Myanmar (Burma) Recommendations
#46




Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: AA MM, MR LT Plat, Globalist
Posts: 1,088
Any recommendations on 7 - 10 day tour? - I can also do something shorter, and then spend time in Yangon or Mandalay on my own.
Also, I assume all areas likely to be frequented by tourists will be safe / not affected by the refugee crisis ?
Also, I assume all areas likely to be frequented by tourists will be safe / not affected by the refugee crisis ?
#47
Senior Moderator, Moderator: Community Buzz and Ambassador: Miles & More (Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, and other partners)




Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: 150km from MAN
Programs: LH SEN** HH Diamond
Posts: 30,428
The recent refugee crisis is in the northern region of Rakhine State, some distance from the areas visited.
#48

Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: most of them
Posts: 3,284
If you don't go to Sittwe/Rakhine you probably won't have any idea anything is going on. For a while tourists weren't allowed to go to Rakhine after the initial 2012 insanity. But I believe those restrictions were lifted.
If you stick to the Big 4 you will see tourists. I arranged my trip using Purple Dragon who are based in Bangkok and partner with a local tour company. I was on my own private tour. I'd say it's safe enough in most places you would go. I had my shoes stolen in Bagan which was an unfortunate lesson.
If you stick to the Big 4 you will see tourists. I arranged my trip using Purple Dragon who are based in Bangkok and partner with a local tour company. I was on my own private tour. I'd say it's safe enough in most places you would go. I had my shoes stolen in Bagan which was an unfortunate lesson.
#49
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: US Air, UA BA LH AI DELTA MARRIOTT CHOICE SGP
Posts: 10,033
Sort of jumping in on this thread, as was going to ask a similar question.
I'm heading to Yangon for 4 days in November, have people got any recommendations on what to see and do? Also if anyone could recommend a good day trip from the city that would be great!
Thanks!
I'm heading to Yangon for 4 days in November, have people got any recommendations on what to see and do? Also if anyone could recommend a good day trip from the city that would be great!
Thanks!
#50


Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Omaha
Posts: 1,676
If you're worried because you are a Muslim, I don't think you will have any issues in the major tourist areas.
#52
FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: US Air, UA BA LH AI DELTA MARRIOTT CHOICE SGP
Posts: 10,033
No not a muslim. So no worries. The question was more geared towards crowds, demonstrations etc.
#53
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: PVD, BOS
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,664
Can anyone recommend a good hotel in Yangon? I'm going in late May for a short visit. Under $200USD per night, ideally. Currently leaning toward the Savoy ($125), which is the lest expensive option among: Belmond ($247), Strand ($194) and Shangri-La ($160).
I have a very early flight (5:50AM) on my departure day, so I'd prefer not to be a huge ride from the airport. Of course traffic should be light at 4:30AM.
I have a very early flight (5:50AM) on my departure day, so I'd prefer not to be a huge ride from the airport. Of course traffic should be light at 4:30AM.
#55
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: PVD, BOS
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,664
I'm flexible, but I'll be coming off two red eyes in a row, so I'd like to ensure a quiet clean room with good a/c and a hot shower. In other words, I'd rather spend $120 and know I'll have a good stay than spend $60 and risk a bad hotel. But since I posted my original question, I've eliminated the Strand and Belmond (location and cost). But I did add the Lotte and Chatrium Hotels to the mix. Ideally, I'd like to stay around $100-125 per night.
#57


Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Posts: 1,560
Shangril-La (the former Traders) your best bet for balancing comfort, location and rate.
I do like that rate for the Governors Residence, which is by far the best hotel in townand eligible for Virtuoso benefits that are almost worth more than the total for a one night stay.
I do like that rate for the Governors Residence, which is by far the best hotel in townand eligible for Virtuoso benefits that are almost worth more than the total for a one night stay.
#58
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: PVD, BOS
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 1,664
Edit: Nevermind. Figured it out. The benefits for the Belmond are:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Buffet breakfast daily for up to two in-room guests, served in restaurant
- A complimentary 50-minute massage for up to two people, per room, once during stay
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
#59




Join Date: May 2005
Location: SFO
Programs: MM / UA 1K, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 517
The Shangri-La is well located for sightseeing - the Bogyoke Aung Sann Market is just around the corner, Shwedagon Pagoda is not far away and lots of side streets to explore. I didn't stay there myself but a friend was so I had a brief look inside and it seemed ok. I stayed across the road at the East Hotel which was quite modest but everything worked and was clean so I was fine with that choice.
Have fun!
Have fun!
Can anyone recommend a good hotel in Yangon? I'm going in late May for a short visit. Under $200USD per night, ideally. Currently leaning toward the Savoy ($125), which is the lest expensive option among: Belmond ($247), Strand ($194) and Shangri-La ($160).
I have a very early flight (5:50AM) on my departure day, so I'd prefer not to be a huge ride from the airport. Of course traffic should be light at 4:30AM.
I have a very early flight (5:50AM) on my departure day, so I'd prefer not to be a huge ride from the airport. Of course traffic should be light at 4:30AM.

