Burma Visa and Bank accounts any updates

[Rinrada]

Intrepid travelers....

Whats the latest with Burma Visas..every day seems different.

Got a couple of guys coming out in September and they want to "do" Rangoon and Mandalay etc...Rudyard K and all that.

Also are any of the Thai/Western Banks operating out of the place yet or is it still a case of bringing in buckets of cash..

Not been down that way for a few years...thanks

R

[Mahseer]

I just got back after 2 weeks there and visited Rangoon/Inle/Bagan and was my first trip as a tourist.

My visa was acquired in Chiang Mai so no idea what is happening at the embassy but there were certainly people rushing about to complete visa on arrival forms.

Regards funds I took in crisp US$ bills and changed only one time at the airport at a bank kiosk just to the right as you clear customs. Rate was 945/$1. I certainly saw a SCB in Rangoon but can't help regards others.

I flew in from Chiang Mai on Air Bagan to Rangoon which was 8,500baht but there is rumblings on a Chiang Mai-Mandalay flight but will have to see if that mterialises. Air Bagan is Tuesday and Sunday.

I prebooked all hotels but wish I hadn't for Inle as plenty of options available.

[Rinrada]

Thanks...

Where/How did you get your Visa in CM...assume an agent.

Will be back in Bangkok at end of month so may head down to Burma Embassy and have a looksee from there.

Any reccos on Hotels....

Last time I was there I think we stayed in the Strand but gather its now got expensive....and good to know that SCB is there ..will check their website....cheers again

[Mahseer]

Visa was from a travel agent (mail if you need details) and cost was 2,000 for 1 week turnaround or 2,500 for 3 work days. No paperwork to complete just photos. Falang/Thai same price. As we live and can fly from Chiang Mai this was excellent value.

In Yangon we stayed at the Savoy which was splendid but as with most hotels in Yangon bloody expensive. We booked with Agoda and paid close to 7,000baht/night but would have been closer to 4,000 if in Bangkok. The Strand is 12,000baht or maybe more and just about impossible to get a reservation but you have the option to visit for Friday happy hour.

Enjoy

[Rinrada]

Mahseer....thanks as Tesco...every little bit...etc..

Been looking for more info....cant let go and apart from the local newspaper sites found this one that might be usefull one day....

Dosnt seem to have much on it yet but at least can ask questions...wheres the best gin joints etc...

..whether you get a response is another thing...so FIO..

www.whatsonyangon.com/

[ignis]

but as with most hotels in Yangon bloody expensive

Looking last week, did a search for Hotels appears many for around 25 $ en-suit and air con........ reason never been and look like a good cheap deals with Nok Air later in the year from Mae Sot, so looked a hotel prices.......... Do not intend to spend all the time in a hotel so only need a clean quite place not some splendid place just to sleep.

The 2 places I saved were both 25$ per night + Free airport pick up and drop off, both had restaurants and good reviews. but not on Agoda.

[Mahseer]

but as with most hotels in Yangon bloody expensive

The 2 places I saved were both 25$ per night + Free airport pick up and drop off, both had restaurants and good reviews. but not on Agoda.

Of course there are exceptions and well done on finding but how about listing here to benefit others.

[ignis]

but as with most hotels in Yangon bloody expensive

The 2 places I saved were both 25$ per night + Free airport pick up and drop off, both had restaurants and good reviews. but not on Agoda.

Of course there are exceptions and well done on finding but how about listing here to benefit others.

Found there were lots, but not on the Save 70% websites, just on a normal search...

eg: http://www.myanmarmotherlandinn.com/ looks OK for a night.. Nothing like The Savoy or the price

[ignis]

only clicked 1x and appeared 2 x ??

[Mahseer]

ignis, looks basic but as long as it's clean and secure I wouldn't mind. This is another at similar price that was recommended by a couple of folks I ran into:

http://www.myanmareasternhotel.com/index.htm

I'll be heading back October for a bit of a wander around Chin state and certainly won't use the Savoy again which is now closer to 8,000baht but previous trip was first as a tourist and fancied a quality hotel.

Truly is scary to think what hotel prices in Rangoon will be once mass tourism arrives.

Rinrada, there is a Burma section at the end of his forum and although slow there are a couple of folks who know the lay of the land and would no doubt answer majority of your questions.

Best of luck