Myanmar (Burma) Opens Its Gates to Yachts But At A Price

Created by webmaster. Last modified on 2002-09-05 14:20:34
Contributors: Bob Mott
Topic: Cruising Information
Countries: Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand

At present Burma (Myanmar) is an expensive place to visit for a cruising yacht due to the fees involved. The fee for one boat is the same as three boats and requires a trip to Yangoon to organise the permit and make the payment. This covers the three vessels.

Then on commencement of the cruise there is an additional payment of 4,500 Baht approximately 100US$ plus the requirement to have a Burmese guide aboard for a further 1500/2000 baht. Then there is the visa fees for the crew at 20US$ a head. Passengers pay 100US$ for the visa and also a Burma entry fee. Then there is the paper trail including 20 copies of the crew and passengers list for all the departments.

One thing for sure you will not find many boats up there so you have the place to yourself. The area is much the same as Thailand but with no infrastructure, no inhabitants on the islands, no yachts, a small amount of fishing boats and no commercial fishing to speak of.

The company FarawaySail and Dive Expeditions (www.read burma-kayaking.com )operate adventure charters in Burma. All of our yachts are fully dive equipped and carry kayaks so we provide an all round trip. We are the only company operating up there that has a selection of four yachts, two catamarans and two monohull ketches. Soon will have a new 48 foot cat in the fleet and next year the addition of a second 48 foot catamaran.

Contact Bob Mott, email: lizardoz@loxinfo.co.th