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NB : Since August 2003,
you do not have to change 200 or 300 USD in FEC at your arrival
in Myanmar (whatever the airport and whatever you can read
on badly update website or old custom forms).
Also, we remind you that you do not need any certificate or
document to apply for a tourist Visa at your local Myanmar
Embassy (you need certificate only for land crossing border
or Visa on Arrival).
Buddhist New Year 12 -17 April
Our office and most office (and all public offices) are closed for the Buddhist New Year.
Public office are often closed until the 21 or 22 of April. We will be closed from 12th to 18th (but we take care our customers who will arrive during the festival)
In 2018, we will be totally closed (no answer to emails) from the 12 to the 20 of APril (we will take care only of the customers arrival).
Great News ! 1 septembre 2009 - credit card accepted (Visa and Master) by Ananda Travel In Myanmar
Starting the 2nd week of Septembre, We will be able again to accept credit card (Visa and MAster Card Euro card) for the paiement of our services, services etc.. in Myanmar. Our bank in Singapore, the United Overseas bank has accreed that we process credit in Myanmar.
The 6th October, our travel agency and our secure link have been certified by Comodo. Our customer can now pay by credit card via our secure server, certified and encrypted by Comodo (256 bits encryption). It is a very good garanty of security and seriouness for our customers.
Last news Myanmar archives:
Email pirate - phishing - 20 november 2015
Unfortunately many pirates are trying to use our email adress to make our customers paying at the wrong bank, or wrong way.
- We NEVER ask paiement by Monney Gram, Western Union or other non tracable cash method.
- We ONLY ask paiement by bank transfert to our account at SINGAPORE, to the UOB Bank (no other bank, no other place)
- We ONLY ask paiement by Visa or Mastercard on our Visa3D secure at Singapore.
- We accept cash ONLY in Yangon or Mandalay, against a valid Ananda travel receipt.
Chin Hills - 26 December 2014
Check on Facebook our new photographs about our last trip
in the Chin Hills near Mindat
Air Mandalay - 10 December 2014
Air Mandalay is cancelling today ALL its flights from 10 December to 31 January 2015 and also booking.
You need to rebook your flight in Myanmar with a new company or ask your travel agent if you have one to do so. Air Mandalay will not do it.
For our customers now on trip with us, we have already started to rebook your flights with other airlines. We will contact you directly shortly.
Mogok - 10 November 2014
Update of our Facebook page with new photographs of our last trip in Mogok with the French Gemological Association (3rd trip with us) and the Alumin of the famous Gemological Association of America (GIA) from Taiwan Singapore and Malaysia.
Thanks to our great knowledge of Mogok, mine access and experience in gemology, such famous association are visiting Mogok with us.
Bagan entrance fee - 9 November 2014
Additional information about the entrance fee for Bagan.
The duration will be limited to 5 days.
After 5 days, you are supposed to pay again for the entrance (zone) fee of 20 USD.
Entrance fee Bagan - 19 October 2014
The "Zone fee" for Bagan (entrance fee) will be increased to 20 USD per entry, starting 1st January 2015.
You have to pay once when you arrive in Bagan for all you stay.
Full entrance fees list : Here (pdf)
Web page
Flight Yangon Pathein Chaung Tha - 15 October 2014
Myanmar Airways will start 18 October to operate a Cesna Caravan (small plane) betwen Yangon Pathein and Chaung Tha beach. Price is very competitive with car (expensive) and it should be fun to fly in a small plane above the delta of Ayerwwaddy.
Direct flight to France and Germany - 14 October 2014
Myanmar DCA is reopenning talk with France and Germany for direct fligths between Europe and Myanmar.
Let's hope will be able soon to fly directly to Europe but it will probably takes time.
Inle Lake - market day for 2015 - 1st septembre 2014
Calendar for the 5 days rotating market at Inle Lake : more information
Phaung daw Oo festival 2015 -1st september 2014
Phaung daw oo festival and program for Inle
Lake in 2015 . More information
Serenity hotel - inlay Lake - 21 August 2014 :
The Serenity hotel is again open, with as previously very nice and big bungalow (80 square meter), more information and photographs :
Inle Paradise hotel - 19 August 2014
Paradise hotel (KMA group) is starting in September 2014 a long renovation program. Hotel will still be open during renovation / construction time.
Dragon Air - 22 July 2014
Starting 1st September 2014, Dragon Air will fly daily between Hong Kong and Yangon.
Hotels in Monywa - 21 may 2014
We have update our photos and comments about the Win Unity hotel in Monywa :
Hotels in Hpa An -7 April 2014
We have updated our webpage for the hotels in Hpa An :
Ban Mauk forest jungle monastery - 20 January 2014
This is journey outside the usual tourist place in Myanmar. You will discover real Myanmar forest, sleep in a remote monastery, top of a granite mountain above the jungle.
It is a travel in time in Myanmar, far from the flock of tourist.
We propose you a real road trip in train, boat, car, walk, motobike in a superb teak forest north of Mandalay.
More information :
New Adress for Ananda travel starting 1st November 2013
We are moving. Our new location will be very near to the airport.
New phone number, new access map , new adress : Here
Update Phaung Daw Oo Festival - Inle - 15th October 2013
We have update our webpage with the new schedule for the Phaung Daw Oo festival at Inle lake for September and October 2014 : Here
Update Embassy list - 18 september 2013
Update for our embassy list, phone number and adress in Yangon : Here
Flooding Bagan - Pakkhoku - 17th Septembre 2013
Unfortunately, like every year, there is some flooding around Pakkhoku (danger level for the Irrawaddy river) and some peoples have been displaced around Bagan.
Be careful travelling in these areas.
Hot air balloon - Mandalay - 15th September 2013
A new air balloon company, Oriental Ballooning, will start 25th of October, hot air balloon above Mandalay.
(more infos : )
This company will also provide soon flight above Bagan and above Inlay Lake.
Nok Mini - 4th September 2013
Maiden flight for Nok Mini from Mae Sot (Thailand) to Mawlamyine.
You have now a dialy connection between Mae Sot and Mawlamyine, it is fast and avoid to fly to Yangon and drive to Mawlamyine.
Border crossing - 3rd September 2013
It is now possible to exit and entrance by 4 check points at the Myanmar Thai Border.
- Tachilek
- Mae Sot
- Kawthaung / Rannong.
People do need a valid tourist visa issue in advance by a Myanmar Embassy (no visa at the check point), but it is now possible to cross the border to Thailand
by road.
More information : Here
Entrance fees Shwedagon - 26 August 2013
The entrance fees at Shwedagon pagoda (Yangon) is increased to 8 USD per entrance (from 5 USD)
Web page : Here
Download list :
New International Airport - 24 August 2013
The new international airport will be located in Bago (80 km from Yangon). The Myanmar Government has selected a South Corean group to built the airport.
Flooding - 24 August 2013
Like every year, somes cities, areas or roads are flooded from time to time in Hpan Moulmein Dawei, Taungoo, Mindat (sometimes Bago Yangon road)
If you are travelling alone or bys bus, you should check the road situation.
Credit Card - 31th July 2013
Update of our page about payments by credit card, hotel list accepting credit card payment :
Entrance fees - 31th July 2013
The entrance fees at Mandalay and at Mingun have now to be paid in kyats (local currency), not in USD anymore.
Mandalay : 10 000 kyats
Mingun : 3 000 kyats.
Complete list of the entrance fees in Myanmar :
Hotels in Mandalay - 30th July 2013
Update for our hotels photos and list in Mandalay
:
Update public holiday for 2013 - 29th of July :
Inle lake market calendar 2014 - 24th July 2013
Please find our update for Inle Lake area market calendar for 2014 : Here
Internet Myanmar - 23rd July 2013
The underwater fiber cable wea-me-we3 have been again damaged the 22nd of July. This underwater cable connect Myanmar to Internet (and SIngapore).
Repais works may take one month.
Internet is very slow and un reliable until then.
Update about Mogok and how to visit Mogok - 11 july 2013
Mogok access :
Mogok Hotels :
Update Myanmar festival for 2013 - 10 July 2013
Please find our update for the festivals in Myanmar for 2013.
Update train schedule - 9 July 2013
Please find our update for the main train destination in Myanmar : Here
Update bus schedule - 9 July 2013
Please find our update for the main buses trips in Myanmar : Here
Week end at Ngwe Saung - Staff Ananda
We all had a three days week end at Ngwe Saung with all Ananda Travel staff to celebrate the end of our 10th tourist season for Ananda.
We thanks all for their support during all these years, it was sometimes difficult or bumpy... (Nargis Cyclone, US embargo, Safron revolution, increase of tourist arrival ....etc)
We have tried to do our best in the past, and will try to improve for the future.
We are planning some news destinations and places to visit totally "off track" (stay tune, more infos end of May), there is still a lot of place to discover or visit again in Myanmar.
Ananda travel staff April 2013
Buddhist New Year - Water festival
We are closed (except for customer arrival) from 12 to 22 of April 2013.
All Government offices are closed during the same period and most of the private companies (banks, supermarket etc..) are closed also.
So except delay in April to answer to your email.
Phaung Daw oo Pagoda Festival - 11 march 2013
Detailled program for Phaund Daw Oo Festival at Inle Lake in October 2013 :
Inle Lake market day - 10 march 2013
Please find update of the rotating market schedule for Inle Lake area in 2013 :
Air KBZ - 26 Feb 2013
Air KBZ has just received a brand new ATR72-600. The airline is supposed to receive an other new ATR 72-600 in April.
Hotel prices - 25-Feb 2013
Hotel prices during the season 2012-2013 have double or triple.
Unfortunately, for the new coming season (winter 2013-2014), hotels are following the same path and most of the hotels prices will increase from 50 to 100% (some 130%)
At the "quality" of the service will remain the same.... starts to be way to high.....
South East Asian Game - 24 Feb-2013
Myanmar will host the South East Asian Game from 11th to 22 December 2013.
Government has already reserved rooms in 16 hotels in Mandalay, Nay Pyi TAw, Yangon and Ngwe Saung.
Hotels reservations will be during this period extremely difficult, it is be a really better idea to come in october or March.
Western Union - 13 January 2013
Starting this week (January 2013), it is possible to transfert cash in Myanmar using Western Union service.
It is only possible with offices of the "Co-Operative" Bank (220 offices in Myanmar), and only during office hours (not Saturday, Sunday).
Air Bagan Crash Landing - heho - 25 December 2012
This morning, 25 December, an Air Bagan plane bound to Heho (inle lake airport) crash landed on a road few kilometers before the airport, probably because a fire on board.
At this time (14h00 local time), we can confirm that we did not have any Ananda travel or Evaneos (travelling with Ananda), customers on this plane.
Repeat : No Ananda travel customer was on bord.
So far, it seems to have 11 people injured, and may be two dead.
Need to be confirmed.
Happy Xmas- 24 December 2012
All Ananda Travel team is happy to wish you an Happy Christmass.
Shwe Myanmar - 24 December 2012
The new company Shwe Myanmar will start operating 11th January with A 320 on Yangon Mandalay route.
The price is 27 Euro per people. !!! 4 times cheaper than legacy airines in Myanmar (with ATR much cheaper to operate...)
The Shwe Myanmar Airlines is planning to add 6 A320 within 6 months.
Bagage weight is limited to 10 kg.
Yangon - Hong Kong - 24 December 2012
Dragon Air will start 9 January direct flight between Yangon and Hong Kong, 4 times a week, using Airbus A321.
Fews week later, Myanmar Airways International will also operate a direct flight between Hong Kong and Yangon.
Master Card - Myanmar - 15 novembre 2012
Starting 15 November 2012, it is now possible to withdraw local currency in ATM of the "Co-Operative Bank" wiht a Master - Maestro - Cirrus Card.
Currently there is only 36 "CB" ATM in Yangon, and the CB Bank (Co-Operative Bank) is planning to open 30 more ATM in Mandalay and Bagan next year.
It is only for ATM withdrawal (not for payment), it is only for Mastercard, and only with "Co Operative Bank" ATM.
Good news anyway.
Sittwe Mrauk U and Putao 15-novembre-2012
Access to Sittwe and Mrauk U is now totally closed and we can ask any more special authorisation, even with a guide.
Putao is off limit also, no more trek in this area.
Air Condor - 14 novembre 2012
Air Condor has started its direct flight betwen Frankfurt and Yangon with a Boeing 767 ER.
There is one flight per week.
Departure from Frankfurt on Tuesday afternoon, arrival in Yangon at 4.25 AM Wednesday morning.
New hotel in Mandalay - Shwe Thaun Tan - 12 novembre 2012
A new hotel just open in Mandalay, Shwe Thaung Tan hotel, it is a good 3 stars hotel in direct competition with Mandalay City, Emerald Land in...
A very good small hotel for Mandalay. More infos : Here
Dragon Air Yangon Hong Kong 15 octobre-2012
Dragon Air will start in January 2013 a direct flight Yangon Hong Kong. Good news, and it is an excellent company.
Air Qatar -14-octobre-2012
Doha Yangon flight are becoming daily flight at the end of October. Very good news.
Domestic flight - Luggage weight - 13 octobre-2012
Local domestic airline (at least Air Mandalay) start to inforce strictly a limit of 23 KG per passenger for the luggage and they check also the cabin bagage weight. Not a very nice move considering the step increase in price for domestic air ticket.
Access - Sittwe Mrauk U 2nd October -2012
We have just learn today that it is again possible to go to Sittwe Mrauk under the following conditions.
- Must have a licenced guide.
- Must request a special permit (usually takes one month).
As any special access place, the special permit can be cancel at any time. You need to be aware of that possibility.
Singapore Airlines -10th Septembre 2012
Singapore Airlines will replace Silk Air from the Singapore Yangon flight and will change the plane, using now a new Boeing 777 with 55% more capacity than the previous A320 with Silk Air.
Sittwe Mrauk U - Off Limit -9th Septembre 2012
A Monday Edition of Myanmar Times a spokeman from the Ministry declare that Sittwe Mrauk U should be open "very soon" but we do not know yet when it will be and after checking with MTT, there is no date (yet) for opening Sittwe Mrauk U to tourist.
Bago Airport - 8th September 2012
Myanmar Government seems to want to start (again) the construction of a new airport at Bago. It will be become then the new International airport for Yangon.
New direct flight - 7th Septembre 2012
Air Condor from Germany is opening directly flight from Frankfurt to Yangon.
Air Asia will open early 2013 a direct flight from Bangkok to Bagan.
Mongla - Off Limit - 7th Septembre 2012
Mongla in Shan state (Kentung area) near Chinese border is now off limit and closed for tourist.
Update about authorized area and border crossing : Here
Sittwe Mrauk - Closed for tourist - 31th August.
We have just been informed by email from the Ministry of Tourism today that
Sittwe Mrauk U Vesali are now closed to tourist. No more access.
We do not know for how long.
Bangkok Aiways - 29 August 2012
Bangkok Airways is also starting at third daily flight with ATR 72 aircraft from Bangkok to Yangon.
Thai Airways - 20 August 2012
Thai Airways is starting 16 of August a third daily flight between Bangkok and Yangon. Good News!
Bangkok Mandalay 14 August 2012
Very good news.
Air Asia is starting a new air connexion between Bangkok and Mandalay 4 times a week, starting 4th Octobre 2012
Promotional price during 3 month : 49 USD !!!!
Hotel situations in Myanmar 29 may 2012
In Novembre, in Yangon (and Inle, but mostly Yangon), all the hotels or almost all are fully booked and announced fully booked by the hotels reservations office.
The governement and the Ministry of Tourism are now checking the behavior of most hotels in Yangon which are changing contract policy every two month and mostly refuse booking to travel agents in order to sell at higher price directly on Internet.
We will see what will be the result of the actions of the Ministry of Tourism. So far, at today situation, you have to consider that it is extremely difficult, whatever the hotels, to get a room in Yangon (and Inle) in November 2012
Air Qatar - 22 may 2012
Air Qatar will resume its flight Europ-Doha-Yangon three times a week, starting 3rd October 2012. It is a very good news, this flight was very convenient, not need any more to transit in Bangkok.
Inle Princess hotel at Inle Lake - 26 March 2012
The hotel will be closed for renovation from 1st to 30th June 2012.
Hotel fare - 22 march 2012
The Summit Parkview hotel has issued its new prices for summer 2012 and winter 2012-2013. The policy of the hotel is unfortunately following most of the other hotels prices increase, and Summit parkview prices are going to increase by a mere 100%......
For that price, better go to the Kandawgyi.
Airfare "fuel surchage" - 4 March 2012
Air KBZ has decided to postpone the fare increase (and the collection of cash at the airport for ticket already emitted) to 16 March.
Others airlines have postponed to the 8 march, most of them have tried to collect the price increase directly from customers at the airport, but it was soon obvious that it was a badly managed idea....
Anyway, air fare will soon increase by 10 to 25 USD per segment, making Myanmar Domestic fare very high in the region....
Domestic airline fare - VERY BAD NEWS - 1st March 2012
We have just learn yesterday 29 February, that all domestic airlines in Myanmar are increasing their flight fare by 25 USD
EVEN for the ticket already sold and they are planning today to ask to the tourist to pay at the airport.....
I really hope that the tourist will tell to the airlines what they think about this way of doing business....
Unfortunately it is the same logic for the hotels which are increasing their prices by 100% for next year.......
Below copy of yesterday afternoon email from Air bagan for a price increase the 1st march !!!!!!!!!
Sent: Wednesday, February 29, 2012 3:50:30 PM
Subject: Fuel Surcharge Increase Announcement
Dear Valued Agents,
Greetings from Air Bagan !!
Due to the fuel price increase from Ministry of Energy ( Letter No. 19 - pGrf;tif ( 3 ) ( 1017 ) 2012 ) dated on 28 th February 2012, we would like to inform you that Air Bagan is collecting the new fuel surcharge at airline check-in counters effective from 1 st March 2012.
Please kindly find the new fuel surcharge rates for local and foreigner in attached file.
Should you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Best Regards,
Marketing Dept.
Air Bagan Ltd.
E-mail:
Hotels booking - 30 decembre 2011
Hotels and airlines bookings are very difficult in January and February, some days in February are totally sold out, whatever the hotels or rooms category.
Tachilek Airport - 25 decembre 2011
The airport at Tachilek will be under renovation Thursday and Friday, starting January
2012.
This will disrupt the flight to Kentung and the journey to Kentung, so It will not be possible to land at Tachilek and then drive to Kentung as possible before.
Travellers will need to get a direct flight to Kentung only (Monday, Wednesday, Saturday).
Change office - Yangon - 20 december 2011
Since november 2011, there is now 2 exchange office at Yangon's airport (KBZ bank and AGD bank). The rate is excellent, better than in the street downtown.
So, unlike before, we recommend to use these exchange office at Yangon's airport.
Flooding - 20th October 2011
During the last 48 hour, a big tropical depression is located near Sittwe Mrauk. It rains a lot in this area and especially around Bagan where it starts to be a problem (flooding).
Trains between Yangon and Bagan are stopped or very very late.
A bridge between Pakkhoku and Monywa had been destroid, and so it is very difficult to reach Monywa by car from Bagan.
Internet - 20 th Octobre 2011
Still not fix yet, ver very slow since one week at least. Almost impossible to open the emails during day time (only night time or very early morning).
The culprit is (again ?) the underwater cable from Yangon to Singapore.
Asian Wings - Air Bagan - Code Share - 17th October 2011
Effective from Octobre 15, passengers who buy ticket on Air Bagan or Asian Wings will be able to take services from either carrier.
Asian Wings and Air Bagan, two compagnies with extremely close relationship, have signed a code share agreement (Asian Wings headquarter is located on former Treasure hotels group office - Aureum and Air Bagan are also parts of this group).
Yangon AIrways - 3rd September 2011
Yangon Airways will resume its operations in Myanmar the 16th October and will open its reservation office the 5th September. We do not know yet what will be the flight schedule and sectors, but it is a good news, will help a lot the booking in October and November.
New hotel in Mandalay - 21st of August 2011
We put on line information about a nice new hotel near the Yerrawaddy river in Mandalay. More information about the Ayarwaddy river view hotel :
Kyat value - 12nd of August 2011
Kyat is rising again a lot againts USD. At today Friday, the change rate is around 745 kyat for 1 USD.
Floods in Myanmar - 11th August 2011
As every year, but
a little sooner than usual, some areas in Myanmar are flooded.
Currently rivers are very very high in Monywa area, Hpa An, Taungoo (floods) and Bago (floods)
Access to Bago and the golden rock are difficults. Car can not cross Bago, you have to change vehicule and take a high wheel truck in Bago or small boat to visit the city.
Rent a mobile phone and prepaid SIM card - 6 August 2011
It is now possible (July 2011) to rent at the airport of Yangon a mobile phone and a SIM card.
Explantations at the airport are
quite difficult to understand, so please find more detailled information :
Domestic Air Fare - 5 August 2011
We have just learn today that all domestic airlines in Myanmar are increasing their ticket fare for the coming winter season. Some new prices are quite higher than the previous ones, especially on Tachileck, Kentung, Myitchina, Thandwe (Ngapali) and Sittway.
Serenity hotel - 14 July 2011
Hotels in Bagan and Inle from Serenity group will be closed from now until further notice for renovation. We do not (July 2011) when the hotels at Inle or Bagan will open again.
Number of Tourist - 10 July 2011
From January 1 to the end of May 151 084 visited Myanmar in 2011, a 24% increase on the same period last year.
Phaung Daw Oo Festvail for 2012 - 4th July 2011
Phaung Daw Oo Schedule for the festival in Septembre and October 2012 at Inle Lake : Here
Market day for Inle lake area in 2012 - 3rd July 2011
Market Day (rotating market day) for Inle Area for 2012 : Here
Kandawgyi hotel - 30 June 2011
The renovation at the Kandawgyi hotel in Yangon seems to be late. The hotel will not be open before the end of August, if everything is fine and the rooms prices will be increased for the coming season even if most of contract with travel agent have been already signed.
Domestic airport taxe - 1st June 2011
We have just learn the 1st June, that starting the first june 2011, all passengers will have to pay a domestic airport taxe : 1 000 kyats /personn.
Passenger will pay for every flight at the airline counter at the airport.
Kyat change rate - 1st June 2011
The local Myanmar currency, the Kyat is going for the first time since very long time below 800 againts USD.
At 1st June the change rate was 795 kyats for 1 USD.
It is a very important increase in the value of the kyat (increasing the amount to be spend in USD), 18 months ago, the change rate was around 1100-1200 for 1 USD.
Ngapali - Thandwe Beach hotel - 25 May 2011
Update of photos and information for the very good Thande Beach hotel at Ngapali : here
Air KBZ - 24 May 2011
Air KBZ, the latest Myanmar domestic airlines is adding Dawei in its flight schedule. Air Kbza forecast to receive a new ATR plane next month and to add new destinations to its portofolio.
hotel booking - 23 May 2011
Hotel booking situation is very tense for novembre, a lot of hotel In Mandalay (Mandalay Hill, Sedona, rupar Mandalar,) in Bagan (Sakura) and Inle are already fully booked.
Sakura Resort at Bagan - 20 may 2011
The hotel will be closed for renovation from 1st June to the 10th of July 2011. Opening the 11th of July.
Balloon over Bagan - 18 May 2011
New price and new service for Balloon over Bagan for the next season. More infos : Here
(as every year, we strongly recommend to book months in advance if you wish to fly between Xmas and new Year).
Kandawgyi hotel Yangon - 28 April 2011
We have learn today that the Kandawgyi will be closed for the renovation in June, July and August 2011.
For our customers with existing booking for this hotel, we will send them an email to propose a replacement for the Kandawgyi. If you have a booking for the Kandawgyi this summer, check with your travel agent or with the hotel.
It will be closed.
Air KBZ (kambawza) - 3rd April 2011.
A new airline is starting its operations the 3rd April 2011 : Air Kambawza (Air KBZ) with an ATR 72 plane.
At today, the operate everyday at flight from Yangon Heho Mandalay Bagan Yangon, departure at 08.00 and a flight Yangon Meyik at 14h00.
It is a good news, and let's hope, they can quickly operate on more difficult route for booking such as Inle Ngapali or Bagan Ngapali.
Visa on arrival - 28 March 2011
Procedure has been modified and it is (again) possible for everyone to get a visa on arrival BUT ONLY :
- For a fligth starting at Siam Reap to Yangon ONLY with Myanmar Airways International.
- For flight starting
at Guanzhu (China) to Yangon ONLY with Myanmar Airways International.
It is possible ONLY if you fly with Myanmar Airways International AND ONLY for these two cities as departure point.
For any other situation, the previous situations remains.
Earthquake Tachilek -28 march 2011
Unfortunately, the death toll is rising to more than 100 people in the Tachilek Tarlay area.
At today, 2 Pm, Monday, the airport at Tachilek is working and the road between Tachilek and Kentung is open (the road is damaged but the Ministry of Toursim confirms that the roads is open to traffic).
Earthqualre -25 march 2011 - update
We have just learn that there is at least 40 deads near Tarlay (Tachileck area). We got confirmation that it seems that no foreigners are among the victims.
Earthquake -Myanmar - Shan State - Tachilek - 25 march.
No customer travelling with Ananda Travel were at Tachilek ou in Kentung during the earthquake. For the familly of the people travelling with us, do not be worried.
So far, the Princess hotel in Kentung and the Private hotel in Kentung have sustain no damage at all.
There is unfortunately some victims near Tachilek.
Internet connexion - 3 march 2011
Internet have been very very slow since 2 weeks and it seems it will be like this for a while. It is very difficult to get a connexion from 09h00 to 20h00... every day.
Myanmar Airways International - 2 février 2011
Myanmar Airways International is launching two news destinations from Yangon.
Yangon Siam Reap Yangon : Wednesday, Saturday starting 24th February 2011.
Yangon Guangzhou
: Sunday, Thursday, starting 3rd march 2011.
Asia Wings - 15th January 2011
It seems that here is some incorrect information circulating the forums about Asia Wings in Myanmar.
- Asia Wings in Myanmar is NOT on the EU black list, take time to check it.
- Asia Wings from Kazakstan is on the EU black list.
- Asia Wings in Myanmar do not start yet to operate, it can not be on EU black list.
Airport of Kentung - 3rd January 2011
The airport is (again) under renovation, they will probably finish it one day.
Air Bagan will fly on Saturday (once a week only) until further notice.
It means, if you want to go to Kentung, you have to fly to Tachileck and then drive from Tachileck to Kentung (4-5H drive
).
Happy New Year 2011 -1st January 2011
All Ananda Travel team is wishing you all an happy New Year 2011
Air KBZ - 22nd December 2010
An other domestic Airline, Air KBZ, should also start the 1st February 2011....
Also a very good news for the domestic market, plane will also be ATR.
Asia Wings - 21st December 2010
A new airline, Asia Wings, should take off the 18th January 2011 with ATR 42 et 72 planes.
It will be a big help for the
domestic booking.
Air Bagan - Air Fares - 11th December 2010
Air Bagan is taking advantages of the disparition of Yangon Airways, and increase its fares by 5% for almost all domestic flights, with immediat effect.
Not very funny !!! but Air Bagan is now in a quasi monopolistic position (Air Mandalay is owned by Air Bagan )
Air Mandalay - 27th November 2010
You can download the new air schedule for Air Mandalay for flights from 29th November to 5 December 2010 :
Yangon Airways - 27th November 2010
The situation for flight booking is very very difficult following the cancellation of the flight licence of Yangon Airways.
It is now (and will be) in December
very difficult, almost impossible to get a last minute ticket in Yangon. You should book in advance if possible.
For our customers, we will make by email a complete summary next Monday afternoon.
URGENT - CANCELLATION ALL FLIGHTS YANGON AIRWAYS - 24 NOVEMBER 2010
Yangon Airways is going to suspend ALL its flight starting 3rd December for a supposed administratif reason....
We are going to contact all our customers by email and we are obviously trying like all travel agencies in Myanmar to book
on Air Bagan and Air Mandalay (same group now).
w
If you are travelling in Myanmar in December and January (and after), we double check with your travel agent what is your situation.
Tourist arrivals - 23 novembre 2010
Below the statistic published by the Ministry of Tourism for January - Septembre 2010. It is clearly a recovery compare to the previous 3 years... but stil, it is a very small number.
| |
Country |
Arrival |
| 1 |
Thailande |
38 825 |
| 2 |
China |
23 638 |
| 3 |
South Corea |
13 210 |
| 4 |
Japan |
11 952 |
| 5 |
US |
11 215 |
| 6 |
Malaysia |
11 124 |
| 7 |
Taiwan |
10 772 |
| 8 |
France |
8 579 |
| 9 |
Singapore |
8 336 |
| 10 |
India |
7 499 |
| 11 |
Germany |
6 375 |
| 12 |
UK |
4 960 |
| 13 |
Australia |
4 916 |
| 14 |
Italy |
4 866 |
| 15 |
Spain |
3 864 |
| 16 |
Switzerland |
2 311 |
| 17 |
Hong Kong |
2 131 |
| 18 |
Canada |
1 627 |
| 19 |
Russia |
1 599 |
| 20 |
Middle East |
1572 |
| |
Total |
201 823 |
Pre-paid Sim Card - 20 november 2010
The sale of pre-paid Sim card for mobile phone has been suspended since few days, and we absolutely do not know when it could resume.
Back to the former situation, your mobile phone is useless here - it is real holidays ):
Phaung Daw oo festival 2011 - 9th November 2010
We just put on line the new program and schedule for the Phaung Daw Oo Festival at Inle Lake in October 2011 :
Vietnam Airlines - 8 novembre 2010
Flights on the Yangon Hanoi route will be increased from four a week to five a week with an Airbus A 320.
Starting 15 November, it will be possible to fly from Yangon to Ho Chi Min city 3 times a week, Monday, Friday and Sunday.
USD - Kyats - 4th November 2010
Last week the USD has hit a new low against the kyat, with a value of 860 kyats for 1 dollar USD (it was nearly 1400 2 years ago).
You can expect to change this week between 860 to 900-910, or lower if the decline of the USD against the kyat continue.
Inle Market Day - 3rd november 2010
We have published on line the new market day schedule for 2011 at Inle Lake area.
Internet - 26 octobre 2010
Internet has been cut all the days and works very slowly late evening and early morning.
It seems that this situation will last until the 7 November elections.
We apologized again for the delay to answer to your emails, but we can get them
(and reply) on in the evening or early morning.
Internet - 26 october 2010
Internet is working extremely slowly this morning, and will probably be cut later today.
Again, we apologized to the delay to answer to your email.
Internet - 25 October 2010
Internet connexion have been cut al the day Monday and quite bad during all the week end.
It seems to work again Monday evening, we will try (if Internet works) to reply to everyboday tomorrow Tuesday 26.
We are sorry for the delay to answer to the emails.
Cyclone - Myanmar - 22 October 2010
A cyclone has formed very rapidly in the Gulf of Bengale during the last 48 hours.
This afternoon the cyclone has been declared in category 4, as the infamous Nargis cyclone.
The cyclone is expected to land between 18h (now) and midnight near Kyaukphyu island, unfortunately it is a very rural area, poor, with a lot of fishermen villages and bamboos houses. It is very probable that the dammage will be widespread.
- Flight to Sittwe and Ngapali have been cancelled.
- There is no tourist in this area, but in Mrauk U and Ngapali, very heavy rains and wind are expected. Tourists in Ngapali have been moved inland for security reason.
Let's hope that Myanmar people near Kyaukphyu will not be too much affected.
New flag for Myanmar - 21 october 2010
Myanmar Government has adopted the 21st October 2010 a new flag for Myanmar to replace the old socialist flag.
New Myanmar flag adopted 21-10-2010
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Old Myanmar flag (before 21-10-2010)
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Update on hotels at the golden rock - 20 october 2010
We have update our hotel information for Kyaihktiyo hotels (golden rock pagoda) :
Kandawgyi Hotel in Yangon - 18 October 2010
The Kandawgyi Palace in Yangon will change its management and will operate under Htoo Trading Co Ltd at the end of October (same group as Air Bagan, Treasure group, Aureum...)
Let's hope the new management will maintain the qualities of this hotel.
Moonson rain - 16 october 2010
The moonson was not very good this year with in some places 50% less rain than usual, but since 2 weeks it still raining a lot around Bagan Yangon Mandalay.
There is some difficulties around Bagan Pakkhoku and Mandalay for driving, nothing too serious, but can slow can a lot your journey by car.
Air Mandalay - 21 Septembre 2010
Air Mandalay is resuming its operation in Myanmar with newly revised air plane and a new air schedule starting 15 octobre.
Good news, it will help to simplify some bookings, some connections are already fully booking.
PDF file to download with the new air schedule for air Mandalay :
Air Bagan - 21 September 2010
Air Bagan
is going to launch in December 2010 a direct flight between Yangon and Phucket in Thailand.
Visa on arrival with pre approval - 16 Septembre 2010
Very important update : Nationals from the 28 following countries CAN NOT get a pre approved visa on arrival in Myanmar whatever the place they are living.
They must ask a visa in a Myanmar Embassy.
Countries : Australia, Banglades, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Egypt, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, laos, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Servia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United Kingdom, Great Britain, United States of America and Vietnam.
Sittwe Ngapali by boat - 16 septembre 2010
Update about the boat cruise between Sittwe and Ngapali (Tangot harbor) :
Horse cart in Bagan - 15 septembre 2010
Information, price and picture about a new very confortable horse cart company in Bagan. Currently our favourite way to discover Bagan at your own
:
Bangok Airways - 13 septembre 2010
Starting Octobre 2010, Bangkok Airways will add a second flight between Yangon and Bangkok every day.
AIr Bagan - 12 septembre 2010
Starting Novembre 2010, Air Bagan will resume its flights between Yangon and Chiang Mai (Thalaind), three times a week, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.
It is an easy connexion to Myanmar when you are in north Thailand.
Myanmar Kyats and usd - 10 septembre 2010
Myanmar Kyats is getting really stronger in Myanmar againts USD, the rate is now around 930 kyats for 1 USD.
The rate for FEC (still
in use for travel agent and private business) is even lower 1 FEC = 750 kyats...
Visa on arrival with pre-appproved procedure - 4 Septembre 2010.
All travel agencies in Yangon had a meeting yesterday with Immigration and Tourism autorithies yesterday :
- The pre-approved visa on arrival procedure is confirmed but there is some additional strict point to follow.
- The customer who is applying for a VOA must not have a Myanmar Embassy in his country.
- The duration stay must be below or eqal to 28 days. Any request with overstay will be refused, if the customer stay longer than 28 days, the travel agency will be sanctionned.
- The customer MUST have a real and valid program with a local travel agent (one night in Yangon is not sufficient) and the program will be check.
- Procedure will take at least 3 weeks.
Visa on arrival - 26 August 2010.
- We had today the confirmation that the visa on arrival with pre approval will NOT be suspended on the 1st Septembre 2010 and so, it will be possible to the visa on arrival following this procedure (old formula with a approval requested by local travel agent, more infos )
- We also confirm that ONLY the visa on arrival (procedure started 1st may 2010) is suspended 1st of Septembre. Visas for tourists are normally issue in Myanmar Embassy after the 1st September.
Visa on arrival - 24 August 2010.
Visa on arrival will be suspended the 1st septembre 2010. It is only the visa on arrival NOT all the tourist visa.
Tourists are urge to get their visa on a Myanmar Embassy.
At today, we do not know yet if the old visa on arrival procedure (pre approuved visa on arrival 3 weeks in advance) will be suspended or not.
Online Ananda Form - 23 August 2010
Our Ananda Online form to help you to send us information about yourwishes for your Myanmar journey is down.
Please send us your request only by email or chat.
We are working with our internet provider to restablish as quickly as possible this form.
Visa on arrival - 21 August 2010
This is an information not yet confirm, but seems solid. We will have more detailled information Monday 23rd August 2010.
It seems that the visa on arrival without pre-approval in advance will be suspended from 1st September to the next election in November.
So it means that tourist will not be able to get their visa on arrival in Yangon, and must request a visa in advance.
For what we know at today (21-08-2010), it seems that the old procedure of visa of arrival (request approval in advance via a local travel agent) will continue normally.
If you are planning a journey in Myanmar in September, it should be preferable to start to ask a visa in a Myanmar Embassy or a visa on arrival via at travel agent in Myanmar.
Internet in Myanmar - 17 August 2010
Internet acces will be totally or partially stopped tomorrow 18 August due to a major upgrade on the national server (let's hope that the cut will last only one day).
Election in Myanmar - 14 August 2010
The official date for the election is now established. It will be the 7 November 2010.
Air Mandalay - 9 august 2010
Air Mandalay is suspending until further notice all its flights in Myanmar. One the ATR72 has been send for maintenance (heavy?) is Thailand, the other ATR (42) is not in flying condition in Yangon (engine problem).
Hotels Inle Lake - 8 August 2010
We have update our photos for the Inle Princess () and the Inle Lake view hotel (), both two very good hotel at Inle Lake.
We have also added a new luxury hotel near the lake, the Pristine lotus hotel :
Ngwe Saung Beach - Motobike - 3rd August 2010
Hotelier Association of Ngwe Saung and local police have decide to take action against people driving motobike on the beach of Ngwe Saung. It is a good idea (if really implemented) as driving motobike on the beach is quite dangerous (some accidents in the past), noisy and not very good for the beach environment.
Air Bagan - Pathein - 1st August 2010
Air Bagan, starting Novembre 2010, will offer scheduled flight from Yangon to Pathein every Friday and Saturday. Good news for those who want to go to Ngwe Saung and do not want to drive 4 th to Pathein.
Visa on arrival - 10 July 2010
The Government have introduced 1st May 2010 the new visa on arrival procedure for every tourist, ie, everybody can request a visa on arrival (two ID photograph + 30 USD only).
So far it seems to work very well, all airlines are well aware that you do not need visa in advance to go in Myanmar. This is a simple procedure we now recommand.
Rv Pandaw cruise - 15 June 2010
We have update the sailing program of Rv Pandaw with the new dates for 2010 -2011. We remind you that RV pandaw offer very nice luxury cruise for 1, 2, 3 and four nigts between Mandalay and Bagan, and special cruise of the Chindwin river or Yerrawaddy for 7 or 9 nights.
More information :
Visa on arrival - new procedure - 26 Mai 2010.
Starting 1st May 2010, it is now possible to get a visa at Yangon or Mandalay airport's, on arrival, without ANY advance registration or procedure. We did not communicate before to see how the procedure is going.
Please read our detail information webpage, because each visa procedure has its own advantages and inconvenients.
So far, you have now three way to get your visa for Myanmar :
- Normal visa procedure with a Myanmar Embassy (full list of Myanmar Embassy : , more infos : ).
- Visa on arrival, requested in advance by a travel agent (detailled infos : ).
- Visa on arrival without advance approval, more infos :
Even if at the end of May 2010, all details are not settle, it is a very good news that will help a lot of tourist to get their visa to come in Myanmar.
Entrance fees (zone fees) for Inle Lake - 20th April 2010
Entrance fee for Inle Lake is increased to 5 USD per pax starting April 2010
Complete list of entrance and zones fees in Myanmar :
Update 18 April 2010 : more security "3D secure" - choise of currency for the payment
Starting 20th of April 2010, our customers will have the choice of their currency for the payment by credit card via our secure website.
It is now possible for our customers to choose to pay either in USD (at the change rate proposed on the screen), or in Euro (at the change rate propose on the screen), or even in Singapore or Australian dollars.
This is offering the possibility to our customers to choose the best currency for them.
We have also upgraded the security of our system. We are now 3D secure, which is the highest level of security recommanded by VISA for an internet transaction with a bank over internet (it is far more secure than the normal internet banking procedure).
We are happy to offer this additional service and security to
our customers.
Happy New Year - 18th April 2010
Happy Buddhist New Year to all, we are back after the Thingyan holdidays and ready to reply as quickly as possible to all your emails.
A thought for all the family and victims of the stupid latest bomb blast in Yangon during the Water festival which as killed and wounded young girls and boys who were playing at a pandal...
New train line - 22 March 2010.
Two new trains line have been open this month, very interesting :
- Yangon Bagan with sleeper and upper class seats. Leave Yangon at 16h00 and arrive at 08h00 in Bagan.
- Mandalay Myitchina with sleeper and upper class seats . Leave Mandalay at 04h30 and arrive at 20h30. It is really more fast than the usual 24 or 48h journey with the normal train... A nice way to go to Myitchina and discover Myanmar train.
We will try it as soon as possible.
Buddhist New Year - 20 March 2010
We remind you that our office will be closed during the Buddhist New year (12-18 April), except for customers arrival.
Also, keep in mind :
- Taxis and car fares are double than usual during the Water Festival.
- There is no seat available to go at Ngapali by plane (it is very difficult to get a room also).
Putao Airport - 18 march 2010
Putao airport is under renovation until further notice.... Air Bagan is flying to Putao Sunday and Friday only.
Inle Princess resort - 4 March 2010
Inle Princess hotel at Inlay lake will renovate some rooms from the 1st June to the 30 th June 2010.
During the room renovation, the hotel can not confirm the type of room reserved (lake view or not). Rooms will be book under ROH (run of house) policy.
Hotel update - Mawlamyaing - Hpa-An 1 March 2010
We have updated our hotel selection and presentation for Mawlamyaing (Moulein) : and Hpan- an :
Ngapali Airport - 26 February 2010
The renovation of the airport should have been finished 24th February....
It will be finished end of April (if we are lucky), it means that the airport at Ngapali will still be closed on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday morning.
Internet connexion - 24 >February 2010.
Internet has been slow to very slow during the last three weeks (slower than usual.... gives you an idea of the real speed), after fews days quite good, it is again very slow.... so we may experience some delays to get your email and reply.
We apologized for the inconvenience.
Ngapali airport - 6 January 2010.
We are receiving today by email confirmation from the local airlines of their new flight schedule.
It seems confirmed that the airport of Ngapali will be closed Monday, Sunday and Tuesday. Local airlines are trying to fly Tuesday evening from / To Ngapali.
Anyway, we will contact our customers today by email.
If you have planned a trip to Ngapali from Yangon or Sittwe, you should contact your travel agent to check if your flight is still available.
Happpy New Year - 5 January 2010
All Ananda Travel team whishe to our customers, old customers and readers a wonderful and Happy New year 2010.
This starts "well" with an internet cut until the 5th evening and a new renovation at Thandwe - Ngapali Airport (cf below).
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