Product Description

the most comprehensive guide to Myanmar on the market dedicated chapter outlining the current political situation with balanced, informative text detailing the pros and cons of independent travel to Myanmar special section on the Temples of Bagan written by two experienced, Southeast Asia authors brand new suggested itineraries chapter with hot tips on the best way to get around the country be it on a classic route or off the beaten path, including detailed suggestions on how to avoid supporting the military junta while travelling Myanmar means "first people in the world" Myanmar contains much of the world's teak the Shwedagon Pagoda, which is covered with gold and diamonds, is one of the world's most important Buddhist shrines, containing eight hairs of Buddha yellow powder, made from bark, is worn on the face as a protection against the sun there has been a prohibition on western music but young people like heavy metal bands although songs must be in Burmese

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #281560 in Books
• Published on: 2005-10-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 404 pages

Customer Reviews

Myanmar
As an avid traveller and user of Lonely Planet for as many years as I can remember, I was DISGUSTED by this new edition..it proved to be a tirade against the regime rather than a travel guide. It is so obsessed at telling us how wicked the regime is that it fails to fulfill its purpose as a travel guide. Sadly though I have recommended Lonely Planet guides throughout my life I would strongly advise travellers NOT TO BUY THIS BOOK.

Myanmar (Burma)
This book is indispensible for those travelling to Myanmar, especially on a low to medium budget (the better-off seemingly on tailor made or group tours). I found two other travel guide books to the country but neither contained the detailed travel and accomodation advice of this guide. With limited English fairly widely spoken in the country (and many signs and directions and adverts also in English) Myanmar is not the most difficult country to travel in. However roads and rail tracks are poor so land travel is very slow, often uncomfortable, crowded and not uncommonly at awkward times (4.00am starts not uncommon) but compensated for by the company of the aimiable local people. There is litle or no public transport in towns (but taxis are very cheap) so the practicalities of getting about can be difficult and this book is of immense help in this respect.
I found the political comment in the book very apt and not over done. Whilst we were never troubled by them there are road blocks and soldiers/militia on the streets at times so it is a country where travellers need to be more aware than usual of the political situation and, so informed, adapt accordingly.
The other guide books do cover the history and the culture rather more fully but for most with only room in their pack for one book the coverage in the Lonely Planet guide will be sufficient.Myanmar (Burma): Includes Extensive Coverage of the Temples of Bagan (Lonely Planet Country Guide)

Excellent
This is a superb little book with everything you need to know when visiting the country. The restaurant and hotel descriptions are very accurate, and the maps and site guides excellent. One of the best features of the book are the Rangoon and Mandalay walking tours, which both take you on fascinating routes through colourful and architecturally interesting parts of the city and off the beaten track away from the more touristy sites.

I would have liked a more detailed history, particularly of British Burma, but that aside it's an invaluable travel companion.

The book is certainly political in its opposition to all things government but having now been there and seen how awfully the country is governed, this is no bad thing. People should definitely travel to Burma but make every effort to ensure their dollars don't end up in the pockets of the government. This guidebook provides you with the information to achieve this while offering superb travel advice.

I would have been lost (in every sense) without it.