It’s almost a month and I have yet to complete my Myanmar post LOL! Not because it was such a forgettable trip, far from it, but other trips have occurred, easy, day trips, which meant easier to write about.
Why Myanmar?
I really wanted to visit Myanmar and ride a hot air balloon (but after finding out how much it costs I’ve decided it might be best if I put it on my list) to see its temples. I’ve read a couple of articles and friends have said to me as well that it’s only in recent years did the country “open” its doors to the international public. There’s really something special about a place that isn’t fully discovered yet and I thought it best to visit this country while it’s still in that bubble.
How did you get here?
Plane ride. That’s probably the longest ride I’ve ever taken considering that it’s ONLY a neighbouring country. There’s no direct flight from Manila to Yangon (as of this writing) and I had to take a lay-over in Malaysia both going and returning.
How much did that cost you?
It was about Php11k via AirAsia. I initially booked with Tigerair however for some reason they had to re-schedule my flight to an ungodly schedule and I was forced to cancel. Note to self, don’t ever book with Tigerair.
Where did you stay?
There were a couple of places I stayed in during this trip. Since the lay-over lasted for about 8-9hrs each way we decided to leave the airport, stay at a transient hotel, rest, then go back for our flight. We stayed at De Grand Boutique Hotel in Malaysia for our lay-over and they offered airport service which I didn’t realise had a fee until we were checking out.
Upon arrival in Myanmar we took a cab from the airport to Galaxy Hotel and stayed there for a few hours, we didn’t stay for the night because we’re taking the sleeper night bus to Bagan from Yangon. In Bagan, Marjo handled the reservations and stayed at Myanmar Han (an absolutely nice and lovely hotel) for 3 days and 2 nights. It was close to the bus station but a bit far from Old Bagan which we didn’t mind because there was a daily scheduled shuttle that can take us there. We went back on the morning of 28-July and arrived back in Yangon early evening, I booked us at Thanlwin Guesthouse for the night before we started our trip back to Manila.
How much was your accommodation? For 2 pax:
$28 for De Grand pt 1
$37 for Galaxy Hotel
$23 for Thanlwin
Sum: $88/2 = $44
$135 for Myanmar Han (3 pax)
Total: $44 + $45 = $89 @ PHP50 = PHP4,450
What did you eat?
Breakfast was offered at Myanmar Han and Thanlwin, in Yangon we ate at carinderias, it’s in Bagan where we ate at sit-down places. I liked Si Thu Restaurant because it gave a good view of the lake, and I forgot the name of this place in New Bagan but they had the BEST lime mint juice, their meals were also good, I would’ve eaten there the entire time if I’m travelling solo. Which makes me realise, it’s good to have friends to go with on trips especially if they like to switch it up every so often.
What did you do here?
Hiked! I rode behind Marjo’s back on a motorcycle while exploring the town. I also got toasted like sh*t! The temples were just breathtaking to see and go up.
What’s the one thing you recommend/most memorable moment in this place?
Definitely see the temples. On a motorbike! And also catch the sunset while atop a temple.
it begins with a step 