Burma

[Isochronous]

Has anyone visited? What's the best time of year to go? Am thinking of a Feb trip around the Chinese New Year period.

 

[RooFlyer]

My trip report here. drron also has one in the TR section.

I found November to be pleasant weather-wise, however the end of the year I think sees the rivers down and so river cruising is more limited.

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

My trip report here. drron also has one in the TR section.

I found November to be pleasant weather-wise, however the end of the year I think sees the rivers down and so river cruising is more limited.

What RooFlyer says about the river cruising is correct. We went in December/January and the river was very low and our itinerary was changed because of the low water levels. We also got stuck on a sand bank twice ! But saying that I still think a river cruise is worth it. If you go to Bagan one thing YOU MUST DO is a balloon trip - we did "Balloons Over Bagan" and it was fantastic. It was our first balloon ride and it was spectacular. Go for the premium service ( less people in the balloon) and book as soon as you know your dates you are going to be there - as it is very popular and limited numbers.

Our services

Also take a pair of slip on shoes for walking around - and plenty of wet wipes, you take your shoes off for every temple and believe me you feet get filthy very quickly, also there is usually no where to sit down to put your shoes on again and you are usually in a crowded area anyway.

Rons trip report here
http://www.australianfrequentflyer....search-empire-siam-burma-singapore-64691.html

 

[drron]

Definitely get there sooner rather than later.It is changing and changes are accelerating.
The people are the highlight.Just wonderful.
definitely want to go back.
And good on you for calling it Burma-a lot of locals still do.As they said Myanmar is the general's name for the country.

 

[Foreigner]

I'm planning trip with parents in Nov.

Obama has lifted US sanctions:

http://mobile.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSKCN127262

 

[burmans]

I went October which was good. Loved the place, but yes go soon.

You definitely would not want to go in the hot season (May/June/Jul/Aug from memory), it was quite hot enough when I went.

Agree you must do Ballooning. My other piece of advice would be to take your time in Bagan. Sure you can do most of the temples in a day or so, but the sunrises/sunsets are amazing and different every day, the sites are great but trying to cram into a short period mean you will need to see a lot in the heat of the day.

So pattern for me would be, get up early for sunrise (or ballooning), spend the heat of the day in your (or any) hotel pool, enjoy nice lunch somewhere then venture out post 3:30 for some sightseeing and sunset somewhere. I spent 5 days in Bagan and felt taking it slow really let me enjoy the place.

Not so true of anywhere else, except Ngapali which I also loved.