tools4fools

12-Sept-06

Sittwe-Mrauk U Fast Ferry

Confirmed reports have it that the Zwenadi Express Boat between Sittwe and Mrauk U have stopped operating. If and when operations ever will resume is unknown.

IWT government boats and smaller substitutes (on which IWT tickets are valid as well) are still operating.

Boats for hire are still available in the port area.

Myitkyina-Bhamo Fast Ferry

Confirmed reports have it that the direct express boat service between Myitkyina and Bhamo has been suspended.

A slower boat does the trip instead, taking one or two days down river depending on water levels, staying overnight in a village along the way if neccessary. Travellers have reported being able to use this local boat but not until quite some hassles by local authorities.

Alternative is the road trip, a all day long journey by local pick-up with some rough roads over the mountainous part, which might be impassable during or after heavy or sustained rains.

20-Oct-06

Yangon-Mandalay Trains

Confirmed reports have it that all night trains from Yangon to Mandalay have been suspended. Reasons given for their suspensions are that government workers can arrive in the new capital during daytime.

New train schedules can be seen at:

Seat 61

5-Dec-06

Overland Permits

Confirmed reports say that there is now an 'overland permit' needed to leave or enter Myanmar overland via Kawthoung and Tachilek.

This permit allows to travel from the border to Yangon 'overland' with the usual restrictions still in place, i.e. no overland Kengtung-Tachilek (use dometic flight), no overland Dawei-Mawlamyine-Kawthoung (use boat between Dawei-Myeik-Kawthoung and/or plane to Yangon from Dawei, Myeik or Kawthoung).

Permits by MTT at 20-30US$ depending on fees of agencies.

To exit via Kawthoung/Tachilek get overland permit at MTT Yangon, up to 10 days processing.

To enter via Tachilek try your luck at MTT there before showing up at border; Tel: 084-51023

To enter via Kawthoung try your luck at MTT there before showing up at border; Tel: 059-51578

So basically everything stays the same except that 30US$ have to be paid and this permit has to arranged before showing up at the border for entry/or going to the border to exit. There were reports of people not having the permit being turned back at Tachilek trying to enter or exit!

Those new 'overland rules do not affect border passes issued at the border for one day (5$) or 14 days (10$).

Visa Extensions

Confirmed reports have it that there are no more visa extensions possible by MTT in Yangon. Only overstay can be payed at international airport up to 14 days (3$ fee plus 3$ per day, 2 passport photographs).

home - guidebooks - galleries - about tools4fools - contact info - links