Burma as a traveler

[TotallyOz]

I have a friend who just spent one month as a traveler in Burma. He said he felt perfectly safe the entire trip and that in most places he was the only tourist. He was just gotten out of the military in Israel after 5 years of service and he spent a few months traveling around Asia. He has done Muay Thai camp and many other interesting things all over Asia. I was a bit surprised that he felt so safe in Burma but he said he felt safer there than anywhere else he traveled. Anyone else been there in recent times?

 

For me, I am not interested in spending my money there after the horrible massacre there last year so I do not plan a trip there but would be curious if anyone has been there recently and their experiences there as compared to Thailand.

[Guest gwm4sian]

If I think about it, it would seem logical to me that there would be a direct correlation between the "feeling safe" factor and the propensity of the population to abide by the laws of the land.

 

So, compare Burma where people obey the laws (or else!) and Thailand where the ones entrusted to making and enforcing the laws are the most corrupt - where do you think you are safest?

[Guest luvthai]

I also have a friend that travels quite often into Burma and also says he feels totally at ease there. He says the Burmese people seem to be the friendliest he has met yet. He travels regularly to Cambodia and Laos as well and lives full time in Bangkok. Burma definately is his favorite place to go. Me, well when I get to thailand i seem never to be able to leave pattaya.

[Nikom]

 

I am in Myanmar rather often. I have also traveled over many other parts of the world. To me Myanmar is by far the safest place I have been to. In some ways it appears to be like I read of Thailand 30 years ago.

 

I at times wonder around Yangon at night, often after 'having a few'. I have been approached several times but only by people who insisted that they walk me back to my hotel so I would get there safe.

 

I think there are two reasons for Myanmar being so safe. There are very strict laws AND they are enforced! Everyone knows that so this keeps some people within the law. I once asked a local what happens if someone in Myanmar steals something. They kept telling me that this does not happen. Finally I said, ok, just say it did happen. What would happen to the thief? Their answer: 'We would never see them again.'

 

There is by far a much stronger force in Myanmar society. The people are so sweet and helpful and show so much compassion that the whole culture reflects this. If you watch fathers in the evening with their children you will understand. Every evening fathers have their children out in the neighborhood and play with them, take them places, etc. Whenever I am leaving Myanmar everyone gives me a gift to carry!

 

Part of this strong culture is that you don't do certain things because it is wrong!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Gaybutton]

I am in Myanmar rather often. I have also traveled over many other parts of the world. To me Myanmar is by far the safest place I have been to. In some ways it appears to be like I read of Thailand 30 years ago.

 

Most of us have been saying that we would not travel there because of the actions of the government. I would like to know your opinion about that since you apparently have a good deal of experience there. Do you feel that we are right or wrong to refuse to travel to Myanmar?

 

I am also interested in the gay scene in Myanmar. I'm guessing there are no gay bars there, but I would not be surprised if there are cruise areas. How does it work there? Are there any problems about bringing a boy back to your room? Are gays accepted or persecuted? What can you tell us?

[fedssocr]

Here is an interesting post on that very subject by the owner of Purple Dragon Tours

http://www.purpledrag.com/blog/4October07.htm

 

I personally have very conflicted feelings on the subject. I think I come down on the side of visiting and spending money mainly serves to enrich the tyrants and does little to support the people. But I also see the other side and understand their argument. Obviously it's a complicated issue.

[Nikom]

>>Most of us have been saying that we would not travel there because of the actions of the government. I would like to know your opinion about that since you apparently have a good deal of experience there. Do you feel that we are right or wrong to refuse to travel to Myanmar?<<

 

My opinion only. I do not have anything to do with the government there. Should have been gone a long time ago. I go because I love the culture, the history, and the people. I am currently helping five students go to school. One if these is now in school in Singapore. I buy in Yangon many school supplies and take to local schools. Last year I paid for two different guys to open a small business.

 

I have NO positive feeling about those westerners who say 'punish the people because we don't like the government'. The poor people of Myanmar and the small growing middle class in the country has a hard enough time as it is. Every tourist dollar, spent wisely, help a family! It also helps change people's ideas. For me I see no difference between this military government and what the Americans are doing in Iraq and the Israels are doing in Palestine!

 

 

>>I am also interested in the gay scene in Myanmar. I'm guessing there are no gay bars there, but I would not be surprised if there are cruise areas. How does it work there? Are there any problems about bringing a boy back to your room? Are gays accepted or persecuted? What can you tell us?<<

 

There are no gay bars, openly, BUT ....... the gay scene is big in Yangon and Mandalay and several of the other cities. Just visit some of the restrooms at the University of Yangon and see what is happening! I think the boys of Myanmar are about the same as in Thailand. Many gay, many bi and many straight but will play.

 

There are many cruising areas and meeting places. I often meet someone on the interent and then arrange to meet them in Yangon. ALL the gay boys in the city know others, where to hang out, etc. Many of the hotels do not care who you bring to your room as long as it is done quitely AND the boy is not under age. Gay males in Myanmar are not persecuted but age is the key. The government and most of the hotels don't put up with underage children.

 

Many of the boys who work in the hotels are gay and once they know what you want then one will come late at night and knock on your door asking if they can stay the night! Another method is to arrange to visit one of the beaches and take your friend with you. This is done all the time. I have a driver who takes us. He knows what is happening and does not care.

 

If you have some particular questions please ask and I will try to answer.

 

Nikom

 

 

 

[Gaybutton]

If you have some particular questions please ask and I will try to answer.

 

Regarding travel to Myanmar, I have a few:

 

1. What is the legal minimum age in Myanmar? If you are not sure of a boy's age, do they carry ID cards or some other means of checking?

 

2. What is the expected 'tip' for both short time and long time?

 

3. You said there are many cruising areas and meeting places. Can you be more specific about the locations of some of them, and in which cities?

 

4. What kind of currency is used in Myanmar? Are US dollars accepted? Is Thai baht accepted? Are there ATMs, or is it necessary to travel with a lot of cash?

 

5. What kinds of travel documents are necessary? If a visa is necessary, is it issued on arrival or does is have to be purchased in advance? Do you know the price? Does Myanmar charge fees to exit the country?

 

6. Do you have any hotel recommendations and know how to contact the hotels for reservations?

 

7. Do you have any restaurant recommendations?

 

8. Other than the gay scene, do you have recommendations for "must see" places to visit? Do you also have suggestions for places to avoid?

 

9. For the first time visitor, how many days do you recommend?

 

10. Are there any guidebooks and/or maps you would especially recommend?

 

11. For the gay traveler, if only one city can be visited would you recommend Yangon, Mandalay, or another city?

 

Also, I appreciate your posts. I think what you are saying gives us much to consider in a different way from the point of view many of us have come to believe, and also provides a different perspective on the most common perceptions of Myanmar and whether a foreigner ought to travel there.

[Guest Hedda]

If your criterion for tourism is looking for safe places to visit, why not try any of the local prisons that give free guided tours of life behind bars. Mind you, you wouldn't want to live there, but touring can be a lots of fun, when you're safely on the outside of the bars looking in.

 

The people of Burma have been living in a prison for over forty years now, ruled by a tyrannical regime that has no respect for human life or civil rights. Like any jail, it's very safe to visit, expecially if you admire the friendly smiles, culture and history of the inmates.

 

One of the highlights of any Yangon tour is to travel safely by bus past the house where the nation's only elected prime minister has been confined for most of her last 12 years. It's not often you can get this close to a Nobel peace prize winner who lives behind bars.

 

You may think that your visit "has nothing to do with the government," except there's hardly anything left after 40 years of army control of this economy, be it a hotel, tour agency, restaurant or business that doesn't directly or indirectly derive income from every dollar or euro you spend. If you're helping the economy, you're helping the government.

 

I'm sure that things like sex are less expensive too - but then prison labor has always been cheap.

[Nikom]

 

I will try to answer your questions. Easy ones first!

 

11. One city for a gay tourist? Yangon! But you really miss the real favor of the country if you stay only in Yangon!

 

10. For a tourist the Lonely Planet guide is quite good. It has been updated often and this last edition has new, much better researchers/authors.

 

9. First time visit to Myanmar? My opinion but most tend to agree, two weeks at least. There is Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Inle Lake as the major places. Transportation is slow in Myanmar so you have to count these days too. Most tourist go for two weeks the first time and almost always return for the full 27 days allowed. So many other ruins and temples and lakes and mountain villages to visit!

 

8. Must see places, other than the gay scene? What is this? Do you want me to scan in a whole guide book??? smile! Depends what you like. I love the beach in Myanmar. So laid back plus many citizens also visit the beaches. Treking in the mountains up around Kalaw is great. I love Mawlamyne near the sea and the Thai border. Very Thai like and the only place in the country where your Thai cell phone will work! Don't miss the old capital of Mingun which also has a strange gay scene. If you are into history you HAVE to take the boat to Mrauk U in the western part of the country. Every human being should once in their life time visit Bagan!

 

7. Restaurants: A guide book will list most of the tourist type restaurants. If you don't like these and you have a guide then just tell him you want to eat 'local' and he will take you where the working people of Yangon eat. The food is TOO good. This is also a reason for you to find a local 'friend' in Myanmar because they will take you to good places to eat.

 

6. Many of the hotels and guest houses have websites or email contact. Again, Lonely Planet guide has these email addresses. But you don't have to worry. There are many hotels of every price and you will not sleep in the street. One interesting note about the hotel I stay at in Yangon.

 

I soon learned what was happening in Myanmar when I kept seeing, about 10:00 at night, a big government car pull up to the hotel and let off an official who I later leaned was from far up in the government. The official comes into the hotel where his ladyboy is waiting in the lobby and they go upstairs!

 

More later! Questions?

 

 

 

 

[Gaybutton]

More later! Questions?

 

Thank you. I look forward to seeing the rest of the answers. I can think of only one additional question. Is the Burmese food spiced up with hot peppers as is Thai food?

 

 

[Guest fountainhall]

You may think that your visit "has nothing to do with the government," . . . if you're helping the economy, you're helping the government.

 

Fascinating thread. I do intend to visit Myanmar later this year. I accept Hedda's comments, but do not totally agree with them. Of course tourism in a junta-led regime helps government revenues, but I also happen to believe that revenue keeps at least some of the citizens in employment and thereby alleviates some of the misery. I can recall the Marcos years in The Philippines when the poverty in a regime propped up by the US and other western governments was horrific. Tourist dollars certainly created employment for a lot of people, even if a large chunk of the profits went to Marcos and his wife (e.g. he owned th Manila hotel and she owned the Philippine Plaza complex).

[Guest wowpow]

Planet's Burma guide 'unethical'

 

The TUC has called for a boycott of Lonely Planet guidebooks until the Burma edition is withdrawn from sale.

The trade union umbrella organisation says travel to Burma is unethical and helps prop up the military government.

Last year, Lonely Planet was bought by BBC Worldwide Limited, the commercial arm of the Corporation.

In a statement, the BBC said the guide book - one of 288 published by Lonely Planet - "provides information and lets readers decide for themselves".

The TUC, Tourism Concern, Burma Campaign UK and the New Internationalist have launched an online petition calling for the immediate withdrawal of the book.

 

Full article:

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7257356.stm

[Gaybutton]

Certainly feel free to discuss the question of whether it is ethical to travel to Burma, but that is not what this thread is really about. In my case, I'm very curious about the information Nikom is providing, and I see no reason not to be. Whether I, or anyone else, decides to actually travel to Burma is a matter of individual choice and opinion. I am also gathering information, out of curiosity, about other countries as well, none of which I intend to actually visit.

 

Within the article Wowpow references is the following:

_____

 

Reasons not to go include:

 

* Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi opposes tourism

* The military government uses forced labour

* International tourism seen as 'stamp of approval'

* Money from tourism goes to the military government

 

Reasons to go are:

 

* Tourism one of few areas to which locals have access

* Carefully targeted spending reaches individuals in need

* Locals have told travel guide authors they are in favour

* Abuses less likely in areas frequented by foreigners

[Nikom]

To continue:

 

7. There are many restaurants in Yangon and Mandalay from all over the world. Many Thai, Chinese, European and Korean. Because there are 7 or 8 different nationalities in Myanmar the food is very different also. Those nationalities nearer the western [india] border are more like central Asian food. Those near the east are somewhat like Thai. Shan noodles are great!

 

Most food is not spicy like Thai food. It does take some time to get use-to the food, but there are so many places to eat you don't have to worry. Also in Yangon there are many coffee/cake shops [Mr. Brown, J. donut]. These are great pick-up spots too!

 

For traditional food have your guide or driver take you to Aung Thukha. This is where all the cab drivers eat and the food is GOOD! Only local language spoken here. My favorite Yangon restaurant if you want to spend the money is the Monsoon.

 

6. Hotels. For every pocket. There are some very upscale hotels that cost almost nothing. I stay at one in Bagan, right on the river. The best! In Mandalay there are several good hotels but I have been staying at the Royal City. They also have a Royal City guest house that costs less too.

 

At Chang Tha Beach stay at Shwe Hin Tha hotel. NOT upscale but right on the beach and has great service. Some of the staff are "friends", including two who are married!

 

Ngapali Beach has every type of hotels. The Linn Thar OO Lodge has basic rooms up to very nice rooms. If you look around during the day and stare at some of the staff then later that night there will be a small knock-knock on your door and a young man will slip in to give you a massage and a little more. If you want more tell him to go to the village and bring someone for you.

 

5. Travel documents. If there is an exit fee then it is already included in your ticket. To enter you must have a visa in advance. Visa on arrival was done away with two years ago. A visa is easy to get in Bangkok. May take two days. Maybe more during high season. The fee is ca. $20.00 to $25.00.

 

Entering the country is easy. They very seldom check anything. If you are Asian they many check your luggage but this only means that you open it up and the look inside. I have never seen any custom person put his hand in someones luggage.

 

4. Currency: Not easy to answer. There are a few ATM BUT only for Myanmar money and they are not connected to the international system by demand of a certain Western power. Thai Baht is accepted but the exchange rate is less than Dollars or Euros. The best system to travel in Myanmar is to convert your money into dollars. Have some $100 bills, some 20s, 10s and ones. Don't worry about "carrying a lot of money. Myanmar is very safe. You will need to change some money into local Kyats but not a lot. Entry to all National Parks, historical areas, etc. is in Dollars. Likewise your hotel will want Dollars/Euros. ONE warning. All dollar bills must be clean, not folded much and not written on. They can not have a serial number that starts with CB.

[several years ago a Western power made up a lot of counterfeit bills with CB.]

 

3, 2, and 1. The Gay world of Yangon and Myanmar: There is NO gay scene, but it is there, just below the surface. The best way to interact with it is to make contact by an internet forum with a Myanmar fellow. Don't ask for love. Tell him that you are coming for a visit and you would like to take him to dinner and have him explain about how the whole gay scene. Most of the boys who post on the internet are looking for local lovers but are interested in the outside world. Almost all of them have heard of HEAVEN - meaning Bangkok!

 

Some Myanmar boys have IDs but many do not. They cost MONEY! About legal age in the country I do not know, but as I mentioned before, children are a no no! Most hotels will ask a boy you are bring in what his age is and let him pass.

 

Expected tip? Over and over the boys will say, 'what ever you give' and they mean that as everyone is so poor. Any bill they make they take back home to their families. The best habit is to make them tell you how much. I always find this price too low, and if they are good, give them more. If you do this it help you because to them it shows a good heart. Myanmar boys like to share you. They will say, "I have a friend I want to send to you. I want him to meet you too!" Or they will say, "My big brother has a taxi and he will take you.", and of course the big brother knows what you want! I always take two, three .... boys to the beach with me. [and they often find some local boys from the nearby village!

 

Yangon: There are really two scenes. One of middle and upper class boys who enjoy to play and have contact with others. This includes many gay, ladyboys, and bi boys. The other scene involves money and is made up of mostly poor types boys. However, ALL these boys ARE warm, friendly, ........ 90% of the time when you see a boy and he also looks at you he will not approach because of his fear of language. Also if he is with friends you must be careful. If you are in like Mr. Brown and spy someone even with a friend, ask if they speak English and if you can join them. ALSO, if a boy is looking at you and he goes to the men's room this is your signal.

 

Yangon, where:

a. There is a walk-over all four streets at the corner of Anawrahta Road and Dagon Pagoda Road, near the Bogyoke Ang San Market. As soon as it is dark young men start to gather there, but is finished by about 10:30 as Yangon sleeps early. This is where the local boys wait for local contacts. Some have been known to open their longyi for you to see! I find so many boys distracting so when I visit there I just find a spot and stand like a local. This is very funny to the boys and many jokes are issued so it is easy to see 'someone special'.

b. Late afternoon down by the ferry dock that crosses the river there are often boys playing football there and will approach you. Some time a young one will approach you but if you just say 'go find your older brother or cousin' they will do that. Some of the older brothers are straight, and so cute and so willing to HELP you!

c. Many, many of the boys who work in the hotels and restaurants are gay. AND they all know each other too. One of the hotels in Yangon will send up a boy to your room around 11:00 to see if you are interested!

d. If someone asks you if you want a girl, I often reply, 'no I like something else.' Do you have any suggestions?

e. The Silver Oak Cafe is a good place to eat and often has some gay event. There is an area behind this Cafe that is used as a meeting place for some of the gay groups.

f. The money boys at night tend to gather at a tea house on the northeast corner of Anawrahta Road and Sule Paya Road.

g. Some of the international hotels, on the weekends, have a SHOW. This is where all the middle and upper class boys go to mix and meet.

h. check: www.utopia-asia.com

 

The Gay scene is there. It just takes some time to locate a contact who will open the door.

 

Questions?

 

 

 

 

[Guest Hedda]

The Gay scene is there. It just takes some time to locate a contact who will open the door

Doors that aren't as easy to open: Insein Prison on the outskirts of Yangon, which has has been used for over 40 years to hold and torture Burmese political prisoners.

 

[Gaybutton]

Questions?

 

Only one more that I can think of at the moment. Among your hotel recommendations, I didn't see any recommendations for Yangon.

[Guest Geezer]

In Yangon the Summit Parkview hotel is good. I’m not knowledgeable concerning the awarding of stars, but it’s much better than Tarntawan Place, and not as good as Tawana Ramada. About two years ago the tariff was $50 US. There was no problem with joiners. It is near a shopping mall where I picked up a very nice boy.

 

He was, in fact, the only boy in Burma whom I found attractive. The previous day he had come with his younger brother from his home in the country . I asked my guide to approach the lad and tell him I would like to get to know him. The boy, being quite naïve, had no idea what was wanted. My guide talked to him for some time, making my needs increasingly obvious. Still no light dawned. Finally, I said, “Tell him I would like for him to give me a massage.”

 

The boy said he would try but had never given a massage before, then accompanied us to the hotel. When we got to the room he still had no clue. My guide impressed upon him that he needn’t do anything he didn‘t want to do, then left us alone in the room. My rustic stud still hadn’t the slightest idea of what was expected.

 

As he worked earnestly at giving a good massage I subtlety guided his efforts in other directions. He hadn’t the foggiest idea of what to do, but I am a loving and compassionate teacher. As each new activity was introduced I would ask him, “OK??”, and he would indicate it was.

 

The memory of the encounter warms me still, and I am happy in the knowledge that, in at least one instance, I was supporting a strapping Burmese boy rather than the Generals.

 

A falang friend visited Burma, took a boy to his room, and when things began to get personal the boy said, “Oh, you want girl!”. My friend said, “No, I like boys.” The lad persisted, “No, you want girl. Boy no good for you. I get girl for you.” Despite my friend’s best efforts he couldn’t convince the lad that he wanted a boy.

 

The problem with living in Pattaya -- for me the best place in the world to meet young men -- is that when you travel, the prospects are inferior to those at home. This was certainly the case in Burma. (The junta insists it be known as Myanmar, so I call it Burma.)

 

I tend to prefer muscular boys, and headed for the area in Mandalay where boys spend twelve hours a day pounding gold bullion into gold leaf with heavy hammers. As you can see from the photos, arduous labor with inadequate nutrition doesn’t result in pecs and abs. As all the Burmese boys I approached however, they were open and friendly; not at all reluctant to come to the hotel.

 

To iterate, if you’re looking for pulchritude or muscles you had better stay in Thailand.

[Nikom]

 

Some observations:

 

One note about gay visitors to Myanmar. Going to look for gay activity is one thing, however if this is all then you miss the real essence of Myanmar, the history and the people. History is marked by ruins and architecture of all kinds and ages; people, well just gentle and warm.

Get out and see the country and meet the people. Go to the beach and find that the man who bring the beer to your porch wants to come back that night to see you! Or the young muscle boatmen taking you to and back from Mingun wants to know which hotel you stay at! Or the hotel in Pyay that is full of nice young men who keep coming into your room to “repair the AirCon”!

 

The BIGGEST problem with meeting guys in Myanmar is language. Most all know some English but are afraid to speak for fear that they will be embarrassed. So YOU have to approach someone and start the conversation. If you smile you will have their attention!! Often if the person does not understand you they will call a close friend who will and you get to meet two! The Myanmar boys are shy just like many from Issan.

 

Sexual activity in Myanmar has yet to be broken down along Western definitions like has happened in Thailand. I am guessing but I think probably 60% of the males enjoy all kinds sex. Do not be surprised to have workmen on the back of a truck send kisses to you! Or a waiter tell you that he has a friend that you should meet! The only very defined sexual role in Myanmar are the ladyboys. You can see them all over.

 

The question about hotels. In Yangon and Mandalay you really need to check out a guide book as they list so many for every price and service. If you are taking a friend from the middle or upper class to a hotel room you will have no trouble. I always just book a double room and tell the hotel when I register that I have friends who will stop by at times to “watch the telly”! I never travel alone in Myanmar - always with one Myanmar friend or another. I have never had any problems at all - except some the hotel staff is jealous of my friend! If you have met a working boy or a boy from a lower class they will know which hotels or guest house to go for short time.

 

[Gaybutton]

Nikom, I have been doing a little bit of reading. Depending on which web site I read, I understand there is a requirement to purchase either US $200 or $300 in Myanmar currency (FEC ?) on arrival. Based on everything I'm reading, the people don't even want their own currency. They want US dollars. Is that correct? Assuming the currency purchase requirement is correct, is that money essentially useless? Is it acceptable? Can it be traded for dollars? What can you tell us about that?

 

This is the kind of thread I like most to see. This is good, solid information coming from someone who knows what he's talking about. I agree with Fountainhall. Despite differing opinions about the ethics of traveling to Myanmar, I think this tread is fascinating.

[Nikom]

 

 

Old web sites don’t drown they just stay on board!

 

The FEC requirement was done away with about 2002. Now when you arrival at the new international airport in Yangon you have no currency requirement. Just pick up your bags, go through customs and walk out to the taxi desk if someone is not meeting you.

 

The national currency is the Kyat [pronounced chat]. Also accepted at most ‘tourist’ related places: Baht, dollar and Euro. However, the best rate of exchange is the dollar and that is what most people take into Myanmar. The added reason is that the National Parks and historical areas ask foreigners to pay in dollars. You can pay in Kyat, but not preferred.

 

There is in fact a dual currency system in the country. Everyday things need to be paid for in Kyat. Hotels ask you to pay in dollar or Euro, as do travel agencies, etc. The rule of thumb is that you pay large charges in dollars and the smaller in Kyat. This may be changing soon as with the decline of the dollar the Euro has been fast gaining in popularity. If you want to leave a nice tip for anyone, or to give a new friend some funds you should do so in dollars.

 

Do NOT exchange money at the airport or at banks. [taxis take dollars] There is an official exchange rate that no one in the country uses, except perhaps the banks. The common exchange rate is used by everyone and everyone in the country knows, daily, the rate. As of February 22 the rate for dollars and baht:

 

1 US = 1177 kyat

1 BT = 36.1 kyat

 

You can exchange money every where in the larger cities. On the street, your hotel, exchange offices, etc. I should be careful of using the street venders [they are everywhere]. However, if you have a guide he will know a good street vender. You hotel is good but a good rate can be had at the Central Hotel across from the main market.

 

Most travelers going into Myanmar take several one hundred dollar bills [best rate], many 20s, 10s, and ones. Then you change one of the hundred dollars bills to pay for food, etc. and keep the rest to pay the larger charges. If you are changing a lot of money you need to bring a small bag with you to put the Kyat in as they will be plenty. Also if traveling far away from the larger cities exchange your money before you go because of the rate.

 

Again, dollars bills should be newer, flat as in pressed, not written on or folded repeatedly. Do not take any dollar of any amount with the number that starts with CB. Some places will take them but only at half rate.

 

 

[Nikom]

THE LARGEST GAY FESTIVAL IN ASIA

 

The largest Gay Festival in all of Asia is held yearly at Taungbyone about 20km north of Mandalay, Myanmar for a whole week! It is held the last part of August, the six days up and including the full Moon, 5th Lunar month.

 

Thousands of people from all over Myanmar gather here to

celebrate the Taungbyone Nats. All the gay boys from all over Myanmar go up. Hundreds of gay Thai cross over to attend too. Last year a large group of gays from Singapore attended. While Taungbyone is religious by nature, it is in fact largely a gay festival. Almost all Nats in Myanmar are gay. Also many fake Nats show up to join in the party!

 

For six days people dance, eat, and drink. The area is covered with food tables and shop stalls. Dance groups cover the area performing all day and night. The atmosphere reflects that of Carnival in Brazil or in the Caribbean. During these days you can do what you feel, not what you have to be during the rest of the year. For this reason many males ‘come out’ during these six days!

 

Last year I went up with a group of students from the University of Yangon and it was in fact a six days and nights of orgy! Even saw the ‘very male’ manager of a hotel in Yangon in a female dress with makeup! Those foreign wishing to attend need to have a local person go with you. Many of the guides or drivers will go with you. And don’t be afraid to telling them that you want to go because of all the gays there. They will understand.

 

I have a Thai friend who says:

+First, as a Buddhist you have a responsibility to visit the Shwedagon Paya at least once in your life time!

+Second, as a gay you have a responsibility to attend the Gay Festival at Taungbyone at least once in your life time!

 

To read more put “Taungbyone” in a search engine or read the two the two links below:

 

http://www.myanmartourex.com/travel_myanma...e_festival.html

 

 

http://www.nirvanatour.de/burma/feste.html

 

 

 

[Nikom]

 

MY FAVORITE RESTAURANTS

 

 

Yangon Restaurants

 

There are many good restaurants in the city. These are just a few of my favorites.

 

MONSOON

Serves Myanmar, Thai, Vietnam, and Cambodian food [expensive but so, so good!]

85-87 Theinbyu Road, lower block, Botataung [east of city hall about six blocks]

Tel; 95-1-295 224, 705063

 

LAVENDER

serves Myanmar, Korean and Taiwan food. Later in the evening gay and lesbian couples show up.

No. 179/181 Botataung Pagoda Road [east of city hall about four blocks]

Tel; 95-1-295 090

 

RITZ CAFÉ

A small ‘French style’ café with local food and drinks. Very laid back and quiet. Great place to discuss your life with someone.

Across the rail road tracks on Shwe Dagon Pagoda Rd. [on the right side of the road going north]

 

RIVERINE CRUISE, Myat Than Dar

This is an evening dinner cruise up the river and back. Live music, cocktail bar, food, and entertainment with some ladyboys.

No. 2, Sin Oh Dan Jetty, Seikkan Township [The jetty is just south of China Town.

Tel; 951706010, 545613, 222241

 

AUNG THUKHA

Traditional Myanmar Food - Where the locals eat. Have a driver or friend take you there. Everyone knows where it is.

Tel: 525194.

 

GOLDEN DUCK

Several around but the one on the river near the jetty to cross the river is my favorite. Great view and atmosphere. Really cute waiters which you can see later bathing outside at the far end of the restaurant!

 

ABC COUNTRY PUB

A great spot just east of City Hall that has a live “country and western” band. Food excellent and the drinks strong. Sometimes there are some cute waiters there.

 

ZAWGYI HOUSE on Bogyoke Aung San Road, 20 steps from the Bogyoke Aung Sand Market is a delightful restaurant with a creative French - Myanmar menu and an art gallery. Very cold beer too!

 

CHINESE RESTAURANT on the first floor of the Asia Plaza Hotel on Bogyoke Aung San Road at 38th Street [enter through the hotel lobby] serves the local community. The food and service is the best!

 

THE LION WORLD BAR is good for a late afternoon drink, or evening meal - again local people. Above on the crosswalk at Anawyater St. and Shwedagon Paya Road. This is the crosswalk where all the young men stand in the evening hoping for love!

 

CAFÉ AROMA on Sule Paya Road has a new chef and new cute waiters. Both western and local food! Many older student stop here on their way home or bring their girl friends there.

 

There are all sorts of Thai and Chinese restaurants in Yangon. Many fast food places: Mr. Brown, J Donuts, MacBurger. These are tea, sandwich and pastry shops and are always filled with nice sweet students in the late afternoon.

 

 

Ngapali Beach Restaurants

 

Exit any of the hotels and turn left and walk down the road. Near the last hotel there are 7 or 8 very nice restaurants owned by local people who serve the best sea food. Great atmosphere and good service. On the way back to your hotel along the road you may meet some prostitutes or ladyboys - always dressed in black. You can try telling them what you want and offer them a fee to go into the nearby town and get what you need!

 

 

Mandalay Restaurants

 

Many, many from all over the world. I don’t like the main Tai Restaurant [ Ko’s Kitchen], but there are others.

 

If you get ‘templed out’ and want to escape one evening go to BBB. Owned by a Myanmar guy who lived in Germany. Great western food and drinks. South of the Palace square, around the corner from Royal City Hotel.

 

A real Korean Restaurant shortly east of Royal City Hotel. He Korean, she Myanmar. Take out too - you can request which waiter you want to deliver your food!

 

There are restaurants and bars out along the river - sometimes mosquitoes too. Great places in the late afternoon and early evening. I always meet university students there. Take Bayintnaung Road west until you reach the river and then turn left and go up about one km.

 

 

 

[dapitt]

Nikom, thank you so much for all this very, very helpful information. Your comprehensive Burma reports really "fill in the picture" for those of us with interest in Burma. Thank you!

[Guest dave_tf]

Since mention has been made about the repressive government and about the strict law enforcement, my questions relate to gay activity in Burma.

 

1. What is the legal status of gays and of gay sex in Burma? Both technically and practically.

2. What is the legal status of trans-national sex, including what is or could be construed as prostituition?

 

Thanks.