Page 34 - The Rough Guide to Myanmar (Burma)

32 BASICS AccommodAtion
Shared taxis, vans and pick-ups are still in use in many towns, although these are
being edged out by motorbike taxis (on which
Although not as common as in some Southeast the passenger rides pillion). the latter are much
Asian countries, shared taxis and shared vans are faster and normally around the same price (starting
available on some routes, from mandalay to Pyin oo from K500 per trip).
Lwin and Hsipaw, for example. Prices are typically most of these forms of transport can also be
around fifty percent more than a seat on an hired (with driver) for a day, and can be arranged
air-conditioned bus, and you will generally pay the direct, through accommodation or via travel
full fare regardless of where you get on or off. they agents; you’ll need to bargain to get a good price.
will usually drop you wherever you like, however, motorbike taxis may not work out much more
which saves on transfer costs in towns where the expensive than renting a self-drive motorcycle,
bus station is inconveniently located. Vehicles can while groups can often get a good deal on a
be arranged either through accommodation or at pick-up or tuk-tuk for the day.
shared-taxi stands in town centres. Finally, in small towns, horse-drawn carriages
in addition to these routes between towns, which are used as a key form of transportation, and also
are primarily used by locals, there are a handful ferry tourists around in a number of places, notably
of services aimed specifically at foreigners. these Bagan, inwa and Pyin oo Lwin. the horses are not
are typically round trips, such as to mount Popa always well looked after, however, and the lack of
from Bagan. suspension on bumpy Burmese roads makes them
uncomfortable for longer trips.
Local transport
Local transport in myanmar is provided by a Accommodation
colourful mix of public buses, taxis, pick-ups,
tuk-tuks, motorbike taxis and cycle rickshaws. Accommodation in Myanmar is signifi-
Public buses run only in the largest cities, including cantly more expensive than in other
Yangon and mandalay, and are very cheap. Unless countries in the region, and although
you read Burmese, it can be a challenge to work out prices have gradually begun to fall over
the routes, and consequently we have not covered the past few years as supply slowly
them in detail in the Guide, but if you aren’t in a catches up with demand, the cost of your
rush, riding on the buses is certainly an experience. room is still likely to be far and away your
the same can be said of pick-ups or lain-ka – biggest daily expense. In many places,
adapted pick-up trucks with seating in the covered you’re unlikely to find a reasonable
back portion – which cover set routes and pick up en-suite room for less than $20–25, while
and drop people off on the way. they usually in some areas, particularly on the coast,
depart when full, which may include passengers even very ordinary rooms in a mid-range
riding on the roof. if you want the most comfort- hotel can go for over $100. On the plus
able seats, in the cabin, then you can pay a little side, the country’s burgeoning number
extra; a seat in the back (or on the roof) will seldom of hostels means that those on a
set you back more than K600. shoestring budget can now find dorm
Taxis are available in large towns and cities, and beds in most major tourist centres for
range from 1970s toyotas to occasional new left- under $10 a night – which is particularly
hand-drive chinese imports. there are no meters, useful for solo travellers.
but drivers tend not to overcharge as outrageously Be aware that not all guesthouses are licensed to
as in many other Southeast Asian countries. Expect accept foreign guests, so some places (particularly
to pay around K1500–2000 for a trip across town of small guesthouses in remote towns that don’t see
a reasonable length, such as from a bus station on many foreigners) may be forced to turn you away
the edge of town to a central hotel. Burmese-style even if they have space. Homestays are technically
tuk-tuks (thoun-bein) – motorbikes with roofed illegal for the same reason, unless arranged as part
flat-bed trailers attached behind them, with rows of of an official trek. Places licensed to take foreigners
wooden benches for seats – replace taxis in smaller should in theory meet certain minimum standards,
towns and villages, and often work out slightly and although a fair number of basic and grubby
cheaper, starting at K500–1000 for a short ride. old-style guesthouses and hotels survive, most
Cycle rickshaws (saiq-ka), also known as trishaws, places are reasonably well equipped and generally

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