No ATM's??????????

[kyshel]

http://www.luxurylink.com/luxury-hot...nce?clid=11036

I've been investigating a trip to Yangon, Myanmar, after seeing the LL offer for The Governor's Residence.
There are some great side trips outside of the city to compliment the pagodas, and temples and Buddha statues, riverboats, and so much to see. The 5 night package looks awesome and it's an Orient Express property!

When I discovered they do not have ATM's in Myanmar, I was slightly taken aback. Carrying large amounts of cash makes me uncomfortable--particularly in an unfamiliar destination. Very few businesses take credit cards--major hotels and airlines, but not most travel agents and so on. Might not be so relaxing, after all.

So, I am reconsidering, but stay tuned; I've been known to change my mind...

[[email protected]]

It is amazing that there are even trips offered to Myanmar - it has been more or less politically isolated for a while. Stuff the cash in your shoes, your pants, secret pockets, etc. this is a trip I would love to take!

[kyshel]

it's still on the table!
Accessing YGN from BKK is easier, since we could get some conversion $ from ATMs there..the historical, cultural and military side trips really offer some serious travel gratification.

[kyshel]

Oh My!!! Myanmar has so many logistical issues:
Bangkok or Singapore Access (long way and min 2 connections for 5 nights!!)
No more VOA--must be pre-issued
There's that pesky ATM thing, but if hotel is prepaid and 24 hr fair exchange can be had at either BKK or SIN airports...
but, what if no one else bids on the current auction??
I haven't even told my husband I'm considering this trip in June!!
What to do, what to do???

PS--the airport in Yangon is still RGN, not YGN (silly me)

[[email protected]]

Go for it! I have to start saving again for these new and exciting destinations - I have been tapping into my travel fund to get some great deals on vintage art and furniture

[zbolinn]

I just returned from 2 weeks in Myanmar. I was absolutely fantastic. By far the nicest, safest, kind hearted country I have ever visited. Do not worry feel uncomfortable caring cash, everyone does it. Men and women wear long skirts as their traditional dress and stick large wads of cash in the waistband. On an earlier tour an american lost her purse with a significant amount of money in it both American dollars and local currency, our guide returned to the village 2 weeks later and found the purse and all the money kept safe by the villagers. Absolutely go to Myanmar!

[kyshel]

Thanks so much for the quick comment. Please write more about your trip! Did you use any of the LL pkgs? Did you travel thru other countries or just Myanmar? More, please!!

[zbolinn]

Unfortunately I was not able to use any of the LL packages. Although our guide did have positive things to say about The Governor's Residence. We stayed 2 nights in Bangkok and then flew to Myanmar where we explored for two weeks. I highly recommend Asia Transpacific Journeys to help you plan the perfect trip. They provided an English speaking guide who stay with us the entirety of the trip and really became part of our family by the end of the journey.