Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Land
Arriving and departing by land from China and Thailand is possible - see boxes in the re-
gion's chapters for full details.
Regular tourists are not allowed to enter Myanmar by land or sea from Bangladesh, In-
dia or Laos.
Overland links could change at some point in the future. Most of Myanmar's neighbours
actively covet Myanmar ports and are planning on investing for infrastructure projects to
eventually criss-cross Myanmar by road. This may mean connections from Danang, Viet-
nam (through Laos and Thailand) to Mawlamyine, and up through central Myanmar,
across the Indian border at Morei to New Delhi.
BORDER CROSSINGS
There are currently entry and exit points from Myanmar's land borders at five
points detailed here. No bus or train service connects Myanmar with another coun-
try, nor can you travel by car or motorcycle across the border - you must walk
across. Have your visa ready before you get to the border.
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Mae Sai in northern Thailand to/from Tachileik in Shan State.
»
Mae Sot in Thailand to/from Myawaddy in Kayin State.
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Ranong in Thailand to/from Kawthoung at far southern end of Tanintharyi Re-
gion.
»
Sunron in Thailand to/from Htee Khee in Tanintharyi Region.
»
Ruili in Yunnan Province, China to/from Mu-se in Shan State.
GETTING AROUND
In unrestricted areas, travel methods are remarkably open to visitors. No set itineraries
are required and you can pick and choose how you go as you go - taking a bus, plane or
train, or crammed pick-up, or hopping onto a giant ferry that drifts at ox-like speed.
Reaching some isolated towns such as Kengtung or Sittwe require jumps by air or boat.
Restricted Areas
In January 2013 government bans on travel to restricted areas of the country, including
places in Chin, Kayah, Kayin, Shan and Kachin states, were partially lifted. However, con-
fusion over the new rules has led to some travellers still being turned back from some
