Burma facing tourism challenge
Huge numbers of visitors are expected to join the rush to see Myanmar, one of the world’s most secretive countries, now that Aung San Suu Kyi has given her approval for tourists to visit. Whilst this is a welcome change to the ‘closed years’, in high season there are doubts as to whether the country’s infrastructure can cope with such an influx of tourists, many of whom will be visiting in group tours which are flooding the market.
Comments Robin Ball, Director of Bamboo Travel, which organises tailor-made, independent trips to countries throughout Southeast Asia, including Myanmar: “It’s great news that tourism is on the increase to Burma now that they are on the road to democracy and this will be of a massive financial benefit to many ordinary people.
“But we are noticing hundreds of new ‘group’ tour departures available from UK companies over the next 12 months, which the Burmese will struggle to cope with.
“We are therefore trying to encourage visits throughout the year, rather than just during the peak season which will have the highest concentration of visitors. This is why we have created our innovative new tour Jewels of Vietnam & Burma, specifically designed for Burma’s “Green Season” (April-October), when the crowds thin dramatically and the atmosphere returns to how it was before the recent tourist boom. You can expect the occasional shower in Burma during this time, but they will not impact on the cultural sightseeing, and the conditions in north and central Vietnam tend to be fine in these months.”
One of Bamboo Travel’s ground handling agents in Myanmar said: “It will take 3-5 years until new hotels are up and running and the economy is at a normal growth of speed. We need UK operators to push business during the low season from May to September. This will help with capacity issues and give clients travelling in the ‘green season’ an opportunity to see Myanmar at a less busy time as well as taking advantage of lower prices and easier access to the most popular sites and hotels.”
Highlights of the new Jewels of Vietnam & Burma itinerary include a cyclo tour of the old quarter of Hanoi, a one night cruise around Halong Bay on a privately chartered boat, a guided tour of Yangon (including the Shwedagon Pagoda) two nights at Inle Lake – with a boat ride, vineyard visit and cycling tour – a tour of the temples of Mandalay, a city tour and a private boat trip to Mingun.
There will also be a tour of Bagan – plus evening ox cart ride to the temples for sunset – and two nights to relax in Hoi An at the end of the trip, staying at the beachside Hoi An Boutique Resort.
The holiday costs from £2495 pp (two sharing) which includes international and domestic flights, 13-nights' B&B staying in Burma’s best boutique hotels (plus 2 lunch & 2 dinners), private transfers and tours with English speaking guides and drivers
For further information or to make a booking, visit bambootravel.co.uk.
