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| This is a very basic guidebook. |
| The information in it was compiled from various reliable sources to serve as a quick reference for your journey. |
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| What's inside? |
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Travelling to Yangon? You'll need this guidebook to help you find your way. It'll show you where to stay, eat, visit and shop. It also contains useful travel tips, and lets you in on what to expect with the local food and culture. You wouldn't want to miss it!
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| Help Save the Anthony's Pipistrelle Bat! |
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| Fund collecting in progress... |
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| The Anthony's pipistrelle (Pipistrellus anthonyi) is a pipistrelle bat endemic ti Myanmar. Threatened by habitat loss and restricted range, it is currently listed as a critically endangered species by the IUCN Red List. Critically endangered is the highest risk category assigned by the IUCN for wild species, it means that a species' numbers have decreased, or will decrease, by 80% within three generations. |
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| What's an a4trip guidebook? |
| An a4trip guidebook is a travel guide that'll provide you with the information you'll need to plan your trip and to find your way around. Our guidebooks are downloadable in PDF format, and are designed to be so compact, you can take it with you everywhere you go. |
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| How can I pay for a guidebook? |
| We accept credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, American Express (USA only) and Discover (USA only) via PayPal. Your transaction will appear as 'PAYPAL*A4TRIP' on your credit card statement. |
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| Help! Why can't I download the guidebook? |
| Don't worry, just get in touch with us and we'll deliver the guidebook right to your inbox. |
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| Just how often do you update your guidebooks? |
| We try to update our guidebooks at least once a month. |
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| Have more questions about a4trip? |
| Just Contact Us, we'd love to hear from you. |
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| Yangon, a rose by any other name... |
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| by Adline A. Ghani, working mum & freelance writer |
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It is difficult to discuss Burma (now officially known as Myanmar) solely on its tourist attractions, as there are too many complicated issues at play to ignore. It is also virtually impossible for an outsider like me to address the country in all its complexities, however, out of respect for the delicate matter; I will not ignore the pressing issues involved.
Yangon, also known as Rangoon, is the former capital of Burma and its most prominent commercial center. It is the country's largest city, but Yangon's infrastructure is not as developed as other major cities in Southeast Asia, mainly due to the oppression it has experienced under the rule of the military junta. Due to its isolation, Burma does not get that many visitors, as compared to neighbouring countries like Thailand and Cambodia.
The city is known for its British colonial architecture and has one of the largest numbers of colonial buildings in Southeast Asia, but sadly, many of these majestic buildings have now fallen into disrepair. The most popular spots for recreation in the city are its parks and gardens. The largest and best maintained ones can be found around Shwedagon Pagada, Kandawgyi Lake, Inya Lake Park, Maha Bandula Park, as well as the People's Square and People's Park.
The city is also home to several museums, such as: the National Museum of Myanmar, the Defence Services Museum, the Myanmar Gems Museum, the Bogyoke Aung San Museum, the Drugs Elimination Museum and the Planetarium. It also plays host to pagoda festivals, which attracts thousands of pilgrims from around the country. The city's most notable pagodas include the: Shwedagon Pagoda, Sule Pagoda, Botataung Pagoda, Chaukhtatgyi Pagoda, Kyaukdawgyi Pagoda and Kabaaye Pagoda.
Other places of interest include the: Kandawgyi Nature Park, Hlawga National Park, Allied War Memorial, Yangon Zoological Gardens, St. Mary's Cathedral and Bogyoke Market. If you're planning to shop, you'll need to carry stacks of cash, because credit cards are only accepted at a few high-end hotels. The nightlife here is geared very much towards tourists and the well-to-do, with bars and pubs competing with traditional Burmese orchestra. The average Yangonite, however, seems to prefer coming out in the evenings, when it's cooler and hanging out at tea shops that line every street.
The country's main gateway is Yangon International Airport, which is located about 19 km from the city. Yangon's public transport is served by a rail network and buses. The vast majority of Yangonites cannot afford a car, but nonetheless, car usage seems to be on the rise, and traffic congestion does exist. Also, it is illegal to drive trishaws, bicycles and motorcycles within the city.
Like many issues plaguing the nation, tourism is equally embroiled in controversy. Many advocacy groups echo the stance of pro-democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi, who discourages tourism as it will provide income to the military junta. However, some who've visited the country are of the opinion that that continued isolation and boycotts by the outside world are not beneficial for the Burmese people. Indeed some advocacy groups state that small-scale, responsible tourism could create more benefit than harm, so long as tourists are aware of the situation.
Before deciding to visit Yangon, do read up on the issues plaguing the nation and think of ways to maximise the positive impact you could make on the communities there. There are two types of tourist Visas that you can obtain from the consulate - the EVT Visa and the Package Tour Visa. You can also opt for a Visa upon arrival at Yangon Airport, but you will need a Visa pre-approval letter from the embassy. Tourist Visas cost around $20, are valid for two months from the date of issue for stays of 28 days. Additional fees may apply if you get one through a tourist agency.
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