By Steve Brown
Love road trips and are looking for a country in which to embark on your next one? Head to Myanmar, the untouched beauty and a driver’s paradise. Being a country that has recently opened up to tourism, Myanmar is the untravelled destination that promises to be a treat to drive through.
Here’s a guide on how to embark on a memorable adventure driving through this enthralling country.
Do Your Research
The backbone of any good trip is good research. Log on to an online forum and check out the experiences of people who have done it. You will be surprised at the things you can learn.
Take advantage of travel forums not only before but during your trip as well, as they will help you stay up to date regarding what’s happening in Myanmar, allowing you to avoid certain roads, change routes when needed or take unexpected detours, which almost always leads to awesome experiences.
Know the Facts
In Myanmar, you need to employ a local guide in order to drive your vehicle. You will find plenty of guides who are certified by the country’s Ministry of Hotels and Tourism. In fact, the ministry’s official website provides lists of authorised tour guides of Myanmar.
Hiring a tour guide takes the stress of paperwork off you. Tour guides will not only take you around, they will also help you in the paperwork, arrange for a temporary Myanmar registration plate for your vehicle, and handle all tolls and tariffs.
Travelling in a Group is Fun
As the saying goes, the more the merrier. While travelling solo has its merits, exploring a new country with a group definitely adds to the excitement. Forming a group also means you will be sharing the cost of hiring a guide and other expenses. This will work out to a cheaper vacation for you.
Take Your Time to Explore the Hidden Gems
Myanmar is a treasure trove of nature and culture waiting to be explored. Space out your travel and spend time exploring each place. If required, spend an extra day in a place. Ditch the vehicle sometimes and walk around. You will be surprised at what you discover.
Get Your Paperwork in Place
Paperwork is the last thing you would want to worry about when on a road trip. If you need a visa, get it done well in advance. Carry all the requisite documents to show when asked. Some foreigners are required to show an international driving permit in order to drive in Myanmar. Generally, it is good practice to obtain and carry such a permit even if it is not required for your country.If you are driving your own car, ensure that all relevant documents for your vehicle such as travel insurance and ownership documents are in place before entering the country.
Carry Cash
While many places in Myanmar accept debit and credit cards, cash is still the preferred mode of transactions. Fret not, for you can find ATMs throughout the country. If you carry US dollars, you can convert them for Kyats at authorised money converters. Make sure the USD notes you carry are crisp and undamaged.
Let the Ministry of Hotels and Tourism Help You
The government of Myanmar has been undertaking extensive initiatives to promote tourism in the country. Helping tourists travel with their own vehicles is one of them. In June 2019, a group of 23 Thai tourists travelled the country with 21 motorcycles and a support vehicle. The ministry organised the tour and provided all the support to make the trip memorable. You can contact ministry officials if you wish to embark on a similar journey. They will be glad to help you.
Expect to be charmed on your road trip – it will be made up of unforgettable moments. There are plenty of routes that you can choose to follow. Your trip will leave you wanting more.