Myanmar after the Crackdown

Yes, it's about time someone addressed these issues.

I left Myanmar after all the problems in the street, etc. I also am in daily contact with friends in Yangon and Mandalay. Will try to answer some of your questions:

Are there any new restrictions for tourists according to the areas, which are acessable for foreign travellers. >> No, not any more than before, meaning you can not go into the areas next to the Thai border where there is on-going conflict. Nothing else has changed in the other areas.

Is it possible, to enter the country at Taichilek/Mai Sai. >>I don't know anything about this.

Are there restrictions to bring cameras or to take pictures. >>No. Of course even before you could not take pics of military camps, etc., as in most countries. If you are taking 'tourist' pics there are no problems. After the problems I was in Yangon, Pyay, and Mawlamyine and took pics everywhere including the new bridge at Mawlamyine. ON THE OTHER HAND if you see some monks with machine guns I suggest you put your camera out of sight!!

Is the internet running again? How is the situation in Mandalay? >>Yes, and no. Just like before. Up and running, most of the time. SLOW. May need help from a local getting connected. I was in Mandalay before the problems but I have been getting email from there all the time since I returned to Bangkok.

Is it more or less safe for travellers >>YES, very, read some of the other posts on TT.

How is the situation in Hsipaw? >>Don't know but must be fine as my guide in Mandalay emailed me that he took a tourist to Hsipaw last week.

Is it possible, to travel to Myitchina by train and proceed to Bhamaw and then Mandalay by boat? >>Have no idea, BUT several of the Kachin rebel leaders came out with me to Bangkok where they are staying with a friend. Don't know if this quiets the situation or makes it worse!!!

Serious advice: GO and enjoy! The Myanmar people will be so happy to see you and you will get special treatment!

"Go and enjoy" sounds a bit cynical given the actual situation. Package tourists should better stay away instead of giving money to murderers.

I don't know about new restrictions for travelers. The border at Mae Sai is closed since several months for tourists who want to continue their trip inside Burma. Only the border region including Kyaing Thong can be visited.

Internet was shut down again yesterday, perhaps visit of Gambari is the reason. A comedian from Mandalay has been released a couple of days ago, don't know his name. For news coverage I recommend daily usenet article "Burma related news" in soc.culture.burma.

Burma Pages

Just go, its the same as before the crackdown, same applies on permits and restricted areas. The LP Guidebook covers it all, or read back on the LP Myanmar forum, and your good to go.