Singaporean businessmen are expected to make more investment in Myanmar’s hotel and tourism sector, local media reported Saturday.A 15-member delegation of International Enterprise Singapore Business Department Trip to Myanmar, led by Group Director Southeast Asia Group Tan Soon Kin, held discussions with officials of Myanmar’s Ministry of Hotels and Tourism in the second week of this month, said the Biweekly Eleven News.

Singapore is the biggest foreign investor in Myanmar’s hotel and tourism industry, running the Sedona Hotel and Park Royal Hotel in Yangon and the Sedona Hotel in Mandalay.
Other major foreign investors in the country’s hotel and tourism industry come from Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Britain.

According to the report, the United States and other countries are also keen to invest due to the bright prospects in Myanmar’s hotel and tourism industry.
At present, Myanmar has 22 foreign-invested hotels, nine government-owned hotels and 678 private hotels, in addition to 11 Hotel Zones in regions where tourists visit frequently.

To create more job opportunities for the local people, the Myanmar government is also keen to encourage both foreign and local investment in the hotel and tourism sector.
The government is expecting to launch more than 50 hotels across the country over the next 2 yrs.

1. Shwedagon Pagoda – Golden Pagoda
It would be a big mistake if tourists to Myanmar fail to visit the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda, or more famous with the name Golden Pagoda. Aged over 2,500 years old, the pagoda is situated in the Land of Gold of Yangon that has been the most sacred and impressive site for Buddhist believers in Myanmar.
It’s hard to believe but it is true that this enormous construction of 432.8 meters in perimeter and approximately 100 meters high, is totally glittered with gold while the top of the stupa is encrusted with 4531 diamonds.
Shwedagon Pagoda is nothing less than a state-of-the-art heritage of the world in term of not only architecture but also culture and arts. The site is also a complex of colorful temples, stupas, and statues that reflects the architectural era dated back to 2,500 year and even more, where frequent religious activities of monks and Buddhist believers are held every day.

2. Kyaiktiyo Pagoda – The Golden Rock
Golden Rock is undoubtedly amongst the most remarkable places to visit in Yangon, Myanmar. With just few hours travel by bus to the East of the city, you may have chance to contemplate the unbelievable scene of a 25 feet high and 50 feet around gold-leaf covered boulder dragging off dangerously on the edge of a cliff.
Legend has it that the boulder is balancing in the hair of Buddha, which was given to a Buddhist hermit. The hermit was in turn gifted a boulder shaped like his own head and built a small Stupa on its top and used magical power to pull the boulder on the cliff from the ocean, to enshrine the Buddha’s hair for all eternity and pilgrims have flocked to the site ever since.
Legend is still a legend, no one knows whether the worship keeps the boulder from rolling down, Golden Rock is still one of the most attractive site visited by thousands of pilgrim every years.

3. Snake Pagoda
It would takes you months to visit all the pagodas in Myanmar but probably the weirdest one, and the most special pagoda is Snake Pagoda, or called by its official name Yadana Labamuni Hsu-taungpye Paya in Myanmar.
In 1974, three large pythons came to the pagoda and wrapped around a statue of Buddha. Although the monks of the pagodas dutifully carried them back to the jungles, no matter how many times they did so, the pythons would come back. Eventually, the monks regarded those snakes as holy, possibly reincarnated souls of monks who used to tend the pagoda and take care of them faithfully.
Since then, the snakes live happily with monks of the pagoda and visitors that there have never seen anyone got injured by them. Nowadays, although the original pythons have died, tourists may still contemplate it in a taxidermied form, and people from different areas keep donating new ones and all of them are as naive as the former ones.
Besides, the architecture of the pagoda’s interior and breathtaking landscapes of the surrounding areas are all good reasons for pilgrims to visit Snake Pagoda.

4. Ngaphechaung Monastery – Jumping Cat Pagoda
Located on the poetic streams of Inle Lake, on the way to Phaung Daw Pagoda, Ngaphechaung Monastery is among the oldest and biggest monastery in Inle Lake area which was erected during 1850s.
The monastery is an incredible construction of teak wood built on stilts which is famous for a collection of shinning Buddha statues and ancient Buddha images from different areas of Myanmar that are really worth seeing.
Ngaphechaung Monastery is well-known with the name “Jumping Cat Pagoda” thanks to a large number of cats raised and trained by the monks to jump through hoops and play freely with visitors. Someone even compare the monastery with a small circus where main and only actors are adorable cats.

6.  Kalaw (Myanmar)
Backpacked tourists visiting Myanmar with the purpose to contemplate the charming beauty of flowing river running through colorful villages and bamboo groves or to test one’s will against dramatic mountains with a trekking tour may find this place a paradise. More interestingly, the climate of this town seems to be opposed to the rest of the country with pretty cool climate in summer.
Beside breath taking beauty of natural wonders, it is not unreasonable when the world famous Jan Philipp Sendker writer choose this place to compose his novel “Das Herzenhoren” since the town is a great place to relax for a while and enjoy the slow pace of life.
Kalaw is also another colonial town on the suggested list where you may find a numbers of churches such as Christ the King Church and several intact British style buildings. Tudor-styled houses sits amongst English rose garden, making an interesting contrast to the traditional Burmese villages of the surrounding Kalaw.

7. Pyin Oo Lwin (Myanmar)
Pyin Oo Lwin is undoubtedly the most beautiful hill-station in Myanmar, which is situated on the edge of Shan Plateau. Thanks to the lovely location in the high mountain with breath taking landscapes and fresh atmosphere suitable garden villas of Pyrin Oo Lwin, the town was selected by British as a holiday resort during the country’s colonial time.
In the town, there is still a wide array of untouched historical attractions resembling British legacy, including the Purcell Tower at the crossroads. This clock tower was a gift from Queen Victoria as a replica of the tower she gifted Cape Town. Together with the tower, there are still a number of traces of British influences that may give any British tourists a feeling of being home such as The Stage Coaches, the Office Buildings and Private Houses in the British Style of Splendo.

8. Phnom Penh (Cambodia)
Used to be a colonial metropolis that nurture the French Indochinese dream like Vietnam and Laos, Cambodia in general and its capital city specifically, somewhat represent French culture.
The word “somewhat” used here because the trace of colonial era in Phnom Penh is not as significant as that of its Eastern neighbor Vietnam. However, just patrolling around the city can anyone recognize there is still a venue of French-influenced architectural wonders that made a lasting impression on the city’s urbanism even after the nation’s independence in 1954.
From since then, French culture has been remaining an essential part of the local life, especially in the language. In the mother language of Cambodian – Khmer language can we hear and see synonyms with French such as Robinet (tap), robe (dress) and enquête (inquiry), etc. In Phnom Penh, many higher classes and elite or royal families members and high-ranking officials during colonial time and even in this day and age can speak French very fluently, and even learn this language before Khmer.
Going through many up and down, French culture and French language still remain a typical pattern of Phnom Penh. Today, French is still one of the three most popular languages spoken in the city besides English and Chinese.

4. Vientiane – Laos
You may be surprised when reading some brochures or travel guides saying that Vientiane is an ideal place for eco-tourism with relaxed atmosphere to cure anyone bored of the hustle and bustle of city life, since it is the capital city of a country. However, this French influenced city is indeed a truly peaceful place like its descriptions.
The city’s architecture is a subtle combination between colonial French buildings and ancient temples along with colorful markets characterizes Lao’s capital. Here, the strong influence of Western culture can explored through the odd beret-wearing local and the French-infused food at countless restaurants, bakeries and cafes you may pass by. The food is especially noticeable since you might not help craving for croissants and baguettes being sold on Vientiane streets.
French tourists may have a feeling of going along the Champs-Elysees Avenue in their hometown when seeing the Patuxai victory gate in Vientiane. The magnificent untouched relic was erected as a resemblance to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, but used as a war monument dedicated to those who fought in the struggle for independence from France and decorated with a Buddhist principles of “thoughtful amiability, flexibility, honesty, honour and prosperity”.

5. Yangon – Myanmar
Yangon, formerly named as Rangoon is the biggest city in Myanmar. The city was situated on an ancient land aged over 2000 years old Mon City of Dragon on the sides of Yangon River – one of the country’s major port.
Since the country was opened up in mid 1990s, there is a number of modern office and residential towers and hotels have been constructed in the city center, Yangon still seems to be much more leisurely than other big cities in Asia, Here, ones may not see any real skyscrapers like in Bangkok, not so many crowded streets filled with cars while most of constructions of the city are dated back to 50 years ago.
However, the interesting point here is the city possesses more colonial-era buildings than any other city in Southeast Asia. The metropolis of Myanmar still bears strongly the influence of the former colonial era in the layout, which is designed like a chess board and is highlighted by a number of old Victorian buildings surviving in many states of preservation. The result of architectural ambiance of a cosmopolitan 19th century in Yagon is clearer when looking at the city’s automobile traffic and congestion and wide, tree-lined avenues that was constructed on a British colonial grid.

1.  Hanoi – Vietnam 
Although this capital city of Vietnam has gone through many ups and downs along its magnanimous history to become one of the most modern cities in the Southeast Asia, Hanoi still remains the subtle, seductive French – Vietnamese blending, which goes to the deepest corner in every Hanoian’s heart.
From the art, architecture, literature and cuisine to most common items of Hanoian’s daily life like silken fabrics, slow-moving ceiling fans, louvered windows, tamarind trees, lacquer cigarette holders and muddy espresso, all resemble the Paris of Vietnam.However, the most significant evidence of a colonial era in Hanoi that any tourist can easily recognize is the remains of French architecture in top attractions of the city: Long Bien Bridge, Thang Long Old Citadel and Hanoi Opera House, or “Western Street” Phan Dinh Phung where hundreds of wide, tree-lined avenues, grand villas in a hybrid style known as Norman Pagoda and a scaled-down replica of the Opera Garnier in Paris has been a spotlight of Hanoi’s architecture for century.
Coming to Hanoi to feel the very French ambiance in the very heart of Vietnam through every old house and street you may see, every voice of the local you may hear and every food you may try.

2. Hai Phong – Vietnam
Hai Phong is a beautiful coastal city in the North of Vietnam with its unique urbanism with magnificent seaport expanding deep into the land; long street of arched-roof houses lying on the riverside; lush green public garden bound by poetic of a complex river system and especially, the specific, elegant and strong present of French architecture in the heart of the city that make Hai Phong stand out of other cities in term of spectacular architecture.
At present, Hai Phong still preserve a number of intact colonial constructions and Hồng Bàng District is a perfect representative. Here, there is a venue of beautiful untouched colonial houses and villas dated back to 100 years ago, standing silently on uncrowded, clean and narrow streets decorated with lush green trees and colourful flower that may bring visitors full of admiration and relaxing moment for a walk.

3. Luang Prabang – Laos
Luang Prabang is a French influenced town on a peninsula between Mekong River and Nam Khan River. The banks of the two rivers are line with mountains covered with lush vegetation that create a purely charming town.Although the town has gone through countless changes since the day it was liberated from the domination of French colonist, Luang Prabang’s architecture still bear a strong French and Indochinese blending.
Here, many luxurious French building has been converted to cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. Thanks to a great appreciation of French cuisine of the locals, ones may not need to put too much effort to find a delicious baguette in any restaurant or café in town, add that to the delicious coffee Laos is famous for and your set for any meal and snack.Coming to Luang Prabang, you may also notice that Petanque – the “national spirit” of Laos is played everywhere from small playground and roadside to outdoor precinct inside restaurants or bars, by every local person, from elders to kids, men to women. If one have chance to visit Luang Prabang, don’t forget to try this colonial originated sport to receive hilarious experience in the town.

Myanmar aims to restore a stretch of the infamous “Death Railway” to Thailand which was initially built by Japanese-held prisoners of war, the minister in charge of the scheme says.
The railway was immortalised in the Oscar-winning film “The Bridge on the River Kwai” which showed the dreadful working conditions endured by tens of thousands of POWs who built the track during World War II.
A feasibility study on the 105-kilometre (65-mile) stretch running from Myanmar’s “Three Pagodas Pass” area to Thailand is scheduled to begin in October, Railway Minister Aung Min said.
“We will reopen this (rail)road. The other countries said they would also help us and we will continue working for it,” Aung Min said after peace talks with ethnic Shan rebels.
“We will do a survey and try to start working after the rainy season with the help of the international community.”
Long isolated under decades of army-rule, Myanmar has embarked on a rapid series of political and economic reforms under President Thein Sein, including moves to better relations with its neighbours.
The railway would provide a much-needed economic shot in the arm for the impoverished area, which is home to Myanmar’s rebellious Karen ethnic group, by boosting trade with Thailand and attracting tourists. Karen rebels signed a ceasefire with the government in January, a major breakthrough towards ending the long-running insurgency.
Built by the Japanese between 1942 and 1943 to shuttle supplies from Thailand into Myanmar, then called Burma, along a route that engineers had long considered impossible, the rail link was destroyed by Allied bombers in 1945.
Some 13,000 POWs succumbed to abuse, malnutrition and disease during the 14 months it took to carve the 424-kilometre (263-mile) railway through dense jungles and mountains, under orders from their Japanese captors.
It is also estimated that 80,000 to 100,000 Asian civilians, who were also used as forced labour, perished in the railway’s construction but most of their remains have no known markers or graves.

Siem Reap continues to bask in the glory of being a hip new destination in its own right, emerging from the shadow of the Angkor monuments.
Humble little Temple Town has starred in the 2012 Top 25 Travelers’ Choice World Destinations, which is “based on millions of valuable reviews and opinions from TripAdvisor travelers.”

Siem Reap has been rated as the ninth best travel spot in the world in the top 25 listing. It is the only regional destination to rate in the Top 25, so tough luck to Luang Prabang,  Phuket, Samui, Singapore, Vietnam’s Central Coast, Poipet  et al.

Meanwhile Siem Reap’s host nation, Cambodia, has also been getting gongs and “appears to be on the rise as an emerging destination among luxe travelers.” 
This is according to the 2012 Virtuoso Luxe Report.  It ranks Cambodia as number three in its five most popular emerging destinations listing.
The report notes this means “those on the cusp of becoming popular, either for the first time or all over again in 2012.”
Cuba and Vietnam topped the list.
Cambodia didn’t even crack it for the top ten in the same category in last year’s report, and Virtuosos comments, “If these results are anything to go by, intrepid luxe hoteliers who have ventured into the Southeast Asian nation will benefit from an increasing interest among high-end travelers hungry for something different.”
The report adds, “Major players are already making their moves.  Park Hyatt for instance is taking over management of the high-end Hotel de la Paix in Siem Reap.”
But one list that perhaps Siem Reap doesn’t want star rating is the ‘drugs-readily-available’ drug tourism list.
In March, The Atlantic in the US published a feature article exploring the “High Lands” where drug tourism is featured.
Writer Eve Turow said, “In Siem Reap, Cambodia, streets are lined with pizza joints baking marijuana under melted bubbling cheese. The establishments are named ‘Happy Special Pizza,’ ‘Happy Herb Pizza,’ ‘Happy Angkor Pizza,’ and ‘Ecstatic Pizza,’ available ‘with added herb or not.’ As a result, finding a way to get high is as easy as placing an order and saying ‘make it happy, please’.”
Source – phnompenhpost

The Vietnam National Flag Carrier (Vietnam Airlines) on May 16 has introduced two new promotions on domestic market namely “Family pack” and “One price pack”. 
These promotions apply for all passengers purchasing and departing from now to October 27 (not include National Day September 2 and some rush periods), thus saving up to 46% compared to the normal price. 

With “Family pack”, passengers (from 18 years old) acquiring one ticket for economy class on flights between Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh city and Da Nang locations are gifted one free ticket for under 12-aged children on the same flights. 

Meanwhile, passengers can buy “One price pack” with 1,550,000 VND for Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh city route (VN1169, VN1171, VN1148, VN1166); and 1,000,000 VND for Ho Chi Minh city – Da Nang route (VN1330, VN1329).

These one – way prices are not include taxes, surcharges and can be changed beyond Bank interest rates at the time of delivering tickets. Each passenger is not allowed to use these two promotions at the same time. 

This program is an annual activity to diversify prices in all routes operated by the Carrier, encouraging passengers to pre-book, as well as opening more options for them while traveling by air. 

On these flights, VNA still provides full business classes and other flexible prices for passengers. 
Detailed information can be found at www.vietnamairlines.com, or available at VNA offices nationwide

Shwedagon – Burma	Halong – Vietnam	Mai Chau – Vietnam

{tab=Overview}

Impressive Myanmar Biking is one of the most exciting adventure tours that reveals the real life of Burmese. From Yangon to Mandalay and Bagan, you are to experience the highlights of culture, spectacular landscapes and obviously smiling welcomes.

TRIP IN BRIEF:

Tour type: private tour – can be customized 
Trip Duration: 09 days 08 nights
Tour Operates: Year Round / Upon Request
Start: Yangon       Finish: Yangon
Flights: 02 domestic flights                                                  Activities: Biking/ sightseeing

PRICE FOR MYANMAR IMPRESSIVE BIKING TOUR

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Day 01: Yangon Arrival
Upon arrival, Myanmar Tours will welcome you for yoru hotel transfer.Your very first experience in Myanmar will be started with a visit to giant reclining Buddha, followed by an inspirational time by Shwedagon complex. The pagoda of Shwedagon dated back to VI centuries and legends and history of religions as well its marvelous architecture. Nowadays, the pagoda dominates the sky line of the city with its golden lights and sacred stupas.Enjoy your dinner in one of the finest restaurant in town.

Day 02: Yangon – Twante – Yangon 
Today, we cycle out of the city to behold the scenic landscape along Yangon river and the country side of Tala which is located by the other bank of the city.Our highlights on this biking trail focuses on the intimate interaction with local people, learning how they make mushroom, planting rice and fishing.

Day 03: Yangon – Bagan biking
Boarding a morning flight to Bagan in the morning. After checking our gears, we kick off to Taungbila village and Nyaung U market. Our guide will be active to show you the local lifestyle, traditional lacquer ware producing.Our cycling time continues with visits to Shwedagon, Ananda temples and concludes in Shwe Sandaw, the second highest temple peak in Bagan offering great panorama of some 2500 pagodas in Bagan.Dinner with traditional puppet show.

Day 04: Bagan discovery
Having breakfast in your hotel, set out to explore the most outstanding monuments of Bagan and remote villages. Manuha and Myinkabar villages bring you opportunity to mingle with local villagers, witnessing their traditional work of weaving, making peanut oil and cultivating vegetation.Stop your bike in Bagan jetty for an awesome sunset cruise on Irrawaddy River.

Day 05: Bagan – Mandalay Cycling
Take a morning flight from Bagan to Mandalay – the ancient capital of Myanmar. Hop on your bikes for a green trail full of original landscapes combining palm forests, rustic villages, peaceful pagodas, incredible mountain and river views… all are inclusive for your biking today. Picnic lunch will be served by our staff with traditional Burmese cuisine.

Day 06: Mandalay city on pedal
Mandalay is an exotically beautiful destination, home to thousands of monks, hundreds of pagodas, numerous of historic site and plentiful of wonderful sightseeing points.As we rise up early, we will head to local market to learn the difference of local trading ways. Our biking will takes us traditional workshops where carpets, gold leaves are produced. This afternoon, we will uncover the history of Mandalay, starting from Shwenandaw Monastery to Kuthodaw pagoda and Imperial Palace.

Day 07: Mingun – Sagaing – U Bein
Our car will carry you to Kyun Jetter for a pleasant boat ride to Mingun, disembark your bikes to pedal along the river, discovering the mystery of incomplete wall and surrounding attractions.On the ride from Mingun to Sagaing, you will encounter many monks and nats as well Buddhism university.Beautiful sunset by Ubein bridge will be a wondrous conclusion for your biking day today.

Day 08: Mandalay – Yangon
The day is at your leisure to discover the city until our driver picks you up for the flight back to Yangon.A shopping time in Scott market followed by an interesting stroll in Kandawgyi Lake features a perfect relaxation for your day.

Day 09: Yangon departure
Rest at leisure until you take the flight back home.Our guide will see you off with souvenir from Myanmar Biking Tour !
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The price for Impressive Myanmar Biking in 2015 – 2016

The price is in US  dollar  and based on double/ twin sharing room with hotel options of 3 star rating.
Surcharge may be applicable on Peak days such as Christmas Eve and New Year time 2015.

YANGON, 15 May 2012: Tour operators and foreign-owned hotels are in a standoff over soaring hotel rates that skyrocketed almost 300% and threaten the country’s long-term tourism prospects.The initial report on the dispute was reported by the Myanmar Times, but there has been evidence for some time, since the country started to open to investors, that hotels were taking advantage and trebling rates.Representatives of Yangon’s foreign-owned hotel attended  a meeting chaired by the Myanmar Hotels and Tourism deputy minister, U Htay Aung, but it ended with no conclusion.

YangonRoom rate for international standard hotels in Yangon have shot up by around 300%, according to tour operators who monitor net rates they are given on volume business.There are just too many business visitors flocking to the country in a kind of gold rush to grab business opportunities as the country’s opens to democracy and sanctions are removed by the international community.It has sparked off a reaction by hotels in Yangon, mostly owned by foreign companies. They are refusing to honour contracted rates to tour operators based on an estimated production of bookings.

Tour operators identified what they called the offenders, who they alleged failed to honour contracted rates. They are: Traders Hotel Yangon, Sedona Hotel Yangon, Parkroyal Yangon Hotel and Chatrium Hotel Yangon.Tour operators claim they signed annual contracts on fixed rates based on volume and hotels are now cancelling them or demanding tour operators accept a much higher rate.
“You can raise the price when negotiating a contract, but don’t change the contract price later on. “In future, Myanmar will become a great tourist destination so we should cooperate and negotiate with each other now on these matters” said Tour Mandalay chairman, U Khin Zaw. He alleged: “Sedona and Parkroyal are refusing to take bookings from agents for the rest of the year and Chatrium Hotel cancelled a contract 5 April that was signed 2 March and contract room rates at Traders Hotel rose US$78 last year to $242 this year.

All Asia Exclusive Travel managing director, U Phyoe Wai Yarzar said it was important for the industry that room rates were stable.Myanmar Hotels International’s (manages Inya Lake Hotel) managing director, Sukhdeep Singh, acknowledged that hotel owners were driving the room rate increases.
“The increases are very high,” Mr Singh said. “We do want to give contracts to tour operators … I promise that I will keep your suggestions but of course I am not the right person to solve this. We are not the owners of this hotel.”Many of the hotels are owned by Singaporean or Malaysian hotel companies that are now adopting opportunist policies to cash in the current rise in business travel.

Representatives from hotels said “foreigners exploring for investment opportunities were driving the increase and they were already receiving bookings for 2013. Parkroyal Hotel general manager, Rum Nurani said his hotel was simply responding to demand from a “new market” that wanted “comfortable accommodation”.

THE tourism industry’s pricing war – which has operators and hoteliers at loggerheads over soaring hotel room rates – is damaging the industry’s reputation, industry experts say.
The influx of foreign visitors over the past six months – not only tourists but also foreign dignitaries and business people – has exacerbated a shortage in quality accommodation. This shortage is most acute in Yangon, which has only a handful of international-standard hotels, but is an issue at all major tourist destinations.
While many foreign and local businesses are exploring opportunities to invest in hotels, new projects are not expected to be up and running for several years.
In response to the shortage, mid-range and high-end hotels have increased room rates by as much as 300 percent, refusing to pre-negotiate rates with agents for package travelers and failing to honour contracts with agents, industry sources say.

U Khin Maung Yin, a director of the Myanmar Tourism Board, told The Myanmar Times that pricing issues were causing headaches for agents and their clients and damaging the country’s reputation as a tourism destination.
He said the board had been trying to broker a solution between hoteliers and agents but could not force hotels to change their policy. However, stakeholders were unable to reach an agreement at an April 28 industry meeting.
“We don’t have the authority to fix prices – not even the Ministry [of Hotels and Tourism] can do that. But this issue is not good for the tourism industry and needs to be resolved soon,” said U Khin Maung Yin, who is also managing director of Andaman Resort.

“We have already developed a reputation as being the most expensive travel destination in Southeast Asia. Everyone in this tourism industry should think about whether we want this reputation or whether we can adjust prices so they are comparable with neighbouring countries.”
U Tin Tun Aung, secretary of the Union of Myanmar Travel Association (UMTA) and owner of Thingazar Travel and Tours, said travel agents were increasingly nervous about signing contracts with hotels because they were unsure whether they would be honoured.

“Normally, we sign a contract with the hotel for every package. But now they are changing the contract price, increasing it by two or three times,” he said.
“We confirm the price with the clients four months before the visit but now hoteliers are raising room charges immediately before the visit. How can we ask the clients to pay more in this situation?
“We have no idea if a room that is $70 will suddenly become $250 when our client arrives.”
Daw Kaythi Naing, managing director of Yuzana Garden Hotel, said it was widely known that some hotels were breaking contracts with agents.
“Some hotels are refusing to agree rates for packages. That’s why we are seeing conflict between hotels and tour operators.”
She said operating costs had increased but not enough to justify large increases.
“If the demand continues to rise prices will keep going up. We also increased prices about 50pc over the past 12 months but on the other hands, we also did major renovations and increased the salaries of our staff.”
But U Kyaw Htun, secretary of the Myanmar Hoteliers Association (MHA), said travel agents had benefited during the tourism industry’s lean years when they had the upper hand in negotiating room rates for packages.
He said the rate increases were the result of a lack of investment in new hotels over the past decade and sudden growth in demand.
“When we look back at the last 10 years for the tourism industry, it was not in a very good situation most of the time. Hotels did not have full rooms. During this time, hoteliers and tour operators adjusted the charges and sometimes we gave them discounts. Shareholders don’t get much profit from their hotel investment. So I think we should not blame either side for what is happening now,” he said.

Daw Lwin Mar Aung, public relations manager from Traders Hotel, said the increases were “just business”.
“We can’t have constant room rates, it will change depending on demand, so we don’t make contracts with every [tourism] agency. We are also giving more priority to online booking,” she said. “Agents also seem to think that we don’t want to sell bookings to them but actually we don’t have rooms left – all [of them] are full.”
Ma Tin Zar Myat Mon, communications manager at Chatrium Hotel, declined to comment when contacted by The Myanmar Times last week, saying only that the issue was “difficult to discuss”.
Nevertheless, the pricing dispute comes at an awkward time, with interest in the country increasing dramatically and many industry publications listing Myanmar among their “must-see” destinations.
“It will be a big problem if Myanmar cannot meet demand,” said Mr Jimmy Liu, managing director of Sydney-based China Bestours, which offers packages to Myanmar in cooperation with Pearl Nadi Travel and Tours in Pazundaung township.
“Of course, tourists really love to visit whatever the price but generally they still compare [prices] with neighbouring countries. At the end, when they compare the quality, the price, the costs, Myanmar is not in their top list,” he said.

Myanmar becomes a hot destination in Asia since the country opens its doors. Therefore, there is no doubt that there are more and more travelers wants to feed their curiosity about the country, especially in the winter time which is a sunny tropical period of Burma.

As the country is locked for long time, the basic infrastructure for tourism in general is not really good and very limited. The number of luxury hotels and cruises are countable in your hand for every single destinations. Besides, the changes that the government just made does not have direct effects, it takes few months or even a year to build new hotels, buying new cars.

Since the beginning of 2012, all the travel services has become more and more expensive and we lost our chance to bargain or seek for discounts from hoteliers, airlines, services suppliers.

Myanmar Tours ( www.myanmartours.asia) , a tailor made travel agency based in Yangon with offices in Vietnam, Cambodia and representatives in Laos suggests you to book for your Myanmar holiday in advance for following reasons:

1. Hotels do not accept reservations without paying months in advance whereas all the rooms are more expensive. Bookings that are done in 2012 will not be more expensive for 2013.

2. Feel less hassle, meet less difficulty. At Myanmar Tours, we believe that in winter it is very hard to book a flight from Yangon to Bagan if you go directly to the airline counter or even book it 1 week in advance.

3. Be active with your trip. If you book a tour with a travel agency, you will see that you will assisted all the time by local staff and they offer you flexibility that creates activeness for your trip.

The President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, U Thein Sein, has announced the country will initiate the process of restoring its membership of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). The decision was confirmed during an official visit of UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai. On the occasion, highlighting the role of tourism in the future of Myanmar, President Sein joined the UNWTO/WTTC Global Leaders for Tourism Campaign (Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, May 7, 2012).

“Tourism is a major sector of the economy not only for Myanmar but also for all countries around the world. It brings benefits to a country, boosts its economy, and create employment opportunities,” said President Sein, “We, therefore, request that our membership of UNWTO be restored so that we can obtain the relevant knowledge to further promote and develop our tourism sector.”

Meeting with President Sein, Mr. Rifai assured him that UNWTO stood ready to support Myanmar in taking full advantage of its “tremendous tourism potential.”
“Myanmar is a country abundant in natural and cultural resources, the foundation of any tourism sector,” said Mr. Rifai, “Following talks with the Minister of Hotels, Tourism and Sport, U Tint San, UNWTO will lend its expertise in a number of areas, ranging from capacity-building to sustainable tourism practices and travel facilitation, to responsibly develop tourism for the benefit of all.”

During his visit, Mr. Rifai, presented President Sein with an Open Letter from UNWTO and the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) on the importance of tourism to global growth and development. Accepting the Letter, President Sein stated that “tourism should be considered a ‘smokeless industry’” and one that “boosts growth, creates job opportunities, conserves the environment, and helps to maintain traditional arts and crafts.”

“Given the political support for tourism demonstrated today, Myanmar is set to significantly enhance its tourism sector over the coming years,” said Mr. Rifai, “At the same time, the international community has been greatly encouraged by recent reforms in Myanmar, and this will no doubt be reflected in an increasing numbers of tourists. These tourists will quickly prove a vital source of jobs and economic growth, helping to secure the country’s future prosperity. UNWTO is 100 percent committed to supporting Myanmar, to make sure that its tourism development is a success story.”

David Scowsill, President and CEO, WTTC said: “I am pleased that the significance of the travel and tourism industry is increasingly being recognized by Myanmar. With its rich eco-diversity, natural, and cultural heritage together with a commitment to responsible tourism, Myanmar is increasingly harnessing its travel and tourism potential. In 2011, the industry contributed MMK1435.4 bn to the GDP of the economy and contributed 726,500 jobs. By joining this global movement of heads of state and government through this signing of the Open Letter, the President demonstrates his commitment to support the growth and development of its travel and tourism industry.”

According to UNWTO’s long-term forecast, Tourism Towards 2030, international tourist arrivals to Asia and the Pacific will increase from 204 million in 2010 to 535 million in 2030. South Asia will be the fastest growing sub-region in the world, growing 6 percent a year. “Asia and the Pacific is the future powerhouse of global tourism, and Myanmar is in a strategic position to receive a significant share of these arrivals,” said Mr. Rifai.

For anyone planning a trip to Yangon soon – start saving.
Hotel rates in the once-reclusive Southeast Asian nation have continued to shoot up in the past few months, largely due to sweeping political and economic reforms initiated by Myanmar’s government that have enticed investors and tourists to Yangon. Many economists fear the jump in rates could be one of the first signs of broader inflation as Myanmar’s economy opens up more to the outside world.
There are few hotels in Yangon that currently cater to international business travelers, a result of decades of heavy economic sanctions and Myanmar’s limited appeal to investors. But following high-profile visits of politicians and large business delegations recently from Japan, Singapore and elsewhere, some tour operators are finding it hard to locate inexpensive rooms for their clients, with room rates at some hotels increasing by as much as 200% in recent months.
“As we are just in from the cold and [a] tsunami of visitors is pouring in, demand [is] so high!” said Maung Maung Lay, a member of the executive committee of the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry. He added that lower-end hotels, too, were benefiting from the influx of visitors and noted that many tourists and business leaders have expressed dissatisfaction at the high rates.
Yangon’s Traders Hotel, for example, now offers rooms starting at about US$220 a night, according to its website. Part of the Shangri-La Group of hotels, the centrally-located landmark hotel was offering rooms for as low as US$80 a night before the latest reforms in Myanmar.
According to the most recently-available statistics from the country’s Ministry of Tourism and Hotels, Yangon has about 181 hotels, compared to almost 700 in Bangkok. According to a report in the Myanmar Times, tourists and tour operators feel the most-squeezed from the recent hike in room rates, as many hotels are raising rates with business travelers – who tend to travel on expense accounts – in mind.Some local business leaders say the new rates aren’t particularly shocking, since hotel rooms in Myanmar have largely remained much lower than similar properties in other Southeast Asian cities over the last decade.
“We’ve enjoyed relatively low rates in the past decades… it simply depends on demand and supply,” said Nay Zin Latt, an official at the Myanmar Hotelier Association. “At the moment, the market is a bit distorted.” Mr. Nay Zin Latt added that his organization will try to ensure rates stay comparable to international rates for four-star hotels, though he didn’t elaborate on steps the association could take.
Business leaders in Yangon say that four star hotels are the most highly sought after, and that they have encouraged hotels to stabilize their prices for the rest of the year to avoid more inflation. Representatives from prominent hotels in Yangon, including the Traders Hotel and Parkroyal, were not immediately available for comment.
For international hotel groups, of course, the surge in prices is great news, especially after many suffered through low occupancy rates over the past decade. Mr. Nay Zin Latt noted that many hotels are now eager to set up shop in Yangon, and his association recently hosted a group from Singapore keen on exploring tourism opportunities in the country.
A number of U.S.-based hotel chains have also expressed interest in expanding into Myanmar, though they are still restricted by American sanctions that block most U.S. investments in the country. U.S. officials have signaled they intend to ease those sanctions if Myanmar’s reforms continue.
“Myanmar potentially represents a unique and fascinating travel destination,” said a spokesman from Marriott International in a recent interview. “However, we’re not involved in development projects there and current U.S. government regulations make it unlikely that we would be able to pursue such projects there at this time.”
Other hotel groups have said they are still looking out for the best local partners to team up with in Yangon – a process they said will take time, which means the high rates could be around for a long time to come.

PHNOM PENH, April 30 (Xinhua) — Cambodia is conducting a new research with foreign experts on conservation of the Irrawaddy dolphin in the Mekong River, both in Cambodia and the trans- boundary dolphin population shared with Laos, the World Wildlife Fund said in a statement released Monday.
The research, scheduled for late April until the end of May, is conducted by the Commission for Dolphin Conservation and Development of Mekong River Dolphin Ecotourism Zone, the Fisheries Administration of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and WWF.
Carried out in collaboration with experts from US-based National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the researchers will remotely collect tissue samples from three free- swimming dolphins in the Mekong.
When conducted carefully by experienced researchers, biopsy sampling can be done safely and effectively, and is considered a standard dolphin research technique worldwide.
“We will dart the dolphins at about 15 meters distance using specially prepared biopsy darts. The darts are designed to protect the animals and cannot pierce beyond their thick blubber layer. Only a tiny amount of tissue is collected, but it is enough to provide a wealth of important information,” said Dr. Robert Pitman, research team leader with NOAA.
The collection of biopsy samples from the Mekong Irrawaddy dolphin sub-population is very important to address questions regarding sex and reproductive state, population and social structure, and contaminant levels.
“The information we obtain from this research is very valuable and will provide us with a better understanding about this iconic animal in order to determine proper conservation measures to conserve the remaining population from going extinct, and increase its number,” said Touch Seang Tana, chairman of the Commission for Dolphin Conservation and Development of Mekong River Dolphin Ecotourism Zone.
The population of Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong is ranked as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List, CITES Appendix 1, the highest international forms of threat ranking for endangered species, and is listed in Cambodia’s sub decree on identification of Endangered Fisheries Resources.
The latest population estimate by WWF suggests fewer than 100 adult individuals remain in the river, and that the survival rate of dolphin calves is very low. There is evidence to suggest this population is in danger of extinction.
Nao Thuok, director general of Fisheries Administration said the results of the research will provide valuable information to assist the Fisheries Administration to develop appropriate management responses to conserve this valuable species.
Entanglement in gill nets is recognized as the leading cause of death in adult dolphins.
Gill net fishing will be banned within core dolphin habitat zones by the Cambodian government’s new sub decree, due to take effect shortly. The cause of high levels of calf mortality however, remains unclear, and it is hoped that this biopsy survey work will help provide clues.
“We believe that conservation actions implemented by the Dolphin Commission, Fisheries Administration and WWF will provide a clearer understanding of the population and causes of calf mortality,” said Seng Teak, director of WWF-Cambodia.

1. Governor Residence in Yangon
A romantic, colonial-style mansion dating from the 1920s, The Governor’s Residence is redolent of the days when it was home to the ruler of Burma’s southern states.The hotel brings you a true feeling of luxury with perfect personalized services, imperial style rooms and beautiful swimming pool.Our recommendation: enjoy an alfresco dinner by the pool with Governor Residence picked wine.

2. Aureum Palace Resort in Bagan
Your experience in this hotel is really unrivaled in Bagan. There is no better place to enjoy the panoramic sunset of Bagan than sitting on Bagan tower ( part of Aureum Hotel) and relax by the inspirational swimming pool where the water reflects impressively the pagoda spires …Aureum Palace provides fantastic dining experience, specially with cultural show or puppetry.Besides, there is no doubt that you will enjoy the spa and hotel`s facilities as they ranks second to none in the area.

3. Inle Princess Resort in Inlay Lake
Lying on the eastern bank of Inle Lake, Inle Princess is outstanding with its distinctive architecture deriving from the traditions and culture of Shan and Intha people.
With 45 chalets including lake view and mountain view, the resort ensure your memorable experience with many modern facilities that reflecting perfectly the comfort and luxury signature of Burma

4. Red Canal Resort – Mandalay
If you are looking for a cozy ambiance, serene stay and comfortable beds in boutique style in Mandalay, Red Canal should be your priority. Personally, we are really impressed by their endless hospitality, distinguished decoration on each room, slavish dining area and cool swimming pool.
The reviews of this hotels on famous travel forums will provide you the best reference of their uncompromising enjoyable service.

To be continued…

If you are seeking for a boat to dive in Mergui, perfectly suit for 8 people, Sea Horse is your perfect choice.Being fully equipped for diving, Sea Horse also brings you a nice experience for Burmese cuisine on boat.

{tab=Cruise Introduction} Sea Horse Cruise is designed for adventures and diving trip to Mergui Archipelago.
Guests will find comfortable accommodation 4 air conditioned private twin berth cabins. Sea Horse is equipped with a covered dining area, upper half covered sundeck, toilet & shower. The dive station features an equipment area, diving platform with additional showers, fully stocked medical kit, oxygen and compressor.
Hospitable staff and tasty Burmese, Thai cuisines make Sea Horse boat outstanding among the choice for a diving safari in Mergui.

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All Cruises to Mergui Archipelogo are private charttered.

We highly recommend you to contact us for all the availabilities and cruising time.

TOKYO, April 11 (Reuters) – All Nippon Airways (ANA) Co , Japan’s biggest airline by passenger numbers, said on Wednesday it will resume regular flights to Myanmar for the first time in 12 years, as the two countries deepen economic and political ties with Myanmar’s emergence from decades of isolation.
Historic by-elections this month brought landslide victories for Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and her opposition party, prompting moves to relax sanctions and increasing interest in the Southeast Asian country as a travel destination.
“We are making preparations to be able to start flights as soon as possible,” ANA President Shinichiro Ito told a regular news conference. He said the airline was considering direct flights between Tokyo’s Narita airport and Yangon.
Myanmar could become an important market with its population of more than 60 million and an abundance of Buddhist relics to attract Japanese tourists, Ito added.
Demand for air travel to Myanmar is increasing along with rising interest in industrial projects and market research, he said, although it has mostly been served up to now by flights via Bangkok and Singapore.
Myanmar was in the grip of military rule for decades, but in the past year the nation’s new and nominally civilian government began implementing political reforms and re-engaging internationally.
Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy won 43 of 45 seats contested in by-elections on April 1, dealing a major blow to the ruling military-backed party which still dominates parliament.
Japan’s foreign minister agreed in December to begin talks with Myanmar on forming an investment pact, helping to spark moves by several Japanese firms.
The Tokyo Stock Exchange and Daiwa Securities Group announced plans on Wednesday to help Myanmar set up a securities exchange as the resource-rich nation hunts for foreign investors.
Japan’s second-biggest bank, Mizuho Corporate Bank, opened an office in Myanmar last Friday in expectation of increasing foreign investment, and Japanese convenience store chain Lawson Inc is also planning a move there.
(Writing by Chang-Ran Kim and James Topham; Editing by Chris Gallagher and Edmund Klamann)

KHAYIN KHWA, Myanmar — The beaches of the Mergui Archipelago here in southern Myanmar are postcard perfect, easily fulfilling the clichés of a tropical paradise: ribbons of white sand glow in the bright sun, all framed by the azure waters of a coral-filled sea. A vast majority of the 800 islands here are also something else: empty.
In a part of the world otherwise packed with humanity, a visitor can travel an entire afternoon in a wooden boat weaving among uninhabited islands and see only a handful of fishermen in dugout canoes trolling for squid.
As Myanmar opens up to the world, the Mergui Archipelago could become the next frontier for Asian tourism.
But it is not a project for tomorrow. Even as Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, leaves behind decades of military rule, the archipelago remains paradise in a police state.
The few dozen tourists who visit the area each month are closely monitored. Eight copies of their passports are made and distributed to various elements of the authorities, including the military intelligence service and the Special Branch of the police, two bodies that during the rule of the military junta were tasked with tracking down enemies of the state.
The reasons for the security precautions are unclear. A former officer in the Burmese military says the government wants to cover up a massacre that took place on one of the islands.
U Phone Win, a businessman who owns an island in the archipelago and hopes to purchase a small cruise ship to take visitors around the area, says tight security is a pretext by shady interests seeking to protect their illegal fishing, logging and smuggling businesses.
“If Myanmar could develop these islands, they could receive millions of tourists,” Mr. Phone Win said. “But some of the authorities are trying to monopolize the area to make money for their own benefit.”
“They are trying to control the area,” he said. “There’s a lot of corruption.”
Despite a campaign to promote tourism in other parts of the country, getting to the Mergui Archipelago can stump even the most dedicated and experienced adventure travelers.
With rare exceptions, foreign visitors are required to get prior approval from the country’s capital, Naypyidaw, a process that can take several weeks, if permission is granted at all. Upon arrival, visitors are charged vague “access fees” equivalent to upward of $100.
Most of the time, visitors are allowed to travel only on expensive, government-approved chartered boats. The government first allowed this kind of travel in 1997 but required that a soldier with a firearm be on board at all times.
That rule has since changed. “All the guests complained,” said U Ko Pai, who guides foreign divers in the archipelago. Today, the boats must still have a government-approved guide.
Myanmar’s president, U Thein Sein, has pushed through a raft of political and economic changes during his 12 months in office. But those changes have not trickled down to local officials here, says Mr. Ko Pai.
“At the moment, the changes are on the top floors,” Mr. Ko Pai said in an interview. “At lower levels, not many things are changing yet.”
Mr. Phone Win, the investor, says anyone interested in setting up a tourism business in the archipelago must reckon with a thicket of government restrictions and bans. Basic communications equipment like radios and satellite phones are not allowed without a license, and getting one is “very difficult,” he said. The government does not allow access to the area by private planes with pontoons, which could help serve some of the more remote islands.
A handful of islands are off-limits altogether, including some with military bases.
U Aung Lynn Htut, a former major in the Burmese military, says the military has something to hide.
He says he was involved in a military operation ordered by the country’s former dictator, U Than Shwe: a massacre on Christie Island, at the southern edge of the archipelago, in 1998.
Fifty-nine people were killed, including women and children, said Mr. Aung Lynn Htut, who defected to the United States in 2005.
The top military brass were after insurgents smuggling weapons, but the people executed by soldiers were civilians who had come to the island to collect firewood, Mr. Aung Lynn Htut said by e-mail.
Mr. Aung Lynn Htut’s account was partly published last year in The Irrawaddy, a magazine that covers news about Myanmar.

After a four-year absence from the route, Qatar Airways will resume operations to Myanmar in October.

The national carrier will also fly to two destinations in Iraq – Erbil (from May 23) and Baghdad (from June 7), Qatar Airways Group CEO Akbar al-Baker said in Dubai yesterday.Qatar Airways flights to Yangon will again take off on October 3.“With political reform taking place in Myanmar at a rapid pace, the interest in the South East Asian country has gathered momentum, both from a business and tourism perspective,” al-Baker said at a press conference on the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Mart in Dubai.
The airline will launch flights to Kilimanjaro, its second gateway in Tanzania via Nairobi from July 25.Beginning August 15, the airline will introduce its third destination in Africa – Mombasa in Kenya.
The airline’s another key route that will come online in the next few months will be Perth in Australia, from July 3. To begin with, Perth will be connected to Doha three times a week, but will go daily at the peak of the holiday season in December.Starting May 9, the airline’s European expansion continues with daily flights to the Croatian capital, Zagreb, operating via Budapest. Further route launches are planned to Belgrade (Serbia), Helsinki and Zanzibar (Tanzania). In line with the airline’s strategy to increase frequency on existing routes to offer passengers more choice, Qatar Airways is also stepping up capacity to selected destinations in phases.

In Asia, the Kuala Lumpur route will be served three-times daily from September, up from the recently-expanded capacity of 17 flights each week.In Europe, the Doha-Milan route will be upgraded to double daily this month from the current 11 a week.In December, the Doha-Paris route will have an additional two flights taking frequency up to 18 services a week.In the Middle East, three routes will benefit from additional capacity.
Kuwait last month saw the introduction of a new daily flight taking frequency up to 49 services each week. From June, an extra seven flights will be operated on the route taking capacity up to 56 services – eight daily round-trip flights every week. Also in June, the Doha-Abu Dhabi route will go up to 42 flights each week with the introduction of a new daily service offering in total six daily flights.
Having introduced two extra weekly flights on the Doha-Cairo route last month to take frequency up to 11 each week, capacity will be stepped up further next month with the addition of one extra flight a week.And in Africa, more capacity will be introduced on the double daily Doha-Dar es Salaam route from next month. With seven services operating via Nairobi, these will become non-stop to Dar es Salaam effectively providing more seats direct to the Tanzanian capital.In March, Qatar Airways introduced frequency hikes to other destinations – namely London Heathrow, up from four to five flights a day; the Algerian capital Algiers from seven to 11 services each week; Muscat in Oman from 24 to 31 flights each week; and the Indonesian capital of Jakarta from seven to 10 services a week.
“Today’s announcement reflects the importance Qatar Airways places on expanding its portfolio of destinations and frequency on existing routes to provide passengers with more choice, more flexibility and more travel options,” al-Baker said.“We are entering new markets and strengthening our presence in established markets to provide a greater footprint. In particular, we are focusing on markets that are in need of extra capacity.
Qatar Airways has grown by some 22% in the first three months of this year with the national carrier hopeful of maintaining the positive trend in the months ahead, al-Baker said.He said Qatar Airways maintained “consistent growth” in both passenger and cargo traffic, connecting some 113 destinations worldwide.
Three new destinations have already been added this year with many more to come before the year-end.Qatar Airways has seen rapid growth in just 15 years of operation, currently operating a modern fleet of 109 aircraft to destinations across the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Asia Pacific.
On the potential impact of low-cost carriers on Qatar Airways, al-Baker said, “Low-cost carriers are only low-cost where it has competition. It is not a successful model in the Middle East.”He said the New Doha International Airport was set for inauguration on “12-12-12” (December 12 of this year).“We look forward to the opening of the new airport, which will provide more facilities for our growing number of passengers,” al-Baker added.

YANGON 30 April 2012: Business visas on arrivals will be introduced by Myanmar, 1 June, Union Minister for Immigration and Manpower, U Khin Yee, reported in a briefing to local press, yesterday, held at the Ministry of Industry in the capital, Naypyitaw.
The visa will be issued on arrival at Yangon Airport and cost US$40 with a 70-day validity.The country had a visa-on-arrival for certain nationalities in the tourism only category, but suspended it in 2010.
The facility was popular with tourists who were able to plan a trip to Myanmar on speck and get the visa-on-arrival at the airport. But it was only in place for six months and was suspended despite its popularity due to political reasons.
U Khin Yee said talks were on-going with travel agencies that should see the country follow with a tourist visas on arrival for ASEAN passport holders in the near future.It should not be confused with visa-free entry that is stipulated in the ASEAN charter.

Member countries are supposed to allow ASEAN citizens visa-free entry for up to 15 days. Only Myanmar and Cambodia have not complied with the charter. Cambodia charges all nationalities including ASEAN citizens for a visa on arrival at any of its airports and international border checkpoints.Myanmar’s decision to revive its visa-on-arrival for business visitors is viewed as a step in the right direction. However, to generate a boom in travel from ASEAN markets, a visa-free stay would be more effective.

1. Visa to Myanmar
Every traveler is required to obtain Myanmar visa or having visa approval letter before boarding the flight to Myanmar.There are 2 ways to apply for Myanmar tourist visa: regular process or visa on arrival.
Regular process is applied for certain travelers who came from the countries where there is Myanmar Embassy.
The best place to apply for your visa is Bangkok, Thailand.
See Myanmar Embassy list here

Visa on arrival is more powerful and can be applied for all travelers. To do this, you need the assistance from local travel agency.
– At the time, we wrote this article E-visa in still not applicable, on the testing process.
Note: it is almost impossible to obtain the visa within the day, once you are at the airport without visa, please try to contact local agencies.

2. Visa to Vietnam
Applying for Vietnam visa is quite easy but you really need it. Many travelers assumed that Vietnam is alike with Thailand, Laos and Cambodia and they did not think about the visa. Personally, we have witnessed many cases that tourist asked for visa help at a very last minutes.
In this article, I try to explain you some tips for Vietnam Visa
Visa exemption is available for some Asian countries, specially for South East Asian with validity of 1month.
You can obtain Vietnam visa online very very easily withing 4-8 hours in working days. The procedure is also very simple that you just need to submit all your information then you will have visa approval letter.
This type of visa is applied for certain countries, not all.When applying for this visa, please take time to look at the countries list that Visa Agency provided on their website.
If you are not the citizen of the country which is listed on the list, try to apply the visa from your country by visiting Vietnam Embassy or Vietnam consulate.
There are some exception that it is difficult to get Vietnam visa, in this case, we highly recommend you to contact local visa agency.

Myanmar (Burma) and Vietnam have become the hottest markets in Asia for new routes, resumed ones or additional services.
In the past couple of weeks, the Thai national carrier and Tawan’s China Airlines have announced new services  to Yangon (Rangoon) in the wake of much-heralded political changes and the lifting of western sanctions against the military regime.
Historic by-elections this month brought landslide victories for Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and her opposition party, prompting moves by many countries, including New Zealand, to pay official visits and show interest in the country’s potential for business investment and as a  travel destination.
Thai’s twice-daily service from Bangkok, the most popular point of entry into Myanmar along with Singapore, is to be boosted by a third service from October 28 using a Boeing 737-400.
Another Star Alliance member airline, Japan’s ANA, announced earlier this month it intended to resume flying to Myanmar from Tokyo Narita as early as December after a 12-year hiatus.
Skyteam member China Airlines says it will increase its Taipei Taoyuan to Yangon flights gradually from three to five weekly by September 2012, with the fourth coming as early as May 14.
China Airlines’ subsidiary Mandarin Airlines launched this route with three weekly flights in December 1999 and replaced Mandarin’s operation in 2008.
Meanwhile  five airlines say they will launch or resume passenger flights to Vietnam between now and the end of this year.
They are Air Hong Kong, Jeju Air (Korea), Saudi Arabian Airlines, United Airlines and Silk Air, a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA).
Silk Air is planning to join its parent airline on the Hanoi route with a three times weekly service from June 5. This will complement the daily flights offered by SIA. Silk Air is already conducting flights to Danang.Hanoi route is also served by Vietnam Airlines and Tiger Airways, while Jetstar Asia Airways launched flights in January.
Hanoi is Vietnam’s capital, the second largest city (after Ho Ch Minh City, formerly Saigon) and has growing tourism, banking and finance sectors. It is a destination rich in culture with French-influenced architecture and large collection of museums, temples and monuments.
Airlines that launched new services this year include Cebu Pacific between Manila and Hanoi, and a joint United Airlines-ANA flight to Ho Chi Minh that transits in Hong Kong or Japan.
In other changes, LOT Polish Airlines has cancelled its operation to Hanoi due to low demand, while Vietnam Airlines plans to launch a direct flight to Berlin from Hanoi on June 25.
Emirates’ inaugural Dubai-Ho Chi Minh service starts on June 4, while low-cost carrier Jeju Air introduced its daily flights from Seoul Incheon to Ho Chi Minh on April 5, becoming the third Korean airline to serve the Vietnam market.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam says as many as 48 foreign airlines are now operating in Vietnam. In 2011, Vietnam had about five million visitors by air, up 35% over the previous year. About 15,000 of these were New Zealanders.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecast that by 2014, Vietnam will be the world’s third fastest growing market for international passengers and freight. The country’s aviation growth will likely reach 10% in the next three years, doubling the 2011 global average of 5%.
Airports at Noi Bai (Hanoi), Cam Ranh (Nhe Trang, southern Vietnam) and Danang (central Vietnam) are being upgraded  while the project to build the new $US10 billion Long Thanh Airport near Ho Chi Minh is due to start in 2015.

New York Review (PRWEB) April 24, 2012
Approach Guides, an independent publisher of digital travel guides, has just launched its newest guidebook: Myanmar (Burma): The Temples of Bagan (http://www.approachguides.com/guides/southeast-asia/bagan-myanmar-burma/). This travel guide, the first of its kind to Bagan, is available for $6.99 and takes travelers on a site-by-site tour, giving them a complete understanding of the art and architecture of one of the most magnificent and inspiring cultural sites in Southeast Asia.

This Approach Guide begins by providing an overview of Bagan’s architectural and artistic styles. It then offers 21 detailed profiles of its most important temples and stupas, employing over 120 high-resolution images and 20 floor plans with color highlights that make it easy to visually identify key features.

“This is a dynamic period in Myanmar’s history. After nearly 50 years of being virtually closed to outsiders, the country is opening up, affording travelers a look into this fascinating country,” said David Raezer, co-founder and author of Approach Guides. “With our digital guidebook, travelers will gain insight into Bagan’s magnificent architectural and artistic legacy and how it evolved over time.”

Approach Guides are available exclusively as digital books on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple’s iBookstore, and
http://approachguides.com.
About Approach Guides Approach Guides (http://www.approachguides.com) is an independent publisher and creator of digital wine and travel guide ebooks and mobile applications. Approach Guides publishes over 30 thematic guidebooks and three mobile applications that cover over 60 destinations worldwide, including sites in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas. Approach Guides and are available exclusively as digital books on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple’s iBookstore, and approachguides.com.

S/Y COLONA CRUISE was built in steel features a great passport for your exciting adventures to Mergui Myanmar. Historically, the yacht has undertaken dive cruises in area`s as diverse as the Pacific islands, Maldives and Mediterranean.
Colona is the first yacht offering journey to Mergui archipelago in Burma.

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