Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Transport
Myanmar ? possible ? Myanmar ? possible ?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Trip Transport Shipping the vehicle and yourself.
Photo by George Guille, It's going to be a long 300km... Bolivian Amazon

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by George Guille
It's going to be a long 300km...
Bolivian Amazon



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 11 Oct 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Wales UK
Posts: 284
Myanmar ? possible ?
I know that Myanmar has been in the past off limits for us self driving individuals.

however, Myanmar appears to be undergoing considerable changes and taking a positive attitude towards welcoming westerner tourists more and more.

So, is it possible yet for us europeans to drive through yet ?

does anybody know what the latest is ?

phil.
Last edited by Phil Flanagan; 29 Oct 2011 at 21:02.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11 Oct 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
Quote:
Originally Posted by Phil Flanagan View Post
however, Myanmar appears to be undergoing considerable changes and taking a positive attitude towards welcoming westerner tourists more and more.
to say I wouldn´t hold my breath, would be an understatement.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 13 Oct 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 3
Hello Phil.

Can be done. I crossed on a GS at Mae Sai to Tachileik in February 2010. Restricted riding with a radius of max 200 kms. An earthquake was thrown in for good measure. Had to leave Myanmar at the point of entry. They won't let you ride freely through the country... yet. I am working on this at present.

Interestingly, the Thai customs officials seemed hell bent on preventing me from exporting at this point, whilst the Burmese authorities thought that it was all a bit amusing more than a threat to national security.

In fact the Burmese customs official spoke quite reasonable English and had even heard of a carnet... but never seen one!

You will need to have a Visa before you arrive at the border. I secured mine in KL a few weeks beforehand. Don't tell them that you want to ride across the border!!!

Don't get your hopes up to high though. Mae Sai was the fourth border crossing that I attempted and was the last available to me. The three crossings further south (Mae Sot, Ranong, Three Pagodas) were absolutely closed... even to local traffic.

It is possible. But there is a bit of hit and miss.

Good luck.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 13 Oct 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
Maybe here you´ll need to go a bit deeper into the word "possible".

Possible to go to Burma as a traveller? Possible to get your own vehicle into Burmese territory, and ride in a restricted area? Possible to ride with your own vehicle overland from India to Thailand or vice versa (and that´s what I´d think "driving through" would mean)?

I think the answer to the first and second question should be yes. And to the 3rd one: it´s been done, but not by many, and I wouldn´t underestimate the challenge. Even the border areas on Indian side close to Burma are likely to give you trouble. Of course everyone is free to give it a go, though. Some have won in lotteries, too, and never would have unless they´d tried....
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 13 Oct 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: London
Posts: 130
keep us updated on this one as we are heading that way and are thinking about trying to get though, we have also heard its easier than it used to be!
__________________
Mr and Mrs Rixxy - London to Australia 2011 - 2012
www.jamesandcat.com
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 13 Oct 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rixxy's View Post
we have also heard its easier than it used to be!
Then I guess there must be reports somewhere about people, who have done it lately...? (And don´t get me wrong, I´d start packing right away, if I knew that the road was finally open all the way to Thailand!!)
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 14 Oct 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 3
Getting through is not possible. Sorry guys. There is something about machine guns and barbed wire that discouraged me at every possible access road.

Getting in is difficult, and there is an element of good fortune about it.

Getting through is not possible. In any event, you have to leave through the same point that you entered in order to collect your passport. On entry you will be issued with a 'pass'.

If you do get in you will also most likely be followed by 4 soldiers riding in the back of a jeep with sub machine guns... and at night there is the white Toyota Camry with tinted windows that parks outside your lodgings.

There are early signs that this is changing, and the fact that they let me in in Feb 2011 was reported in Straits Times in Singapore as ".. an event that suggests a softening of policy...".

The Ledo Road is beckoning. Hopefully soon we will be able to get through to Europe via an easier route than China.
Last edited by markbaldock; 14 Oct 2011 at 07:54. Reason: correction to date
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
India to Myanmar ksarao Route Planning 1 17 Oct 2011 08:25
Myanmar jackmyhoney Trip Paperwork 7 15 Nov 2006 07:32
Myanmar... Am I being Dumb? Fletch West and South Asia 4 5 Sep 2006 13:50
Myanmar to Nagaland RogerM West and South Asia 6 3 Jul 2006 16:46
motorbiking in Myanmar....who has done it? globalkoster Route Planning 7 9 Nov 2003 15:19

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 19:35.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top