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| Myanmar
Getting Around - Internal Travel |
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Air
Air travel is by far the best and most practical mean of moving
within the country and the only allowable way of transport for self-reliant
travellers; however, there is a very limited flight schedule, and
a less than perfect safety record.
Air Yangon and
Air Mandalay operate internal flights. Internal security can
hinder ease of movement. Daily flights between most towns are provided
and flights for charter are available. There are more than 60 airstrips
in Myanmar. For more information and to purchase tickets, contact
Myanmar Travel and Tours (see Contact
section).
Internal flight
travel times
 From
Yangon to Mandalay : 2 hours and 10 minutes
From
Yangon to Bagan (Pagan) : 1 hour and 30 minutes
From Yangon
to Heho : 1 hour and 25 minutes
Sea/River
The greatest mean to see the country is to travel by boat, especially
between Bhamo to Mandalay and Mandalay to
Bagan (Pagan). Myanmar has approximately 8,000 kilometres
or 5,000 miles of navigable rivers. Journeys can only be arranged
as part of a tour group; however, travellers are required to take
their own food.
Rail
Myanmar Railways operate services on many routes, the
main line is from Yangon to Mandalay with travel
time of approximately 12 to 14 hours. Overnight trains offer sleeping
cars. A pretty good service is also provided from Mandalay–Lashio–Myitkyina.
The state-run railway has 4,300 kilometres or 2,700 miles of railway
line and provides services to most of the country. First class is
available; however, with the exception of the Yangon to
Mandalay line, services are frequently delayed owing to climatic,
technical and bureaucratic problems.
Tickets can only be bought through the Myanmar Travel and Tours
as part of a tour group. Regularly scheduled services are also provided
from Yangon to Mandalay and from Yangon to
Thazi.
Road
Traffic moves on the right. Some modernization of Myanmar’s
once out-of-date vehicles has been accomplished.
Bus:
Buses are usually operated by the state-owned Road Transport
Enterprise. Public bus services are not reliable or comfortable.
Travellers may pay the fare in Kyat (Myanmar currency)
on some specific lines only.
Because of the progressing privatization programme of the
transportation industry, a group of privately operated buses are
now available. The principal lines are from Yangon to
Meiktila, Pyay, Mandalay and Taunggyi. Private buses
have air-conditioning and accept payment in Kyat (Myanmar currency),
US Dollars and FECs.
Bicycles: Bicycles are available
for hire.
Documentation: An International Driving
Licence is required and it must be endorsed by the police
and they issue a visitor’s license.
Urban
Yangon operates a circular rail service. In addition, the outdated
and overcrowded bus services are provided in all cities and there
are blue government taxis with fixed prices available in Yangon.
Un-metered 3 and 4-wheel taxis are provided in the cities, as are
rickshaws; it is wise to arrange fares before departing. |
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