Rangoon for anyone else reading), which had come not long after some of the more senior Generals had been moved from their positions of power into purely symbolic ones. The Bangkok Post and other regional media were suggesting a link between the two, so I figured it mightn't be the best time to visit.

Next time I guess!

I've been to Tachilek on a day trip (Golden Triangle, Visa run), but that hardly counts. Was only on Burmese soil for about 20 minutes, in area where the army's write doesn't run.