Lonely Planet Myanmar Burma: A Lonely Planet Travel Survial Kit

The authors seem to have a guilty conscience about to writing this book and spend way too much time rationalizing their decision. They also compensate by peppering the book with cynical remarks. That's too bad because it diminish the pleasure of reading this otherwise well written and useful guide. This book contains a succinct history or Myanmar, aspects of Thieved Buddhism, and Burmese culture. It also contains a great section on the Temples of Bagan, describing the architecture and history of the temples. In Bagan, you would need to buy a local map to get around but have this book handy.In addition the book gives an excellent introduction to the History of Thieved Buddhism in Burma, and Burmese culture. Yangoon Maps are difficult to follow as they span several pages. The restaurant recommendations are poor and the hotel selection is out of date.Despite the cynicism sprinkled all over the book and some shortcomings I found it to be handy. You should take it with you on your trip.

When the 7th edition of this book was published it caused quite some controversy. Many people and organizations believed that the "World" should follow Aung San Suu Kyi's recomendation to keep the country totally isolated in order to maximize the pressure on the Junta.The LP editors differ with her in opinion and explain why. This section should be read thoroughly as a visit to Burma does in my view indeed merit some careful consideration of the morals involved ( there is no wrong and right here). I do agree, however, with the authors and indeed with quite a few Burmese people I spoke to on my recent travels, that the isolationism is not helping the NLD very much and, on the contrary, provides a good platform for the Junta to keep all Western influence out. In particular the withdrawal of all Western companies has provided the Junta with a goldmine of concessions for simple things like cigarettes and soft drinks.Having said all this, Myanmar is one of the most fascinating countries ( if not THE most fascinating) in South East Asia.Whether you visit Yangoon with it's old English influence and it's melting pot of Burmese and Indian People or the country side, it does not cease to amaze in it's difference from what we are used to. Without wanting to downplay the poverty, the simplicity and deep religion of daily life makes one reflect on his own ambitions.A visit to Mandelay is like going back a century. You will find yourself on a horse-cart on sandy roads, with old pagoda's everywhere and groups of monks and nuns ( from the age of four and onewards) flocking the roads.The beauty of the sites is prolifiral, reflecting the deep rooted tradition of the Burmese to worship their gods and there forebears. They are too many to mention all, but one stands out; the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangoon. With it's 98 meter high golden dome this 2500 years old stupa is a world treasure in line with the Taj Mahal and Angkor Wat.The LP book is a necessity to have with you. It gives you compact information on this variety of beauties and, as stipulated before, it does not stun to take a view on the less esoteric political situation.The information provided is generally correct, with the exception of course of the prices. Lodging is in reality much cheaper than the official rack rates which the LP guide has and a little negotiation will help you a long way. The LP guide does, however, point you to the right places to stay. By the way, consider, if you can afford, to stay at the top end for service and safety reasons. In Yangoon you get an excellent hotel for $ 60 per room.The debate whether to go or not will continue until the Junta is replaced by a mure human regime. If you decide to go, however, make sure you have this guide with you.

Nothing special may need to be said about this guidebook, which meets the expected Lonely Planet standard: it's excellent. But one word of warning does need to be added regarding its advice: whilts in Burma, do NOT attempt to go and visit the home of Nobel peace prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, or the premises of her party (the NLD, National League of Democracy). This will result in you being on a blacklist, and possibly being deported - as happened to myself ! So, be careful !

Before I visited Myanmar/Burma last year, I read all of the available guides to the country (Odyssey, Bradt, Insight, Footprint, Lonely Planet). LP provides the most complete and accurate coverage, by far, with Footprint a distant second. The authors have obviously spent many months travelling all over the country, and perhaps years studying the related literature/news archives. The well-researched historical and political information enabled me to travel in Myanmar in an informed manner. I was amazed by how many Burmese -- even in relatively remote places like Hsipaw -- were familiar with the LP guidebook, which they say is the only guide that accurately represents Myanmar's current political situation. High compliment indeed.

I like this guide book and look forward to the upcoming revised edition. I disagree with the review below that this guide is "highly derivative". That review is "highly suspect" anyway since it comes anonymously from the author of a competing Burma guidebook.