Comments on: Yangon Circular Train

By: niza zainal

niza zainal — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 04:38:32 +0000

Thanks Jane . Myanmar is one of the country I really hope to visit again. It is like a country-sized time capsule. From my opinion the government should do something about those rubbish first if they really concern about pollution. I do agree with you; I don’t think I can afford to buy a new car every ten years myself, let alone those poor people.

By: Jane Turner

Jane Turner — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 17:11:25 +0000

Your Photographs are fabulous! I have done the journey 4 times now! I have discovered the car junk yard is to do with government policy. It is, I believe, something to do with pollution emissions. I thought I saw a few cars older than 10 years on the streets in Yangon. I can’t hlep thinking about the taxi and Tuk Tuk drivers who have lost their income if they cannot afford to buy a new car!

I hope to return one day!

By: Hurai203

Hurai203 — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 22:59:36 +0000

thanks and cheers. salam

By: niza zainal

niza zainal — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 01:42:44 +0000

Hi Hurai,
We felt very safe during our travel there, and the people are warm and friendly. Mosque is built side-by-side with the Buddhist pagoda, so that quite portrays their tolerence towards religions. We are of course saddened by the mistreatment towards the muslim Rohingya, but from my inexpert views that is more of a political issues rather than religion (I hope). Thanks for the likes of my photos, I’m using the 450D by the way (most of the time) .

Cheers.
Niza

By: Hurai203

Hurai203 — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 16:44:49 +0000

Awesome pictures and is it a safe place to travel? Heard many horror stories about this place especially against muslim. Looking at your photos it looks nice. What camera do you carry or use?

Regards

By: niza zainal

niza zainal — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 07:35:26 +0000

Thanks, Hemant.
Will repeat the trip ourselves next year. Have a safe journey and enjoy!

By: hemant

hemant — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 06:54:14 +0000

Cannot help, but thank you for the very good insight to Myanmar.

will be there next week!!

Good work!!

By: niza zainal

niza zainal — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:31:23 +0000

Thanks Farah.
Frankly (and unfortunate me) I was there for a shortwhile. Thinking of going back to Bagan and Mandalay next time (wonder when that’s going to happen). It seems that my stories about Burma are getting no faster than the circular train itself… Btw these are a few tips if you have plan visiting the country:
1. All entries to Burma require VISA and need to obtain in advance. VOA is not applicable.
2. Bring ‘perfect’ dollar with you, the exchange rate depreciate with the looks. Do not change the Kyats (Burmese currency) at the street or the black market, it is illegal and you might get into troubles if caught. Better change with the hotel (most hotel provide the service) and not advisable to change at bank. They will rip you off few times bigger (official rate is hugely differs from the street rate). Bring enough cash with you, no ATM in Burma.
3. Be selective at where you eat, or what you drink.
4. Myanmar is quite safe, and the people are friendly. Don’t be surprised if you are greeted by strangers, but off course don’t let your guard down especially if you are travelling solo.
5. Overland border crossing is not permissable. Must fly in and fly out through Yangon.
6. Myanmar is superhot especially in the afternoon. Drink a lot.
7. Access to outside world i.e. phone call and internet is controlled by the government, and could be very expensive/limited.
8. Myanmar is a military junta country, hence it is advisable not to get yourself tangled in any government related issues.

Other than that Myanmar is a beautiful and amazing country. Enjoy and have a safe journey. Cheers.

By: thatsofarah

thatsofarah — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 09:55:55 +0000

Great shots, how many days were you in Yangon? Can’t wait for your next posts. I’ll be going to Yangoon this June. I hope to get some tips from you. ;D