Myanmar

[troyboy6]

Hi,

Iam planning to travel to Myanamar about end of next Feb so would be please to hear from anyones experiences who has travelled there before (and no, I do not want to hear about the political situation etc, dangers blah blah). I have about 2 weeks so want to cover as much as possible doing the usual touristy things, but also check out the local talent!

I realise that the scene is entirely different to Thailand and am not expecting anything like, but would appreciate any info on gay friendly accommodation - not interested in upmarket - but also not on a tight budget - bars contacts etc. I had the thought of getting a local guide so if anyone has any info on that. Also are there any reputable tour operators in BKK specialising in Myanamar? I have checked out Utopia and Purple Dragon and may use one of their tours as part of the trip. Also info on visas, currency etc

Tks

[Farinelli]

I spent 2 weeks around Mandalay last year. I flew from Chiang Mai to Mandalay with Air Mandalay, it should be a safe choice. Myanma Air isn´t that reliable. Myanmar is a beautiful and interesting country with friendly people eager to get in touch. It´s a safe country to travel in, you don´t need much imagination what the police would do with a suspect robber. You can´t use credit cards even in banks so you have to carry your $ around. It´s a cheap country.

The problem is the transport system and the lack of infrastructure. I travelled in hired cars, trains, buses and boats. It is painfully slow an uncomfortable.

In spite of that I can recommend the ferry trip from Mandalay to the old town of Bagan, certainly not a touristy thing.

I happened to be in the country at the annual Nat festival (Nat=spirit) . At full moon in August every year that famous festival take place in a village outside Mandalay. In a gay perspective the interesting thing is that all the mediums (or fake mediums?) are kathoeys. They are the heroes of these days. I just hope they are treated decently the week after too!

[kek]

I went to Burma a few years ago. Rangoon; Mandalay and Bagan. The country is beautiful, the temples are stunning and the people gentle and friendly. BUT if you are going for a gay holiday ... forget it. There is no formal gay scene and if you meet someone then they won't be allowed back into your hotel. Your best chance is a very discreet encounter with someone who works in the hotel but they will be very scared of being caught by other staff members.

Burma is not a place for being Out and Outrageous. Dress normally, behave respectfully.

Take a look around the parks at dusk because there is a lot of cruising going on but I saw no 'Action'. You might strike it lucky but I doubt it. Also remember that standards of hygiene for those that hang around the parks may be not what you expect - I saw a lot of very dirty people who I would not want to encounter in the bedroom. Chewing beetle nut is a national passtime and people's faces are stained with the red juices and their breath stinks - if you are tempted take a lot of Listerine in your luggage. There are several karaoke bars and tea shops in Rangoon where young guys hang out with eachother but again it's difficult to know if they are 'gay interested' or just being friendly. Other tourists in your hotel or Asians who live and work there are a possibility.

Good luck, enjoy the scenery and visit Babylon when you return

[farang prince]

For your next "gay friendly" vacation, try Iran. Wow, you do like challenges.

[999999roses]

I used www.travelmyanmar.com when I went there two years ago.

They are just a normal tour agency and we had a female guide

with us the whole time. So, you might want to contact utopia for a gay guide.

My general advice is to take lots of brand new, single US dollars with you.

Also, if you go to Bagan, make sure you bring a flashlight with you.

Edited November 30, 2007 by 999999roses

[club17]

I am planning to visit there as well in coming April for about 3 weeks.

I heard Songkran (or Water Festival) is big in Myanmar.

[rak sa_ngop]

I am planning to visit there as well in coming April for about 3 weeks.

I heard Songkran (or Water Festival) is big in Myanmar.

Thingyan or the water festival in Myanmar is fantastic. Try and do 2 or 3 places like Mandalay, Yangon etc and get a real flavour of what Burma could be like if things were different. Most authority comes off the streets and leaves the wild action to police itself.

One good thing is that when I was there about 8 years ago is that it stopped at sunset, because by then you are pretty well f**ked.

[club17]

I am planning to visit there as well in coming April for about 3 weeks.

I heard Songkran (or Water Festival) is big in Myanmar.

In fact, I am planning to visit Yangon, Mandalay, and Bagan.

Really looking forward to this trip. Especially, it is going to be my first real vacation (or honeymoon) with my Burmese boyfriend after 2 years living together in Thailand.