The Union of Myanmar , update

[buffalo_bill]

Dear fello boarzmen,

 

some of you Alzheimers might remember my breathtaking thread about Burma 2 years ago, a country which I have visited many times since. Here are some amendmends : the enforced changing of 100 USD / person against as many Foreign Exchange Certificates does not exist any more. For some friends I always took some newspapers hidden in the luggage ; no need to hide them any more at customs, nobody cares. 1 USD on the black market is about 830 Kyats , 750 at the hotel counter. Taxi within city never pay more than 1000 , most drivers speak some English.

 

Thai ( female )citizens receive visa easily at the Burma embassy , consider 3 days unless paying extra for "Express" visa. Is in walking distance from Surasak skytrain.

 

An absolute jewel recently discovered is a place called " Juliana's Irrawaddy Dream " 59 Taw Win Road close to the Indian embassy. Chinese lady from Singpore and French boyfriend opened kind of upper class local handicraft boutique with recently added outdoor restaurant. There one can learn what quality silk is and that restaurant is a masterpiece of a South east Asian athmosphere which is difficult to find anywhere else. Drop up.

 

Again I strongly recommend to consider a trip before Flyonzewall takes over. This is a unique country.

 

BuBi

[Guest]

Thanks BB .... good update.

 

May consider a trip there.

 

Couple of questions if I may;

 

I presume that the quality of silk there of commercial grade for resale ? Any other products worth looking at?

 

Any recommendations for accomodation? Something basic for us on limited budgets :: please.

 

The is an area that needs moew exposure on the board IMO. Thanks again.

[buffalo_bill]

LaoHooly,

 

other than most people seem to believe the best silk on earth does not come from Siam but from Italy or India. Thai silk is very robust and therefore better for furniture or decoration purposes but not for clothing. The one they sell in Burma is Indian or made by local Indians, there are plenty of them. In comparison to European prices Burma / India silk is very cheap but you have to find it first. Burma is not prepared for the tourist business yet which makes it a place worth to look at.

 

About budget hotels I have no idea but at the airport are two counters offering all kind of places. Burma is still in the pre rip-off phase , not to worry .

 

BuBi

 

I was hoping for flyonzewall bitterly complaining about me promoting Burma tourism but he seems to be in peaceful mood this week. Can't have everything.

[pattaya127]

Just entered Myanmar thru Mae Sai. There is a brand new Rd that saves 5 hours, from Mae S to Kengtung. It took 3 hrs and a half on shared taxi (400 bahts each), plus 30 minutes for all the road checks (formalities). Visa for 15 days is 10 bucks, Mae Sai burmese custom keeps passport and gives you a pass your taxi or GH will remitt to the Kengtung immigration office. As you are allowed any further than Kentoung vicinity. Meng La, 80kms up north, a chinese casino town is available, but expensive to go, as the Wa Army charges official tolls. BTW, there were 3 toll gates (same as in BKK freeway, electronic record box of fee) along the 160 k to Kengtung. Harry GH there will rent you a Mbike, and organize treks to the hilltribes.

I love Burma!

[Mentors]

Thank you for your interest update. I made a visit to Myanmar in early 1996 and i was very impressed. I hope next year to be able to going back to the Golden Land