Olivia: Yes by air. We flew from Bangkok to Yangon. I think Yangon is the only point of entry. I think sometimes you can overland somewhere down in southern Thailand and you can also enter on a 1-day free visa from northern Thailand but you can only visit the 1 town near the border.

We got our visas in Vientiane Laos but Bangkok is the quickest. Usually 2 days and $40 or something…

They certainly do and I have to keep reminding myself that wanting tourism to ‘leave the country untouched’ is a romantic but selfish notion as a traveller!

So true. the people are incredible. It really amazed me so friendly people could be in such an oppressed country. It’s sad. I found most people in SE Asia to be friendly but Myanmar just seemed a step higher for whatever reason. I miss the random chats with people playing guitar or with monks or restaurant owners.

This was my first trip there and there still wasn’t any “outside business” like hotel chains or McDonalds. Most countries still don’t deal with Myanmar.

It didn’t seemed to be ruined yet and I sure hope it doesn’t ever get that way although I do hope to see more freedom with the people there. They certainly deserve a brighter future.

I’d love to go back tooooo 🙂

Thanks, Matt, for the great article! I wouldn’t mind a week in Myanmar myself!

Still dreaming about a return visit – thanks for sharing your experience and reminding me why I have this dream!