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from Lonely Planet

Travel Warning: Uncertain Security - Should you go to Myanmar?

Large anti-government demonstrations taking place throughout the country during September drew a violent response from authorities, with fatalities reported. A dusk-to-dawn curfew imposed in Yangon (Rangoon) and Mandalay has since been lifted. The security situation remains uncertain, however, with several bomb explosions reported during January 2008 - all occurring in places frequented by the public. Travellers are advised to exercise extreme caution.

The decision whether or not to travel to Myanmar is best made after an appraisal of pros and cons.

Reasons Not to Go:

Aung San Suu Kyi has asked tourists not to; the government used forced labour to ready tourist-related sights and services; international tourism can be seen as a stamp of approval to the Myanmar government; the government forbids travel to many areas, particularly in areas inhabited by minority groups; it's impossible to visit without some money going to the military junta (roughly 20.00 per visa, 10.00 per departure fee and seven to 10% tax on purchases); and activists claim that tourism dollars fuel government repression directly.

Reasons to Go:

Tourism remains one of the few industries to which ordinary locals have access – in terms of income and communication; the vast majority of locals want you there; human-rights abuses are less likely to occur in areas where the international community is present; the government stopped forcing foreigners to change US$200.00 into government notes upon arrival; the majority (possibly over 80%) of a careful independent traveller's expenses goes into the private sector; and keeping the people isolated from international witnesses to internal oppression may only cement the government's ability to rule.

If You Decide to Go:

In order to maximise the positive effects of a visit among the general populace, while minimising support of the government, follow these simple tactics: stay at private, locally owned hotels and guesthouses; avoid package tours connected with Myanmar Travel and Tours; avoid MTT-sponsored modes of transport, such as most Yangon-Mandalay Express trains, the MTT ferry between Mandalay and Bagan, and Myanmar Airways International (MAI) flights; buy handicrafts directly from the artisans, rather than from government shops; avoid patronising companies involved with the military-owned Myanmar Economic Holdings (companies with solid links to the Tatmadaw or armed forces are often called Myawadi or Myawaddy); write to the Myanmar government and to the Myanmar embassy in your country expressing your views about the human-rights situation there.

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