UPDATE IN MARCH/APRIL 2012

March 27, 2012 report

Many Singaporeans have not been to Myanmar in the past few years. There seems to be a mistaken perception that it is a dangerous country to visit and that the domestic airlines are not safe. The travel books like Lonely Planet had advised boycotting of certain airlines.

However, travel in Myanmar is safe for tourists if they don't visit the border areas or restricted areas. This is because every major town has "security checkpoints" monitoring the arrival of visitors. The people are friendly towards tourists. 

There are not many Singaporean travel agencies promoting Myanmar travel. Since packaged tours to Thailand, China and Hongkong are advertised at very low prices, few Singaporeans and backpackers are interested in Myanmar. However, other tourists from European and China travel to Myanmar in large numbers nowadays. There is some interest from Singaporeans in 2012. Customised tours are the main focus. The main complaint in March and April 2012 is the lack of airline flights from Singapore, the shortfall of 4- and 5-star hotel accommodation in Yangon and Bagan and the increase in costs of tourism.

The tourism world has changed for the better for the Myanmar travel industry. Just 4 years ago in 2008 when I visited Yangon, European tourists were a rarity, but now they are in large numbers, and one Myanmar businessman (dealing in pre-owned Japanese car import to Myanmar) told me last week, that 50% of the visitors taking pictures at the famous pagoda in Yangon are Caucasians. His car and bus for hire business is full every day and he is thinking of opening his own travel business.    
  
Previous tours to Myanmar are shown on this page
For 2012 tours, go to: Design Travel Pte Ltd.

These tours will cost more in 2012 as there is a surge in international tourism after the lifting of economic sanctions by the U.S and Europe recently. 
 

For 2012 tours, go to: Design Travel Pte Ltd.