The Entire World Warned Me DO NOT TRAVEL Here. I did anyway.
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During that era, Pan Am operated as an unofficial instrument of the US government, and despite Rangoon probably producing few passengers, the route no doubt accomplished some government agenda. The same goes for Aeroflot which used jts route system to extend Soviet influence. Ostensibly, BOAC was there due to the UK’s colonial ties with Burma.
The only Burmese airline was Union of Burma Airways (UBA) which is now known as Myanmar National Airlines.
Alexander Frater in his excellent 1980s travelogue named Beyond the Blue Horizon describes his visit to Burma and makes mention of the then-sketchy Union of Burma Airways and their terrible safety record. Alexander Frater flew Bangladesh Biman into Rangoon, if I recall correctly.
Date: 2024-02-25
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Comments and reviews: 19
jpkosoltrakul
I bet that those people that warned you were mostly westerner, am I correct I'm here in Thailand, and I don't remember I heard any news about major situation in Yangon or Naypyidaw (the new capital city) for maybe at least over a year now. Most of the skirmishes, that are still happening, are in the minorities-controlled states around the borders, like Shan states. It's true that if you were travelling to those states, you would be in trouble. But, as you found out already, situation in city like Yangon is completely normal.
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I bet that those people that warned you were mostly westerner, am I correct I'm here in Thailand, and I don't remember I heard any news about major situation in Yangon or Naypyidaw (the new capital city) for maybe at least over a year now. Most of the skirmishes, that are still happening, are in the minorities-controlled states around the borders, like Shan states. It's true that if you were travelling to those states, you would be in trouble. But, as you found out already, situation in city like Yangon is completely normal.
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jimhankinson4428
I took that flight on MAI in the other direction to BKK about a year ago (economy) and loved it - beer and a sandwich on a one hour flight, in a cabin full of orange-robed monks on a trip of some sort. But Yangon was very edgy then - lots of military and barbed wire, and the trains I wanted to take were cancelled, or at least unavailable to foreigners, and a major curfew in force at least outside the cities. The airport was almost empty, as was the Mingalar Lounge (I was the only customer there. Lovely people though.
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I took that flight on MAI in the other direction to BKK about a year ago (economy) and loved it - beer and a sandwich on a one hour flight, in a cabin full of orange-robed monks on a trip of some sort. But Yangon was very edgy then - lots of military and barbed wire, and the trains I wanted to take were cancelled, or at least unavailable to foreigners, and a major curfew in force at least outside the cities. The airport was almost empty, as was the Mingalar Lounge (I was the only customer there. Lovely people though.
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gebe8978
It's pronounced Me An Mar, not My An Mar. The capital is NOT Yangon. Sorry, had to say it. The Temple thing is one of the most amazing pagodas in the world, named Shwedagon, it's covered in gold and it's believed to be over 2, 000 years old. The toilet is a washlet, very very common in luxury hotels in Asia. Again, would not like to sound like a pest, but you actually sound like a pretty much uneducated tourist. Shame going to such country without reading just a tiny little bit.
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It's pronounced Me An Mar, not My An Mar. The capital is NOT Yangon. Sorry, had to say it. The Temple thing is one of the most amazing pagodas in the world, named Shwedagon, it's covered in gold and it's believed to be over 2, 000 years old. The toilet is a washlet, very very common in luxury hotels in Asia. Again, would not like to sound like a pest, but you actually sound like a pretty much uneducated tourist. Shame going to such country without reading just a tiny little bit.
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kdbsuff9625
If you walked your way through Changi Singapore airport then you must have done your checks previously that visit.
You must complete an electronic SG Arrival Card in the 3 days before they enter Singapore. This online form asks for travel details and a health declaration. It is illegal to submit a false declaration. Biometric information is also recorded and scanned when you enter and depart Singapore (iris, facial and fingerprints.
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If you walked your way through Changi Singapore airport then you must have done your checks previously that visit.
You must complete an electronic SG Arrival Card in the 3 days before they enter Singapore. This online form asks for travel details and a health declaration. It is illegal to submit a false declaration. Biometric information is also recorded and scanned when you enter and depart Singapore (iris, facial and fingerprints.
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miker7233
Very nice trip. That first room you had was beautiful for the price you paid. And I have to get one of those toilets for my house lol.
A number of years ago I went to Bosnia. This was shortly after the conflict. I didn’t know what to expect. As did you when going to Myanmar. But people were going about as normal during my stay. People just try to make the best of things. And continue with their lives.
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Very nice trip. That first room you had was beautiful for the price you paid. And I have to get one of those toilets for my house lol.
A number of years ago I went to Bosnia. This was shortly after the conflict. I didn’t know what to expect. As did you when going to Myanmar. But people were going about as normal during my stay. People just try to make the best of things. And continue with their lives.
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nickbangkok3365
I've been to Myanmar at least 5 times since the last coup. Never had an issue. I recommend the Lotte Hotel. nice. Noel, I know you're not an old asia hand but the dude asking you if you'd finished lunch was just an english interpretation of a stock standard saying here in this region which is essentially have you eaten (rice specifically. It's like saying a friendly hello na.
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I've been to Myanmar at least 5 times since the last coup. Never had an issue. I recommend the Lotte Hotel. nice. Noel, I know you're not an old asia hand but the dude asking you if you'd finished lunch was just an english interpretation of a stock standard saying here in this region which is essentially have you eaten (rice specifically. It's like saying a friendly hello na.
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sjb1058
great stuff, Noel! fearlessly pushing the travel envelope even with a level-4 advisory. seems you encountered some wonderful people on your flights and on-ground, even under Myanmar's difficult circumstances. the highlight though is the killer toilet thing at the Yangon hotel! totally freaky to view; sort of a distant cousin to Monty Python's killer rabbit, perhaps! cheers!
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great stuff, Noel! fearlessly pushing the travel envelope even with a level-4 advisory. seems you encountered some wonderful people on your flights and on-ground, even under Myanmar's difficult circumstances. the highlight though is the killer toilet thing at the Yangon hotel! totally freaky to view; sort of a distant cousin to Monty Python's killer rabbit, perhaps! cheers!
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ianferguson2110
Noel, have a look at purchasing an automatic gmt wrist watch instead of an Apple Watch. Seiko do a very affordable timepiece.
Oh by the way, very enjoyable videos exploring the world through air travel. Keep up with the amazing stuff and ignore the negativity. Jealousy, that’s all it is.
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Noel, have a look at purchasing an automatic gmt wrist watch instead of an Apple Watch. Seiko do a very affordable timepiece.
Oh by the way, very enjoyable videos exploring the world through air travel. Keep up with the amazing stuff and ignore the negativity. Jealousy, that’s all it is.
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waynesharuck322
Hey dude very cool vlog! I come from burma but i live in Australia. The fact that u actually went out of your way to vlog there is just awesome. Not many people even know the country itself exist. If u are just touring around, it is pretty harmless. But a very different lifestyle for locals there.
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Hey dude very cool vlog! I come from burma but i live in Australia. The fact that u actually went out of your way to vlog there is just awesome. Not many people even know the country itself exist. If u are just touring around, it is pretty harmless. But a very different lifestyle for locals there.
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noel_philips
I usually hear the dictatorship's name of Burma pronounced Me-an-mar by experienced international journalists. Still Burma in the hearts of those of us who believe in democracy. Really shouldn't patronize anything to do with the dictatorship, but it's interesting to see how they operate.
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I usually hear the dictatorship's name of Burma pronounced Me-an-mar by experienced international journalists. Still Burma in the hearts of those of us who believe in democracy. Really shouldn't patronize anything to do with the dictatorship, but it's interesting to see how they operate.
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alley28
that Crowne Plaza at Changi is really nice IMO. Stayed there a number of times. Convenient to grab MRT into city if need be. Super easy to get back to airport especially for flights at odd hours. Airport restaurants are actually quite good as there a number of them before security.
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that Crowne Plaza at Changi is really nice IMO. Stayed there a number of times. Convenient to grab MRT into city if need be. Super easy to get back to airport especially for flights at odd hours. Airport restaurants are actually quite good as there a number of them before security.
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TheHamburgler123
I'm super fortunate to be in an industry where I have 3 months off every winter. I've traveled to many countries and Myanmar was one of the most fantastic, interesting countries that I've ever visited. It's certainly a troubled nation but I'd love to go back.
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I'm super fortunate to be in an industry where I have 3 months off every winter. I've traveled to many countries and Myanmar was one of the most fantastic, interesting countries that I've ever visited. It's certainly a troubled nation but I'd love to go back.
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KatePhiz
It's good to see unusual airlines, thank you, but since you mostly travel between major hubs you probably travel on the best those airlines have to offer. It would be good to see more travel on more minor routes and see more regional airports such as Chiang Mai.
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It's good to see unusual airlines, thank you, but since you mostly travel between major hubs you probably travel on the best those airlines have to offer. It would be good to see more travel on more minor routes and see more regional airports such as Chiang Mai.
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beachbumsailordude
I was a little bit worried about what I would find when I got down on the ground in Myanmar (A level 4 no fly zone) Brilliant! - LOL! I've said it before and I'll say it again, Noel Philips goes there so WE DON'T HAVE TO!
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I was a little bit worried about what I would find when I got down on the ground in Myanmar (A level 4 no fly zone) Brilliant! - LOL! I've said it before and I'll say it again, Noel Philips goes there so WE DON'T HAVE TO!
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indianmenonly5957
You should do a review of the Houston live stock show and rodeo - even though it's not an. airline - it might be interesting to see for your viewers. Make sure you go on a cool day bc there is a lot of walking.
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You should do a review of the Houston live stock show and rodeo - even though it's not an. airline - it might be interesting to see for your viewers. Make sure you go on a cool day bc there is a lot of walking.
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thomashenden71
Yes, why doesn’t everybody just buy tickets on business class, acessing the most secluded lounge, away from any dangers, and ordering the most expencive hotel room, military coup no problemo!
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Yes, why doesn’t everybody just buy tickets on business class, acessing the most secluded lounge, away from any dangers, and ordering the most expencive hotel room, military coup no problemo!
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jefft2562
Great video, as usual, but I'm curious about something. Of all the service people you were in contact with, how many did you end up tipping It seemed like someone new was assisting you constantly.
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Great video, as usual, but I'm curious about something. Of all the service people you were in contact with, how many did you end up tipping It seemed like someone new was assisting you constantly.
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schalitz1
I'd wager that Yangon is safer than a lot of American inner cities. I always find it ironic that the state department warns about other countries, but not places like Oakland, Camden, and Memphis.
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I'd wager that Yangon is safer than a lot of American inner cities. I always find it ironic that the state department warns about other countries, but not places like Oakland, Camden, and Memphis.
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warriorlifexxx619
IN 2008 John Rambo went to Burma’s most remote part to deliver medical supplies to the wounded, then he took out a whole army and came home.
It’s a very harsh country with no laws
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IN 2008 John Rambo went to Burma’s most remote part to deliver medical supplies to the wounded, then he took out a whole army and came home.
It’s a very harsh country with no laws
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