Yangon (formerly Rangoon) is the capital and main entry point for Myanmar (formerly Burma).

There are no direct flights from Australia into Myanmar. Thai Airlines (via Bangkok), Singapore Airlines (via Singapore) and Malaysian Airlines (via Kuala Lumpur ) offer the most popular indirect routes.

The currency is the Myanmar Kyat (Approximately 0.78 Kyat for 1 Australian Dollar).

To visit Myanmar or not? Bit of a tricky one this. For years the main adventure tour groups have refused to operate in Myanmar because of its government's human rights abuses. There is no doubt that it is a vile regime of corrupt and brutal generals but lately some companies have returned there on the basis that tourism brings earnings to ordinary Burmese.

Yangon (Rangoon): Normal sightseeing includes strolling around the old colonial-style city centre, Karakeik Hall, a royal floating barge on a lake, Bogyoke market and the enchanting Schwedagon Pagoda, one of the world's most spectacular religious monuments.

Kyaiktiyo (Golden Rock Pagoda), a massive gold covered rock balanced precariously on a cliff edge is not to be missed. Bago is famous for it’s many well kept Stupa’s and the largest reclining Bhuddha in the world.

Inle Lake in the central region of Myanmar offers the chance to kick back and relax for a few days. Boat rides on the lake can be arranged to visit the villages dotted around it’s shores where you can witness local handicrafts being made. Mandalay, one of the former royal capitals of Burma, is where you can visit Mahagandayon, a famous Buddhist monastery and the 200-year-old U-Bein teak bridge. Mandalay can also be used to visit the abandoned capitals of Ava, Amarapura, Sagaing and downstream to Mingun

Maymyo, on the way to Bagan, offers a cooler climate and good walking opportunities in the surrounding hills. Bagan is the real jewel in Myanmar often referred to as the 8th wonder of the world, there are more than 2000 pagodas & shrines spread across a vast valley. Watching sunset from the Bupaya Pagoda for the view over the Ayerarwaddy river and the many ancient monuments is a memorable experience which make this one of Asia's most impressive historic sites.

Australian passport holders need a visa for Myanmar, 3 month visa costs around $60. Contact the embassy:

Embassy of the Union of Myanmar, Canberra
22 Arkana Street, Yarralumla,
Canberra, ACT 2600
Tel: 6273 3811; 6273 3751
Fax: 6273 3181

For assistance Australian passport holders should go to:

Australian Embassy, 88 Strand Road, Yangon.

Telephone: + 95 1 251 810, 251 809 Fax: 95 1 246 159
Web: www.burma.embassy.gov.au

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