Monday, April 4, 2016

10 Things About Myanmar (Yangon & Bagan)

Accommodation in Bagan : Royal Bagan Hotel, 1441 Anawrahta Rd, Nyaung U & Zfreeti Hotel, 5 Thiri Pyitsaya, Nyaung U
Length of stay : 5 days and 4 nights


1. I have to admit, the only thing why I'm in love with Myanmar is because the people are so nice! Their services are amazing and they're very helpful. And I have to say, after Japanese people, in my opinion, Burmese people are the nicest local people I've ever met!


2. Don't expect too much on Wi-Fi here, even in your hotel or some cafes, just buy local simcard either Ooredoo or Telenor for only 4500 - 6000 Kyat for couple of days. It's much easier if you buy it when you arrive at the airport.


3. The easiest transport is taxi. You have to bargain to go everywhere. Ask information desk or people at your hotel, the reasonable price to go somewhere. From Yangon International Airport to the city is about 8000 Kyat. And around the city maybe around 3000 - 5000. In Bagan, from the bus station to Nyaung U is about 8000, to the Airport from Nyaung U is around 5000 Kyat. When you want to explore Bagan, it's easier to rent transportation that is more comfortable for you. You can choose for taxi (half day around 25000), horse cart (half day 20000), or electronic scooter for 10000 a day.


4. You should try local food, especially Mohinga! I think one of the best Mohinga you can find in Feel Restaurant.  In Bagan, you can find food around Restaurant Road in Nyaung U area. But there are many good restaurants in New Bagan area too. Depends where are you staying. Since I stayed around Nyaung U, I can recommend you to try Black Bamboo and Weather Spoon. 


5. If you want to go by bus between cities, I recommend JJ Express. It looks like a business class for bus service. From Yangon to Bagan would cost around 19 USD or 26500 Kyat.

6. Bagan is actually a good place for sunrise and sunset chaser. You can get the best view to see the sun over the pagodas. Pagodas hopping are also good thing to do there.

7. I stayed in 2 places when I went to Bagan. Both were nice and have a good service. If I should choose, I prefer Royal Bagan for their services and Zfreeti for their facilities.


8. If you think Cappocadia is still out of reach, you can think about hot air balloon in Bagan then. I went with Balloon over Bagan. It's worth every penny!


9. Don't forget mosquito repellent! It's such important thing too. 


10. If you want to buy souvenirs, Bogyoke Aung San Market is the cheapest and good place in Yangon, and small market around Lawkananda Pagoda near the riverside in Bagan.