MYANMAR ( BURMA ) - TRAVEL MYANMAR THROUGH TRAVEL-MYANMAR.BLOGSPOT.COM

"Tourism Might Help"

2009-08-18T19:41:00.002+06:30

I often think of (or dreaming of) seeing Daw Aung San Suu Kyi as an Embassador of Myanmar Tourism. I might be too agressive for thinking of this but this is not only for my own interest but also for the benefits of all the people of Myanmar. Now, this has come true as published at Telegraphic New (UK) written by Charlie Norton. More details can be view at :

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/asia/burma/6026879/Burma-opposition-leader-Suu-Kyi-Tourism-might-help.html

Tourism is the only industry that oridinary people has access and we do believe, the more arrival, the more beneficial will the local be. I am very much thrilled by the news and it gives us hopes to keep up our momentum in Myanmar Tourism Industry.

MYANMAR FAMILIARIZATION TRIP

2009-03-14T15:29:00.002+06:30

To our travel partners!

We are offering FAM trips in 2009 covering all tourist destinations of Myanmar with a view to activate the sagging tourism. In this campaign, we request your participation with us. The trip would take 8D total by inspecting Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and Inle. Detailed itinerary can be viewed at http://www.7daystour.com/8day-package.htm. We are happy to cover all ground transportations and sightseeing for the scouting. Besides, depending on your permitted time, an extension trip to a beach or somewhere can individually be arranged on an ad hoc basis. Or, it can even be shortened by covering all four places.

The main object for offering this fam trip is to introduce Myanmar's main tourist attraction sites as well as domestic transportations, types of accommodations available, restaurants and quality of local tour guides. We believe this will increase knowledge of the destination to the travel professions while selling tours to their customers.

Please note that FAM trip is strictly offered to premier travel agents interested to promote Myanmar. Therefore, we warmly invite you to be with us in exploring the sites and hope to establish a mutual relationship. Please contact info@7daystour.com for more information.

Upon acceptance your mail and the interest, our board of directors will make executive decision and get back to you as soon as possible.

Myanmar Visa On Arrival

2008-12-15T15:55:00.002+06:30

Myanmar Hotel & Tourism Ministry in coalition with Immigration Department is issuing visa-on-arrival (VOA) for tourists. But, it's pre-arranged through a registered travel agent or tour operator under condition that you must have* a package from a registered tour operatorMay I take this opportunity to explain? Here goes the actual processsssssss.....Zzzzzzz...

Step I
The tour operator (in other word, the guarantor) fills in the paper (in fact 3 same applications) with complete info (mention under) plus passport photo on it. Application is attached with the detailed itinerary (it's the one you have bought from the tour operator), official cover-letter attentioned to the Minister, the guide CV & the bank proof for the package income, etc. They are all sent to Napyidaw (the new capital) 320 km to the north of Yangon. Under information is needed for application
- 2 passport size photo
- full name- gender
- father name- nationality
- race
- religion
- passport no
- issue date
- date of birth
- place of birth
- occupation
- full mailing address
- entry date
- arrival flight and time

Step II
(it takes a week or more after the applications arrive the Tourism Ministry)An authorized person (Minister/Deputy Minister/or the like...) signs at the bottom & send only 2 original applications back the travel agent in Yangon. In fact, the Ministry never send those applications to Yangon. A representative from the travel company has to go and fetch it. Otherwise, the applications shall be put away in the corner and be neglected.

Step III
The-above-two-original-approved-applications are, again, sent to the Immigration Department in Yangon. Here we also need official cover-letter attentioned to the Director of Immigration Department, detailed itinerary again and the passport details. It's likely to take a week, if not, two days at least. The fact is that they only have meeting bi-weekly (Tuesday, Thursday) to decide it. Then, applications are checked if their names are in the black-list. Immigration may reject those applications found in their system. But, most approved! You are 99.99% sure to have your application approved unless you are directly implicated in Myanmar pocitical movements druing the past few years. Finally, they will have it signed and keep both 2applications while the tour operator has to photocopy them.

Step IV
The photocopid applications continue going to the International Air Line you are to board. Submit a copy of the application authorized by Hotel and Tourism Ministry & Immigration Dept (done in step II and III). Then, the Air Line checks the booking and record the VOA arrangement in their computer system. They might give the local tour operator a print-out. But, sometimes not. Passenger name will appear when they check in at the airport. Tourists apparently have nothing to do. Just check in on the deck and go. For tour operator, the petty things go on by forwarding a copy of application each to

- Air Line Security Task Force
- Immigration in-chargeat Yangon International Airport before 1 or 2 day ahead of the arrival date disseminating one ream of paper in hand.

Generally, the VOA application is processed approximately 2 perhaps 3 weeks before your arrival. It's not suggested to do it 3 or 4 months ahead!!! Here is the reason. Should the application is submitted too early, authorities shall assume you have enough time to do it by yourself either in your country or in the neighboring countries where there is Myanmar Embassy or Consulate.

Well...that's how the VOA works in Myanmar. I even don't go into details as it might confuse and rack your nerve.SO INEXTRICABLE....????

But, "this is Burma" Kipling once said "it will be quite unlike any other land you know about."Good luck, buddies!

Burma Bike Ride 2008

2008-11-06T14:27:00.003+06:30

Burma Bike Ride 2008 will take place on 8th November, 2008 with total of 23 participants from Australia. Burma Bike Ride will be highlighted by the some distinguished festivals in Myanmar such as – fire balloon festival in Taungyi, weaving competition on the pagoda platform in a full-moon day. Burma Bike Ride will cover almost all the diversities in one time. No tour in Myanmar has as many full pictures and impression as a bike tour. The group will also visit Taikkyi Youth Development Centre, an orphanage home which is about 100 Km north of Yangon.

Burma Bike Ride on 12th Nov biking to Kakku, 43 km south of Yangon followed by the important tourist destination of Myanmar. From the chilly Shan Hills to the central plain Mandalay, descend down the splendid colonial charms of Pyinoolwin, riding along the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River, crossing through the desert like terrain with rolling hills of the Popa Mountain Range and cycling amongst the thousand of temples in Bagan, visitors will find a real taste for their passion of outdoors and enjoying it on a bike. It is a flawless tour, a combination of colorful country-side with glorious ancient Myanmar capitals.

It is with no doubt that cycling tours will capture the interest of international cyclists, adventurers, nature lovers, environmentalists in the coming years. Bicycle tours have bright future in the year ahead and we strongly believe that Myanmar, with its magnificent surroundings and beautiful landscapes, is absolutely one of the most unique countries in the world for cycling.

Burma Bike Ride 2008 Brief Itinerary
09 Nov Yangon arrival
10 Nov Visit to Taikkyi Youth Development Centre
11 Nov Taunggyi Hot Air Ballons Festival
12 Nov Inle Lake
13 Nov Inle Lake
14 Nov Kalaw
15 Nov Pindaya
16 Nov Mandalay
17 Nov Mandalay
18 Nov Mandalay
19 Nov Mt. Popa
20 Nov Bagan
21 Nov Bagan
22 Nov Yangon
23 Nov Departure
Want to organize your own biking tour in Myanmar? Please contact –
7Days Travels & Tours Co., Ltd
Email : info@7daystour.com
http://www.7daystour.com/

Focusing Myanmar Tourism Industry for year 2008~9

2008-09-04T15:26:00.000+06:30

The economy has been ailing with us a year. I have been collecting feedback from some. All all them are very familiar with Myanmar travel industry. Most of them have been to the country for many times. All have 'ONE' voice now, that Myanmar travel industry 2008/9 is not promising and a good prospect. Here are some original text from them. Leave your comment on it, if you have for the betterment of the industry.

"I think all of the tourism industry is suffering in these times. While the bad publicity due to the cyclone and protests has made it even tougher for you in Myanmar, the global price of oil has put a damper on people's travel planes worldwide. We are trying to push the fact that they can still do a bike tour in Southeast Asia including the airfare to get there, for less than a bike tour by itself in Europe, but it is a hard market today. We are still considering adding Myanmar to our tour line up and I hope to able to visit sometime. I am not one to avoid the country because of its government, because I think tourism benefits the people far more than it benefits the governing powers." Tom (USA)

"I am sad to say we have not received any requests for Myanmar tours in the past year, surely this is because of the unstable political situation as well as hurricane Nargis. Consequently, we have no choice to stop publishing Myanmar trips in our brochure as the advertisement is quite expensive and there is no demand what so ever. Esther (the Netherlands)

We are also quite desapointed that Burma don't work well despite all our efforts to promote the destination. Be sure we will do all necessary effort to push it. But you must also note that the overall business is slow actually." Paul (Switzerland)

"Sorry to say, biking tours are not doing well this year. I have not heard back from Bellingham, but even our Vietnam tours are not filling at all. The economy has is doing poorly here. And yes, you are right, sadly enough Myanmar still makes travelers nervous. I think it will take at least a year for tourism to pick up." Patrick (USA)

"Yes, the political situation and the earthquake did effect tourists interest in traveling to Myanmar. In addition, the economy in the U.S. is very poor right now, making it more difficult to sell tours to any destination. We will continue to advertise Myanmar in our newsletter and keep reminding people of what a beautiful country Myanmar is and how nice its people are." Lee Klein (USA)

"Our promotional efforts have not generated any results and I am somewhat frustrated. Much of the western world has so far reserved Myanmar for future visit rather than now. Of course, seeing is believing as the saying goes, and it will make sense for a tour operator like me to learn the country first hand in order to promote more effectively and more enthusiastically. I just hope traveling public will not be so much influenced by the politics, but unfortunately it has played a very powerful role. I certainly hope to visit your beautiful country soon, and will let you know a possible date so that my visit will hopefully be realized in time for the next year promotion." Peter Jhun (Canada)

Naga New Year Festival 12~16 January, 2009.

2008-08-19T12:16:00.002+06:30

Traditional Naga New Year Festival 2009 shall be held in Lahae village. I put up itinerary and cost for this.
12 Jan 2009
Chartered flight leaves Yangon at 6:30 Am. Stopover in Mandalay and to Khanti airport. Upon arrival, transfer by truck for ferry awaited on Chindwin River. On the other side of the river lies Sinthei village. Proceed by 4 x 4 off road pickups to Lahae enjoying the panoramic Naga Mountains. Lunch-box is served on pleasant Namsalain Stream. O/N in Lahae in Naga indigenous huts and dinner.
13 Jan 2009
After breakfast, observe villages and around on your own arrangement either by a car or on foot. Lunch boxes can be ordered in advance at the reception. An informative video featured on Naga is entertained after dinner. O/N in Lahae.
14 Jan 2009
Today, 'Pole Erection Ceremony' takes place from 9-11 Am. All guests are invited, of course. Lingering into the evening on the festival ground. O/N in Lahae.
15 Jan 2009
Opening Ceremony of Naga New Year at 8:30 Am just after your breakfast. You have your own seat on the ground to participate. Take pleasure 6:30-10:00 Pm near the bonfire entertained by Naga traditional dances enjoying their traditional food and wine. Free up yourself on the occasion. O/N in Lahae.
16 Jan 2009
Goodbye Lahae at 5:00 Am. Lunch box is served at Khamti. Fly back to Yangon via Mandalay. End of service.
Tour cost: USD 1350 per pax
Guide: USD 550
Transport: Chartered flight, 4 x 4 off road pickup, shuttle boat
Accommodation: Naga Traditional HouseMeal: American Breakfast, Buffet Lunch and Dinner.
Remark: Deluxe transportation can be arranged Sinthe-Lahae-Sinthe round trip with extra charges. (USD 750 per pax - round trip for Sinthei-Lahae-Sinthei)

scenario of a person life in travel industry of Myanmar

2008-08-10T11:17:00.000+06:30

Today, a friend called me and grumbled her shop which apparently has no business. Bauk Mai, an English speaking guide, had been in the industry since 1998. With her 10-yrs hard-earn money from guiding, she set up a souvenir shop, Textile House, meant for tourists. It was in the first quarter of 1997, I guess.

Quite active at the inception, she was expecting to generate a good biz in the coming tour season. It's the very first step for her to settle in a more stable life rather than traveling all over Myanmar with clients year round (she's coming to fed up with it). Now, she can have two incomes - guiding and the Textile House. A brighter and more prosperous future is with her at the time.

Never thought of September monk protest which is followed by the cyclone Nargis, the travel industry dramatically collapsed. This affected her biz directly - her guiding profession and the souvenir shop. She was now trapped by the unsold items in the House which expenses - the rent, the electricity and the staff she employed - are hardly to get covered. Lucky to have the guiding trips occasionally, she is standing and trying not to falter. But, she told the assignment for guiding will be drop by 50% or more in the season. With this given condition, her Textile House is facing a big challenge.

She talked about marketing for her House on the Internet and asked me some suggestions. A tough lady and never give up in any circumstances, hummm! Trying to give the pros and cons as much as I can, I told that having a domain and website is easy. It took a few hundred bucks which she can easily spend on. But, to professionally generate a biz from internet needs knowledge on IT to which she is very limited. This subject is very abstract. I told her only in the travel industry, internet is used as a marketing tool. Even in the industry, very few take advantage of it. It's likely to be a waste of money for those who are not familiar with IT. Finally, she withdrew her plan.

As the tourism prospect is uncertain up to the 2010-election and beyond, I suggested that the best possible is to turn on to local market. Then, the location speaks a lot. Her place is now on a quite road a little far from the central market. Besides, the splendid decoration of the current House is dazzling the local visitors. It's giving most locals a sense of inferiority to visit the House and think they will be ripped off at a tourist place. She is likely to have a proper location and amenities to target locals. It may take some times for her to have all done. Nonetheless, she has to shift her paradigm. It will not be a greener pasture because not only the tourism but all biz sectors are in stagnant. Yet, she has to move on.

This is a scenario of a person life in travel industry of Myanmar. I don't know how many people have the same stories like her. Some of them may ever worse (where I am the one in it).

Muse-Bhamo-Mandalay

2007-11-12T15:47:00.001+06:30

Muse-Bhamo-Mandalay!

It is a long way all the way from Yangon, the capital of Myanmar to Muse on north-eastern part of Myanmar bordering with Shweli. However, I felt that it is a rewarding travel program due to the very pleasant boat ride on Ayeyarwaddy River.

It was the fullmoon day of Thadingyut (light festival) and the very first day from Yangon was quite unease as we took a train from Yangon and it took us 16 hrs to arrive Mandalay. Though with very poor facility, I must say that it arrives Mandalay on time without any delay, at least.

Next moring, we took a taxi (Aye Yar Shweli-a mark II saloon) to Muse and it was already 9:30 am when we left Mandalay. Several stops for strecthing legs and lunch stop was already 3:30 pm at Lashio. It was already dark when we draw near to Muse and several motorcycles grouping into 10 or more passed by as an iligal trade into Myanmar. No wonder, China close it's eye for their own benefits. It confirms our next day visit to Shweli (Ruli) and no doubt that China products overtaking every where in the world.

On 29th October, we met our clients from New Zealand and dinner was exceptionally entertained by an old Myanmar woman (Margarett) who studied at Mission school in Myanmar at British times. Everyone was amazed by her welcoming English and it was quite an interesting event talking with Margarett.

It was quite an experience on Muse-Bhamo trail. The green forest along the way refresh after every bump on stony road. Anyway, one time is enough! A reward comes after this long ride journey on stony ride. That is "The boat ride on Ayeyarwaddy River", hightlight of my trip to Bhamo.

Just before this trip, I came back from Mrauk U and I felf the sea at Sittwe was a bit wild for me. Here on Ayeyarwaddy, unlike the sea at Sittwe, the river is so wide but so gentle. The boat ride was so peaceful and tranquail until no one wanted to speak anything but to enjoy it to the fullest. The cool weather, mild breeze, the green forest on the river bank, gentle current of Ayeyarwady was perfect combination and I thought to myself, I am lucky enough to have been one of this kind of journey in Myanmar. I won't forget to mention the crew of our boat. They are the best.

We stopped by a few villages and Kyauk Myaung for it's famous pottery work. Kyauk Myaung is another interesting place to see how the pottery were produced traditionally and commercially. Two days boat ride on the best part of Ayeyarwaddy is so pleasant with no comparison. When the boat anchored at Mandalay, we know that there are lots of things to see and learn ahead of us for a good reason to say good-bye to Ayeyarwaddy. Looking through the glass window of our bus, we wish to come again for another time and then the great life blood line of Myanmar, Ayeywarwaddy ley behind us.

Our view on tourists to Myanmar.

2007-10-16T14:26:00.000+06:30

First of all - Disseminating METTA to all directions!

The situation inside Myanmar has already on the wane. All the major tourist sites are opened now. Hardly we see military truck in the day time though the curfew is still effective from 11PM to 3AM. It's absolutely safe to travel around. Internet and emails opened two days ago. Things are going to back on normal track internally amidst the pressure from outside. No one can predict all those external factors enforce the internal transformation. The world never hand such an experience.

Nonetheless, the name Myanmar(Burma) had got popular by the latest Sep: event resulting a hot issue on whether to visit the country. Yet, I doubt that tourism extends the regime life. The fact that more local people on the ground need it for their survival than the regime's finance make me encourage you to visit this golden land. The restrain on Tourism will have a great impact to all classes/sectors as the regime's main revenue comes from the country's natural resources and other sectors. More locals are to be blindfolded should there is non-tourism in the future. This will push Myanmar citizens deep into the dark pit and could never see the open blue sky. In short, Myanmar citizens need tourism for money to survive as well as a wider international vision. Your little contribution through tourism shall have immense benefit to most local on the ground.

On the other hand, there sure the opposite side to the Myanmar(Burma) coin for you to think in another way. They may be in different direction as always like the heads and tails on it. But, these two are the one that make the coin usable, aren't they? I am with you on your decision as I love freedom of choice. So long as you could think in another way for anything, I have to be happy for it.

So...I welcome all tourists who are coming to Myanmar. And thank you (thank you) to be with us amidst the intense debate on the issue.

All the best...

Planning to be on a trip to Arkan.

2007-09-04T14:12:00.000+06:30

I have not been to Arkan yet and I am curious to explore. My schedule will be :

03 Oct Fly to Sittwe and overnight.
04 Oct Boat to Mrauk U.
05 Oct Mrauk U
06 Oct Boat to Sittwe and fly back to Yangon.

After that I am still seeing the possibility whether to go on trip. Will Update here if I decide to travel.

I will share my visit to Mrauk U on my return.

What I am today @ 7Days Travels & Tours

2007-08-07T10:46:00.000+06:30

Life is not always easy and full of ups and downs. And here is a brief bio of me and what I am today at 7Days.

I was born in 1973, in a village in central Burma and completed high School in 1990. As a Burmese girl, my life wasn't easy to get where I am today. Born into public servants family in difficult political & economical environment, I had forgo my Uni studies to go to Malaysia to work for survival at very young age. So, I went to Malaysia for work and Foreign exposure.

There I learnt different culture exposed to tourism business, picking up English language, learn to work with people from different socio cultural background and religious background. So when I went back to Myanmar, I took the first opportunity come along to work in tourism area where I love my job, although at that stage 7days was such a small orgnisation with very little client numbers.

I developed my passion to present our culture, history, nature & people to the world as I realize our country & culture was very little known by other people. Today - I am the director of 7days running the business and proud to be a Burmese lady for having a chance to present Myanmar.

Utazas 2007

2007-05-23T17:46:00.000+06:30

Last April, we attended Utazas 2007 ( Travel Exhibition 2007 ) and Myanmar was presented very first time at this 30th Travel show in Budapest, Hungary.

It was a surprise to know that large amount of interest was shown towards Myanmar and probably we were right in promoting Myanmar for that particular market.

The show was for 4 days and open to public except on the first day of trade visitors only. The exhibition may not be as big as ITB or WTM, but I belive it does make sense to have a stand for Myanmar.

Duna TV broad cast a few seconds about Myanmar and a short interview with me. I hope to see more of Hungarian travellers to Myanmar and I believe Myanmar gained awareness. And this is something I am really happy what I could do for my country though it's based on my own interest.