Hi all, just returned home after 17 days in Myanmar. In no way did I feel threatened, intimidated or under duress. There are very few tourists in Myanmar. Little to no sign of authorities or military.
I found the people to be friendly, welcoming and hospitable. I also thing that a lot of people are 'doing it hard' because of the lack of tourists. The hotel/accommodation people, those involved in transport, and restaurants. Even the pesky touts, trying to sell you postcards have a look of desperation about them.
I know there will be those that support the boycotting of tourism to Myanmar, however there are a lot of people in the tourist industry that now have no work, and a familyto feed. If you are that opposed to the government, research ways of reducing and avoiding those organisations that have connections with the Government.
Thanks Phil for posting ,ime off to there next week and would welcome a trip report from you, where u stayed etc, local travel guides etc
Caroline
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<hr>If you are that opposed to the government, research ways of reducing and avoiding those organisations that have connections with the Government.<hr></blockquote>
Hmm. I remember Lonely Planet's guide making a big fuss of how it doesn't recommend or review government-owned facilities: they positively pat themselves on the back about it. Naturally, when I stayed in Bago, I stayed in a privately-owned guesthouse. I got talking, and found out that the guesthouse was indeed privately owned - by the local district police commander. The lines between government and private aren't always that clear. I'm not saying everyone should boycott, or they shouldn't, or whatever. Just that these things can get very tangled, very quickly.
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<hr>In no way did I feel threatened, intimidated or under duress. <hr></blockquote>
Jolly good. But I don't think even the most fervent supporters of Aung Su Kyi and the boycott claim that tourists are routinely threatened or intimidated: the point is, rather, the way local people are treated.
Thanks Happy for the note. I too have just returned and agree that everyone is suffering because of the lack of tourist. Several of my friends who work at hotels have been laid off because there are no tourist. One of my guides has not had any business for a month and he has two sons in the University [i.e. tuition to pay].
Breaks my heart to think the people of Burma are suffering even more than when I was there 11 months ago, I hope tourist return ASAP-
From my observation while in Myanmar most of the tourists were with group tours. Each time I have stayed at The Summit Parkview Hotel where many tour groups stay in Yangon. Most of the groups were French and lately some from Russia. Also, other groups from Asian countries. At this time it is the rainy season so there would be fewer groups booked anyway. I've been there many times in both seasons and it seems to hold true each year. Some people won't go because of the recent turmoil, but some will want to go because of it. Yet, many tour companies will be hesitant to book tours if Embassy's advice against it. Advising against it is not the same as banning it, but some tour companies are afraid of insurance liabilities. One can only wait and see what happens within the next few months during the high travel season . No need to spread doom and gloom about the plight of the poor Burmese just because the level of tourism is down. The average Burmese has been poor for a very long time and it's not worse just because some tourist just now went there and was shocked. The notorious Insein Prison was built by the British and I doubt it was the Irish that they kept locked up there.
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