Sergio Molino Aguado

Sergio Molino Aguadohttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/about/contributors/sergio-molino-aguadoSergio Molino Aguadohttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/southeast-asia/myanmar/travel-restrictions-in-myanmar-and-where-to-explore-safelyEthnic and religious conflicts continue in Myanmar making travel to these areas dangerous and in some cases, illegal. Find out where you can explore safely, and where strict restrictions are in place.2019-04-10T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/southeast-asia/myanmar/travel-restrictions-in-myanmar-and-where-to-explore-safelyhttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#safe"> Where You Can Explore Safely </a></li> <li><a href="#restricted-areas"> Restricted Regions </a></li> <li><a href="#insurance"> Travel Insurance Coverage </a></li> </ul> <p>The Myanmar government retains strict control over access to all parts of the country. As it conducts military actions against so-called dissident groups certain regions will be put off limits. This may change frequently. Fortunately, the Myanmar government maintains a <a href="http://www.myanmartourism.org/index.php/tourist-information/permitted-areas" target="_blank">comprehensive list</a> of towns, cities, and regions where it is permitted to travel. The list first appears in Burmese, but scroll down the page for the English language version. If that site doesn't work, which happens occasionally, here's a <a href="http://www.tourismtransparency.org/no-go-zones-changes" target="_blank">good alternative</a> to "ultimate tourism transparency".</p> <h2 id="safe">Where you can explore safely</h2> <p>But what might happen if you choose to venture into a restricted area? If you’ve unknowingly ventured into a restricted area, the locals will likely call the police – who will come faster than you’d expect – to inform you that you shouldn’t be there. Regardless of whether you’re acting like you weren't aware or if you genuinely had no idea, the police will escort you to a train station or airport to make sure you leave the area safely. </p> <p>While this sounds like a riveting adventure, we’d advise against doing this. Not only are you taking a great risk, but their resources are limited – don’t waste the local police’s time on your stupidity. Always do your research before venturing off the beaten path in northern Myanmar.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/myanmar/hsipaw-waterfall-sergio-molino-aguado.jpg" /> <figcaption> Finding waterfalls in Hsipaw. Photo credit: Sergio Molino Aguado </figcaption></figure> <h2 id="restricted-areas">Restricted regions</h2> <p>The regions most likely to be (at least partially) off-limits are:</p> <ul> <li>Rakhine due to the conflict with the Rohingya</li> <li>Kachin, and Shan because of their proximity to the border areas of Laos and Chine (also known for drug running),</li> <li>Sagaing, on the border with Bangladesh.</li> </ul> <p>The following summary was correct at the time of writing but may change. Check the <a href="http://www.myanmartourism.org/index.php/tourist-information/permitted-areas" target="_blank">Myanmar government site</a> to be sure. If that site is down, here's a good alternative from "<a href="http://www.tourismtransparency.org/no-go-zones-changes" target="_blank">ultimate tourism transparency</a>".</p> <h3>Restrictions in Sagaing Region</h3> <p>In Nanyun surroundings, permits are needed. Picturesque towns like Katha – home of George Orwell and where he was inspired to write the famous novel, “Burmese Days” – are open to foreigners, and safe for travel.</p> <h3>Restrictions in Kachin Region</h3> <p>Kachin region is an especially alluring destination for <a href="/explore/southeast-asia/myanmar/top-spots-to-go-hiking-and-biking-in-myanmar" target="_blank">keen hikers</a> and extreme sports such as rafting. While the landscape up there is unique, it’ll be one of the most expensive regions to visit in Myanmar. With <a href="/explore/southeast-asia/myanmar/transport-and-getting-around-myanmar" target="_blank">limited infrastructure</a> and various restrictions, travelers will be forced to take expensive flights to get there, stay in the few lodgings that allow foreigners, and hire guides that are aware of the restricted areas.</p> <h3>Restrictions in Shan State</h3> <p>Shan state is home to one of the biggest tourist hot spots in Myanmar, <a href="/explore/southeast-asia/myanmar/why-you-must-visit-inle-lake" target="_blank">Inle Lake</a>. However, it’s located in the same region that has a fair few restrictions.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/myanmar/kalaw-inle-trek-sergio-molino-aguado.jpg" /> <figcaption> Trekking from Kalaw to Inle Lake. Photo credit: y</figcaption></figure> <p>Shan State is the largest in Myanmar, and its sheer size and length of <a href="/travel-safety/southeast-asia/myanmar/logistics-and-complications-when-crossing-borders-between-thailand-and-myanmar" target="_blank">conflictive borders</a> are the main cause for issues. Some areas toward the Chinese and Lao borders remain inaccessible, but there are still plenty of places to travel safely.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/myanmar/waterfall-in-hsipaw-sergio-molino-aguado.jpg" /> <figcaption> Waterfall in Hsipaw. Photo credit: Sergio Molino Aguado </figcaption></figure> <p>The trekking routes from the hills to <a href="/explore/southeast-asia/myanmar/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-mandalay" target="_blank">Mandalay</a>, Lashio–Hsipaw and Kyakme–Pwin Oo Lwin, offer a great combination of Shan tradition, remains of the colonial era, and affordable spots to go hiking. By train the route passes over the Goteik Viaduct – an engineering colossus of its era, and an important landmark in Myanmar.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/myanmar/goteik-viaduct-hsipaw-sergio-molino-aguado.jpg" /> <figcaption> Goteik Viaduct. Photo credit: Sergio Molino Aguado </figcaption></figure> <p>Apart from these routes, the most in-demand trek in Shan State goes from Kalaw to Inle Lake, which is a 1–3 day hike through fields and rural villages. Although this is a well-trodden trail, it’s a great way to see how rural life operates in the Shan State.</p> <h2 id="insurance">Travel insurance coverage</h2> <p>In many areas of Myanmar, ethnic tensions and armed conflict continues. This ongoing conflict can affect your travel insurance coverage.</p> <p>It's important that you are aware of your government's travel advice for Myanmar. Generally, if you travel to a destination that your government says you shouldn't, your travel insurance will likely be compromised. Some governments have a lower level of tolerance and advice such as "against all but essential travel" is sufficient to invalidate coverage.</p> <p>The information may change often and with little notice, so check with your government's travel warning advice for Myanmar and with your travel insurance provider.</p>Sergio Molino Aguado 0 Sergio Molino Aguado

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/explore/southeast-asia/myanmar/insiders-guide-to-mrauk-u-myanmarWhat makes a trip to Mrauk U so special, aside from being far off Myanmar’s beaten path? Our insider Sergio shares his tips on getting there, and what to do.2017-08-14T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/explore/southeast-asia/myanmar/insiders-guide-to-mrauk-u-myanmarhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Far from the traditional Burmese tourist route, there is a small town ready to amaze those who dare to reach it.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#history"> A bit of history </a></li> <li><a href="#do"> Things to do in Mrauk U </a></li> <li><a href="#life"> Local life in Mrauk U </a></li> <li><a href="#transport"> Getting to Mrauk U </a></li> <li><a href="#bagan"> Mrauk U or Bagan? </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="history">A bit of history</h2> <p>From 1430 to 1785, Mrauk U was the capital of the most powerful Rakhine Kingdom in history. By trading and plundering neighbor kingdoms with the biggest fleet in the region, Mrauk U built its rich empire.</p> <p>Many temples were erected during two golden centuries, where Arakanese kings were protected by samurais, who came directly from Japan.</p> <p>The most remarkable temples that still stand are: <span>Shite-thaung Temple</span> – the Temple of 80,000 Images or Temple of Victory, <span>Htukkanthein Temple</span> – Htukkan Ordination Hall, and the <span>Koe-thaung Temple</span> – Temple of 90,000 Images.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/myanmar/mrauk-u-pagoda-istock.jpg" /> <figcaption>Misty morning in Mrauk U. Photo credit: iStock </figcaption></figure> <h2 id="do">Things to do in Mrauk U</h2> <p>You won’t need a motorbike to explore the temples of Mrauk U, you can walk from temple to temple. If you’d prefer two wheels, hire a bicycle from town.</p> <p>Take a simple day trip up the Lay Myo River from <a href="http://www.thefotonomad.com/journey-to-the-chin-villages-near-mrauk-u/" target="_blank">Mrauk U to the Chin villages by boat</a>. There, you’ll see the tattoo-faced women, and learn about the legends and their personal stories – go now, <a href="/explore/southeast-asia/myanmar/respecting-culture-and-meeting-local-tribes-in-myanmar" target="_blank">as there are only a handful of them left</a>. </p> <h2 id="life">Local life in Mrauk U</h2> <p>When the Military Junta saw the potential in <a href="/explore/southeast-asia/myanmar/ballooning-over-bagan" target="_blank">Bagan</a> for tourism, thousands of people who lived around and in between the temples were displaced to new villages in the surroundings.</p> <p>In Mrauk U people still live around the temples, so you will see local farmers, children playing in the fields, and devotees going to pray.</p> <p>In Bagan, however, you’ll find lots of tourists with selfie sticks, and pushy locals trying to sell you anything that might interest anyone.</p> <h2 id="transport">Getting to Mrauk U</h2> <p>There are two main ways to get there, the comfy way and the rough way.</p> <p>To take the comfortable route, catch a flight from any airport in Myanmar that connects with Sittwe – the main city of the Rakhine region, followed by a boat ride upstream of 4–6 hours.</p> <p>The rough method, as you’ve probably guessed, is by bus. The most popular route for tourists is from <a href="/explore/southeast-asia/myanmar/get-the-most-out-of-your-trip-to-bagan" target="_blank">Bagan</a>, which costs 40,000 <em>kyats</em>, and takes 18 hours. Or, you can catch a bus from <a href="/explore/southeast-asia/myanmar/top-things-to-see-and-do-in-yangon" target="_blank">Yangon</a> for 25,000 <em>kyats,</em> which takes 24 hours.</p> <h2 id="bagan">So, Mrauk U or Bagan?</h2> <p>It’s likely you’ve never heard anything about Mrauk U – which leaves a huge margin to let a visit surprise and delight. To help you decide for yourself, here are the main differences you’ll find between Bagan and Mrauk U:</p> <h3>1. Hilly terrain in Mrauk U, versus flat plains in Bagan</h3> <p>The picture of Bagan with thousands of temples across vast plains at sunset is something magical.</p> <p>You won´t have that in Mrauk U, as the terrain is hilly – so you´ll only be able to see just a few temples at a time, and from different hills.</p> <h3>2. Lush landscapes in Mrauk U, versus washed out Bagan</h3> <p>In Bagan the soil, vegetation and temples wash the landscape with a mix of browns. While in Mrauk U, black temples pepper a lush green landscape.</p> <h3>3. Spectacular views from outside the temples in Bagan, versus intricate interiors in Mrauk U</h3> <p>In Bagan the temples are exuberant from the outside, while in Mrauk U the best part lays inside, with entangled roots and thousands of images sculpted in the stone. </p> <p>My advice? Visit now before Mrauk U loses its charm.</p> <p></p>iStock/wechyun tarawisid 0693317902 iStock Pagoda in the mist