Stepping off the plane and walking through a small, quiet airport, Yangon was already something quite unfamiliar. Immigration was no hassle and I was on my way to baggage claim and then hoped to find a means to an ATM. I tried to make a withdraw from the first one I found, but the machine was out of money. Then ...

In northern Myanmar, about as far north as you can get without getting a travel permit, lies the small town of Hsipaw. In addition to being one end of one of the world’s most impressive train journeys, Hsipaw is a quaint town that’s worth exploring. What to do in Hsipaw? Hsipaw is a small town with little tourism (at least ...

For those new to Yangon, you’ll learn that there are two different bus terminals. If you’re traveling from the west, Ngwe Saung, Chaung Tha, Pyay (Hlaing Thar Yar Bus Terminal) to Bagan, Mandalay, Inle, etc. (Auing Mingalaor Bus Terminal) you’ll need to catch a ride between terminals. If you’re at either terminal, locals will undoubtedly as you ‘where you go?’ ...

Many people headed to Myanmar are told many myths about the country including how expensive it is. Once in Myanmar I found that it was much cheaper then I had expected (though I was there in low season). Accommodations and transportation being more expensive then neighboring countries such as, I found many budget options, especially in the ‘off season’.   ...

Bagan is a small town filled with countless temples. It’s a beautiful place for anyone that enjoys architecture. While I recommended that Bagan makes it onto everyone’s Myanmar itinerary, a day or two is really all you need unless you really injoy temples.   Tips for Bagan The countless temples are spread out over a great distance and you have ...

While it isn’t fast, smooth, or on schedule, the train ride between Hsipaw and Pyin Uu Lwin is considered one of the top train rides in all of the world and was an incredible experience.   Getting Your Ticket Since you’re already traveling in Myanmar (Burma) you know how… bureaucratic traveling the country can be and train travel is no ...

Setting off from Ngwe Saung headed north, we headed on what we were told was a one hour journey to Chaung Tha Beach. Like most directions in Asia, that was a gross under approximation of time.  Starting from our guesthouse, on the south end of Ngwe Saung beach, we drove over packed sand until a rock face blocked our path. ...

What happens when the government takes a large chunk of beautiful beachfront property, then sells and leases it for development? Nothing. Not yet anyways. On the western coast of Myanmar lies Ngwe Saung, a beautiful beach paradise with many resorts, clean sand and sun …but no one is there yet.   Though it was the low season, Ngwe Saung is ...

Be sure to bring crisp new hundred dollar bills and tell your family and friends you’ll be out of touch for the duration of your stay… Bullshit. Even the most up-to-date blogs and resources still say that Myanmar is disconnected and the only explanation for this is either that the authors haven’t been to Myanmar themselves or they just copy ...

While cruising the work exchange site Helpx, I stumbled upon a program where you can work with exotic animals and decided to apply. Volunteering with Safari Voluteers ended up being an amazing experience I’ll never forget. Their Story Ned and Tat were two tourists visiting a Thai zoo outside of Bo Phloi, Kanchanaburi and they were appalled at what they ...