|
30 Jan 2007
|
HU Sponsor
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Yellowtail, Montana USA
Posts: 295
|
|
Myanmar Tightens Up - Jan. 2007
I was just notified that as of the end of January, 2007, the Ministry of Hotel and Tourism issued a new Rule that "no foreigners are allowed to travel by motorcycle regardless of what kind of license the person is holding."
In December, 2006 I rented motorcycles in Yangon and Mandalay, one a 250-cc Honda XR, the other a Chinese copy of a Honda. The XR owner required a $1,000 USD cash deposit (in case the motorcycle was stolen or taken by the government.) At the one road stop I encountered I only had to hand over my passport and they hand wrote name and number down in a book, and wanted to know where I was going.
This new Rule sounds like the government is getting more serious about foreigners running around inside Myanmar on motorcycles.
After considerable research I concluded that at that time (December, 2006) there was no way to ride "across" Myanmar. I could enter, then jump certain "restricted" areas, known as Forbidden Zones or Closed Areas by flying myself while my motorcycle could go through or around on a truck.
Looking back on what I saw where I rode I'd have to say if you had lots of money, little common sense and plenty of time you might be able to transit this country, but this new Rule would seem to make it more difficult than before. Roads were not that great, scenery so-so, and I'd go for more time in North Thailand, Laos or Cambodia than trying to do Myanmar. Crossing
this country has quite probably been done before.... the Internet or when anyone cared. Now it is just an expensive and burdensome hassle.
__________________
Sun Chaser, or 'Dr.G', Professor of Motorcycle Adventure at SOUND RIDER magazine. Professional Motorcycle Adventurer/Indian Motorcycle Racer/journalist/author/global economist/World's # 1 Motorcycle Adventure Sleeper & Wastrel
Soul Sensual Survivor: www.greataroundtheworldmotorcycleadventurerally.co m
|
26 Feb 2007
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Bombay, New York City
Posts: 18
|
|
A dream destroyed
I have always wanted to do Bombay to Bangkok by road. The distance is truly piddly in the greater scheme of things. But myanmar was the only hurdle and now it seems its an unsurmountable one.
This day coukld have been better.
__________________
\"Seriousness is the only refuge of the shallow\"
|
30 Aug 2007
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: kuala lumpur
Posts: 212
|
|
how sad!
couldnt agree with you guys more!
itching to travel to india from malaysia via the closest route but unfortunately....
__________________
Ride Safe, Sober, & Save! "man without beard is like porridge without salt": Ned Kelly
|
30 Aug 2007
|
|
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DogZone Country
Posts: 1,218
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sun Chaser
I was just notified that as of the end of January, 2007, the Ministry of Hotel and Tourism issued a new Rule that "no foreigners are allowed to travel by motorcycle regardless of what kind of license the person is holding."
In December, 2006 I rented motorcycles in Yangon and Mandalay, one a 250-cc Honda XR, the other a Chinese copy of a Honda. The XR owner required a $1,000 USD cash deposit (in case the motorcycle was stolen or taken by the government.) At the one road stop I encountered I only had to hand over my passport and they hand wrote name and number down in a book, and wanted to know where I was going.
This new Rule sounds like the government is getting more serious about foreigners running around inside Myanmar on motorcycles.
After considerable research I concluded that at that time (December, 2006) there was no way to ride "across" Myanmar. I could enter, then jump certain "restricted" areas, known as Forbidden Zones or Closed Areas by flying myself while my motorcycle could go through or around on a truck.
Looking back on what I saw where I rode I'd have to say if you had lots of money, little common sense and plenty of time you might be able to transit this country, but this new Rule would seem to make it more difficult than before. Roads were not that great, scenery so-so, and I'd go for more time in North Thailand, Laos or Cambodia than trying to do Myanmar. Crossing
this country has quite probably been done before.... the Internet or when anyone cared. Now it is just an expensive and burdensome hassle.
|
The democratically elected Prime Minister of Myanmar, Ang Sang Su Shi (I think) , now under house arrest for 10 years (to silence from all those democracy loving Western countries) has asked tourists not to visit her country as tourism supports the military dictatorship which deposed her.
Last edited by Caminando; 30 Aug 2007 at 22:38.
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2024:
- California: April 18-21
- Virginia: April 25-28
- Germany Summer: May 9-12
- Québec: May 17-19
- Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
- CanWest: July 11-14
- Switzerland: August 15-18
- Ecuador: August 23-25
- Romania: August 30-Sept 1
- Austria: September 12-15
- France: September 20-22
- Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3
2025 Confirmed Events:
- Virginia: April 24-27 2025
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
- Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- Switzerland: Date TBC
- Ecuador: Date TBC
- Romania: Date TBC
- Austria: Sept. 11-15
- California: September 18-21
- France: September 19-21 2025
- Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
See all event details
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|