The people of Myanmar are the most beautiful I have ever encountered on any of my worldly ventures. I have donated alot of money to the orphanages in Yangon, and supported my friends there during this difficult period for them. I pray that their lives will return to normal. Thank you for this update.
The culture we have here makes us kind and caring. But well that's fragile and fading. I've seen parents treat their children like their worst enemies forced to stay together. Valuing money over everything proudly. We are not bad but we r not angels either and the grass is always greener on the other side.
Thank you, as a burmese citizen who recently moved to Bangkok because of the "mandatory military service" , words cannot describe how much you have done for me... All i can say is... thank you for showing me what the neighborhood I grew up in through YT. The place hold many precious memories for me. Thank you is all I can say... Please also be safe too.... Kyae zuu tin pr tl bya
You can see the country is troubled . I’m watching from the Great Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 I pray the people of Myanmar have peace backyard the country has been and is going through a lot . The country reminds me of DRC and Sudan those countries have never known peace
Chai. Thank you for this video. I am a Brit living in the north of Thailand right on the border. My wife is Burmese (the most wonderful person I ever met) and the war in Myanmar pains me.
I’m from Cambodia 🇰🇭, after I watched your videos about Myanmar I felt depressed for them. I hope Myanmar will be better and find peace soon. 😢 Right now Only Cambodia Government has reached out to Burma to pull them out of the war for peace and development.
What a non-sense and totally not understand the problem, the current resistance force have over 16 faction with no absolute representative to "talk", so, who are you going to talk with? India and Thailand open border and take refugee everyday, just Thailand alone is exceed 1000-3000 people per day which already exceed 100000 people in just 3 month and none were boast about "contribution"
I first visited Myanmar in 2004. Flash forward and my restaurant in Thailand is staffed with Burmese. Some of the most wonderful people I have ever encountered. My heart breaks for the country. Thank you Chai.
I'm cry after watching your video 😢i left my country after military coup almost 3year now when i see my country it look like Afghanistan and Yemen 😢Syria😢
Myanmar is probably the most fascinating country is Southeast Asia from all the videos I've watched. I actually had a trip planned for Myanmar from the U.S. for March 2020 but canceled just before it was time to go because of the pandemic. Thanks for being there Chai but please be extra safe.
Thank you. Yangon is so different to the rest of the country. I was born at the time of the first ever Coup. Nothing has changed for the last 60 plus years.
Ive only been to Myanmar once in 2017 and it was absolutely amazing! Ive seen a lot of different countries during my travels but never were the people as kind and smiling and helpful as in Myanmar! The country was so beautiful too and I always wanted to come back… it was really good to see the city again but at the same time my heart could not be more sad about the terrible situation there! Please really do support by donating or sharing this so the beautiful country and people are not being forgotten about! Peace and freedom for Myanmar 🕊️
As a Myanmar citizen, I appreciate that you literally did speak out for us. A lot of UA-camrs and bloggers form foreign countries didn’t actually talk about how struggle we are and how unhappy at the same time.Thank you💕 Sorry for my bad English.
Chai! This is one of your most interesting series to date. The conditions may not be vacation-like but very good information and unique content. Maung Maung seems to be a genuinely good guy. I look forward to seeing his home and family. Stay safe out there!
Thanks so much for saying this. I also think this is the most special experience I’ve had in a long while. I never thought I was able to make this. Hopefully you’re able to see the coming up videos in Myanmar too 😊cheers
Ey mate! I wanna thank you for your donation towards Maung Maung and his community 🙏 hopefully we’ll be able to give you some updates on my website to show what he’s been able to do with it the funds, by the end of next month 😊 man, the country is so diverse and it has amazing undiscovered beaches and lots of islands. I hope so too! Thank again 🙏😊 groetjes 👋
You said your're from Netherland, however, you look like a real burmese man, even though you speak in english, that does't make any differcence. I'm in Yangon but in this video you show I kind of feel it's another place in the world, video is so nice with your talking and giving messages. Thank you so much for your support to us.
Great man. What an amazing country and people. New subscriber here. I was there in 2006. Official exchange rate to 1 USD was 6 Kyat. 1 USD in the black market was 2000 Kyat! So no issue in recognizing the black market places back then.
Nice video, still travelling to Yangon every year (since the post-Covid opening). It's pretty much safe (as long as you keep out of "politics") for foreigners. For Mandalay, I wouldn't take the bus though, but take a domestic flight.
I have seen many videos of you about my country . As a result , I realized that you are such a great man bro. You helped people a lot. Actually, I used to be a school teacher ..But now, I had to flee from Myanmar since March 2024 and live in Thailand. A lot of young people here who want to avoid the conscription law and having jobless in Thailand although almost all the people are good at their profession.
Thank you. As a burmese, don't know how to live. feel like hopeless. nobody can expect when could these shit will end. Our young people losing day by day. May be we could lost one generation but we have no choice. We have to fight for our freedom.
iwas in yangon during 2022 and stayed in the downtown area - Parkroyal Hotel and did venture out quite a bit to Junction City mall a few times as well as tothe pagodas. I totally enjoyed being there as my gf is from Yangon. the eateries are very nice - rangoon tea house is very good
I can tell you Yangon is a lot more (may be 3x) crowded before the coup. I lived in another state but I attended University here before 2018 and now I recently came back here. The difference is crazy.
Nice video, i have been in myanmar 2 years ago, i see 4 tourists in 4 weeks, i support a family in dala, i pay rent for their house 1k dollar each year, more than 10 years, i have been 10x in myanmar, i have good friends there, i never travel alone in myanmar
first i am impressed by his english as a carpenter and hoping to get back to normal life ASAP!!! life is hard here man since 2020 .. GOD if you are real please help us once and for all
I like your vids, and I hope to visit one day, but I would think twice about going there myself at this time. It's just too risky IMO, especially traveling from Yangon by road to anywhere else. And that's coming from a guy who has lived in the insurgency-struck, "dangerous" deep south of Thailand for 8 years.;)
Cheers mate 🙏 yeah I do not necessarily recommend to everyone to come over as there are definitely risks at the moment. Let’s hope the situation will improves soon.
Hello Chai, thank you for the great Tour with your friend. Isn't it crazy that expensive malls have unlimited lighting and electricity, and regular markets for low-income city dwellers don't have constant electricity? that makes me sad...
So about the exchange rate, for the government exchange rate which is 1 dollar = 2100 Kyat, you get that price for digital currency like in bank, you cant take out dollars from bank in Myanmar. You can however, exchange physical dollars in black markets in Myanmar, the rate is about 1 dollar to 4000 kyats. This is because of the inflation. If you hold on to physical dollars the value of that dollars goes up everyday, (like holding on to gold but more affordable). Idk if you know this but if the police find somewhere above 200 dollars on you (if you are a citizen) they can take the money and put you in jail for Ransome) it would be safe if you don't show where youve exchange the dollars cuz we can't hold onto dollars in Myanmar.
Official Money exchange is just for show. BTW, Money exchange is not the only thing that the government displays for show. And, thank you very much for diving a bit into what's happening on the gound. Honestly, many MM citizens are not as kind hearted as the guys you met. But as a Myanmar citizen, I feel proud to know that there are lots of good natured peopel in Myanmar although human resources has been drained considerably.
hey I'm a huge fan of you and I'm from Myanmar you should visit Mandalay and maybe we can meet up so i can tell you all about Myanmar and our current situation
I think the black market money exchange exists so that people can import foreign goods, paying for them with US dollars, and selling them at jacked up prices in Myanmar. Forty years ago I was told that much of the money went to importing used pickup trucks for use as taxis. Apparently much of the buying was done by airplane pilots who were some of the few who had the opportunity to leave and return to Myanmar. In some countries, one can get higher than official rates for dollars because people convert their extra cash to dollars as a protection against inflation/deflating currency.
The exchange rate every citizen can get around is 1USD = 4000ish Kyat, 2100 is just the government price show off, the inflation is worse than that because of the current situation. Before 2021 1USD is just around 1400 kyats.
Hi Chai! As a local myself I want to thank you for spreading the correct information. Myanmar is at war and its for real! The Yangon city might seem running normal in most people eyes but its not. It used to be busier with its people faces more lightened up. In fact the war has not arrived at big cities like Yangon and Mandalay but area more than half of Myanmar there has been fights every day with loads of displaced people. The current ruling junta is faking up to give a good impression on Myanmar to the whole world to cover up the chaos made by them and thats why they give out tourist visas to foreigners but allow them to visit the only places which are not at war. For your question, the currency exchange rate for people who are doing day to day business and imports/ exports the rate is correct at more than 4000k per USD as of today and that rate is for real life situation due to daily inflation. The rate of 2000ks per USD is just a so called rate put up by ruling junta to make up stories on stability of the Kyat currency. But its not. The one in shopping mall you saw with 2k rate per USD is possibly just trying to exploit foreigners to and i am sure locals will never go to such shops. Thanks again for your update on my country.
About the money exchange, you should have use the black market rate to get more money when you exchange. The government rate is low and you won’t get a lot of money.
*** Assuming you're still inside of the Country as of today (May 28, 2024), here are some advice despite you're already aware of some situations there: Even in normal time the Country was already known to be "money hungry" Country so imagine the current time. Meanwhile lots of people on the streets you meet with are super friendly and helpful, watch out for scammers, pick pocketers and/or robbers etc, at your surroundings at all time ! I had experienced it multiple times during peace time over there. About currency exchange rate: It's approximately 4000 kyats per dollar on black market right now. They used to have private/individual "currency exchange agents" in downtown area but I don't know about now. Even there are some, you may want to take extra cautions as you don't want to get robbed and injured because foreigners/tourists are easily spotted as they are easy targets. Good luck with your journey and be safe Chai !
Thank you so much for your help 🙏 I’m actually outside of the country. I decided to film everything ahead for the Myanmar series. It’s useful information though, also for people who are interested to visit at this moment cheers
Well, you better deal with someone who is trustworthy for better rate like 4000 something today since there's a restriction on exchanging foreign currencies at the moment plus you'll not get actual rate for right this moment but if you prefers to be safe or something then I do recommend you to exchange at official exchange with the ridiculous rate like 2000 something for 1 dollar. Hopefully you got your answer ....... Keep swinging Chai
That’s right 🙏❤️ thanks. Normally I’m publishing a week in advance. But for this Myanmar series I made sure I’m publishing everything outside of the country 🙏 just for my own safety
🙏Yes, I explain why I am filming ahead for this Myanmar series in the first part of this video: ua-cam.com/video/CrErb6N3HVM/v-deo.htmlsi=sbJVtSHj5sSBjfmO
All SE Asian capitals are starting to look the same. Except Yangon clearly. Not just the architecture but importantly the mode of dress, and the "make up".
I think your $400 per night was the Strand. I stayed there in 1984 for $1 per night. That was before it was refurbished into a four/five star place. Had a lobster (fresh water prawn) dinner in the dining room for $1.25.
I struggled with the decision to go there maybe 10 years ago because of the ethnic cleansing but as you say you can help out with a little money here and there. I am so glad I went and it still does hold a special place in my heart. Fantastic people and a strangely nice country.
Myanmar is a dangerous country to travel right now. It is in the midst of a civil war between a repressive military government and various separatist groups. Myanmar was a parliamentary democracy at the time of Independence in 1948. In 1962 the military seized power led by Gen. Ne Win who controlled the country for the next 26 years. In 1988 there was the 8888 uprising that overthrew Ne Win's regime due to very high inflation. However there was another military coup in 1988 led by the military led by the State Law and Order Restoration Council. Former dictator Ne Win remained an sinister eminence grise figure controlling the military junta until he lost control of it in 1997. Next there was a power struggle between Lieutenant Khin Nyunt, head of military intelligence who supported Ne Win and hardline Major General Than Shwe. Khin Nyunt was effectively sidelined in 2003 and Than Shwe moved towards restoration over a pseudo- military civilian parliamentary system which took power in 2011 led by Gen . Thein Sein. Thein Sein presided over the country until 2016 when Aung Sas Ssu Kyi and the opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) won power. However when elections were called in 2021, the NLD won a landslide victory which was disputed by the military. The military again seized power in 2021 led by Gen. Min Aung Hliang and the State Administrative Council . Gen Min Aung Hlaing and his repressive military regime has since controlled the country.
How can I smile..Most of our people killed between argument ,So our ethics people suffer war....Our soldier,our pdf ,eaos are also our nation...we don't want their suffer, we don't want their family cry ... We need only ☮️.. peace..So don't gun fire on our country.. it's not smart for world.
Glad you are back!!!! Of course you do not see any other foreigners in Burma, for obvious reasons. You might think I am joking with you, but many of us are worried about you. Please take care ❤
@@dianach-fl7fw Normally, he is posting videos about a week after he makes them. For this he waited until he left the country, so they could have been filmed a few weeks ago.
Before military coup, 1USD=1300 MMK. The inflation hits very hard and 1USD at the present time is more than 4000MMK in the market or business. Junta try’s to control the exchange rate forcefully setting at 2100 MMK which you saw at the exchange counter. Thanks for the update.
Thank you for an honest video explaining how a little help can go a long way. Tourists who just stay in big hotels and enthuse about the few malls need to watch this. Love and Hope from Thailand.
Thank you for sharing the latest about Myanmar. I was last there in 2018 when the economy was booming. It's really sad and a shame that the military govt is taking the country backward again. My heart breaks for everyone there.
We spend about 10 days in Myanmar 2017. Landed in Mandalay. I was shocked about the poverty . We stayed at Hotel mostly occupied by western people. Across from the Hotel was a large bridge and many ,many people living under there. We went to the open market and saw nothing but poverty. We did hire a driver true the hotel to drive us around especially to see a famous temple but after that nothing but poverty. We toured the country which looked . Spent 4 days in Began, nice hotel with pool and Ingle lake which were lots of tourist. On to Yangon. Visit the huge temple and tourist market . Food was great ,people were nice . Did see those big apartment blocks covered in black sud. On the way to the airport saw very depressed housing . It can leave you very depressed. Bur I am glad I had the opportunity to visit . I would do it again but not under these current situation .
Motorbikes were outlawed because the government thought they allowed terrorists an easy escape from the authorities. This happened after the 1988 student uprisings. Also surprising is how light the traffic is. Before the 2021 coup, downtown was gridlock.
Excellent video Chai. It is amazing how a country at war can in many ways appear so normal in some places, despite what we all know is happening there. In your opening park shot I thought you must have waited to time it so the men in the pink robes (monks?) would appear in the BG to make it an even better shot. Good job! 555 that's what I would have done. So smart of you to only use your camera and no selfie stick or gimble, or visible mics. We get so much more unwanted attention with all that gear. Safe and smart to look like a tourist. I hope you are like me and you are slow to edit and post, so that you are posting these when you are back home, safely in Thailand, Malaysia, or one of your other many global homes. I hope you tell me when you reply that you are home safely. Take care amigo and great job in a risky place.
Ey mate, thank you and yes, I only could make this Myanmar series publishing from outside of Myanmar. I’ve been talking about the situation quite a bit over the last few weeks and I would not be safe publishing this while being in Myanmar 🙏 I’ve made about 10 videos, I’m still working on another 7 at the moment. Ow and about the pink robes… haha sometimes I do wait for the perfect shot but I’ve not staged anything for the coming videos and they’re pretty raw tbh 😊 thanks champ 🏆
Pink robes would be Buddhist nuns. (Male) monks were saffron/orange robes. In Bago, a city close to Yangon, there's a very large nunnery. In the morning very large numbers of pink robed nuns leave in mass. It's referred to as the flight of the butterflies.
The people of Myanmar are the most beautiful I have ever encountered on any of my worldly ventures. I have donated alot of money to the orphanages in Yangon, and supported my friends there during this difficult period for them. I pray that their lives will return to normal. Thank you for this update.
Thank you for your kind comment ❤️
Sardu… sardu…sardu….
The culture we have here makes us kind and caring. But well that's fragile and fading. I've seen parents treat their children like their worst enemies forced to stay together. Valuing money over everything proudly. We are not bad but we r not angels either and the grass is always greener on the other side.
Let me say thank you
instead of Myanmar people.
@@kosalai1009😂
Thank you, as a burmese citizen who recently moved to Bangkok because of the "mandatory military service" , words cannot describe how much you have done for me... All i can say is... thank you for showing me what the neighborhood I grew up in through YT. The place hold many precious memories for me. Thank you is all I can say... Please also be safe too.... Kyae zuu tin pr tl bya
Thank you so much ❤️ hopefully you’re able to go back home safely at some stage soon
You can see the country is troubled . I’m watching from the Great Zimbabwe 🇿🇼
I pray the people of Myanmar have peace backyard the country has been and is going through a lot .
The country reminds me of DRC and Sudan those countries have never known peace
Thank you Big Bro ! 🇲🇲😍🇿🇼
Chai. Thank you for this video. I am a Brit living in the north of Thailand right on the border. My wife is Burmese (the most wonderful person I ever met) and the war in Myanmar pains me.
Hi hi, thanks for reaching out🙏 I really hope things will improve in the near future ❤️ stay in touch
My wife is also Burmese, a pure angel. Situation in Myanmar makes me cry every time also!
I’m from Cambodia 🇰🇭, after I watched your videos about Myanmar I felt depressed for them. I hope Myanmar will be better and find peace soon. 😢 Right now Only Cambodia Government has reached out to Burma to pull them out of the war for peace and development.
Thank you for your message ❤ from Myanmar ❤
Only Cambodian hahahahahahahahahahaha
What a non-sense and totally not understand the problem, the current resistance force have over 16 faction with no absolute representative to "talk", so, who are you going to talk with?
India and Thailand open border and take refugee everyday, just Thailand alone is exceed 1000-3000 people per day which already exceed 100000 people in just 3 month and none were boast about "contribution"
You take care off yourself,ha.ha...😂😂😂 your counrtry very poor
Thanks a lot. We are also trying to restore our DEMOCRACY back.
I first visited Myanmar in 2004. Flash forward and my restaurant in Thailand is staffed with Burmese. Some of the most wonderful people I have ever encountered. My heart breaks for the country. Thank you Chai.
Thank you and I totally agree with you 🙏❤️
Thank you for supporting us😢❤❤❤
I'm cry after watching your video 😢i left my country after military coup almost 3year now when i see my country it look like Afghanistan and Yemen 😢Syria😢
😔 I feel your pain🙏 I really hope things will change soon
Myanmar is probably the most fascinating country is Southeast Asia from all the videos I've watched. I actually had a trip planned for Myanmar from the U.S. for March 2020 but canceled just before it was time to go because of the pandemic. Thanks for being there Chai but please be extra safe.
Thank you mate. A shame covid happened but you’re time will come soon again :) thanks so much for watching all the videos I’m making in Myanmar 🤩
Myanmar is still beautiful
Thank you ❤ from myanmar
❤
As Mr. Clarkson put it, its gods garden.
Thank you. Yangon is so different to the rest of the country. I was born at the time of the first ever Coup. Nothing has changed for the last 60 plus years.
I hope it will at some stage 🙏 thanks for saying hi
Ive only been to Myanmar once in 2017 and it was absolutely amazing! Ive seen a lot of different countries during my travels but never were the people as kind and smiling and helpful as in Myanmar! The country was so beautiful too and I always wanted to come back… it was really good to see the city again but at the same time my heart could not be more sad about the terrible situation there! Please really do support by donating or sharing this so the beautiful country and people are not being forgotten about! Peace and freedom for Myanmar 🕊️
Thanks! I hope the situation will be better soon ❤️
Looks so clean and orderly. Very respectful tour of a historic city.
A nice tour around Yangon and a great idea having a guide. Great work Chai, cheers 🤩
Thanks Steven! Aw yeah haha Maung Maung is a great man :) have a great day 🏆🤗
Glad to know that you left the country safely, Chai. Thank you for taking the time to visit our country and making a documentary ❤
Thank you too!
As a Myanmar citizen, I appreciate that you literally did speak out for us. A lot of UA-camrs and bloggers form foreign countries didn’t actually talk about how struggle we are and how unhappy at the same time.Thank you💕
Sorry for my bad English.
Thank you! It's nice to hear you appreciate my stay and my work ❤️
Chai! This is one of your most interesting series to date. The conditions may not be vacation-like but very good information and unique content. Maung Maung seems to be a genuinely good guy. I look forward to seeing his home and family. Stay safe out there!
Thanks so much for saying this. I also think this is the most special experience I’ve had in a long while. I never thought I was able to make this. Hopefully you’re able to see the coming up videos in Myanmar too 😊cheers
Nice! imagine the potential of myanmar for tourism, specially there hugh coastline.
Let's hope the situation get better soon 🙏stay safe.
Ey mate! I wanna thank you for your donation towards Maung Maung and his community 🙏 hopefully we’ll be able to give you some updates on my website to show what he’s been able to do with it the funds, by the end of next month 😊 man, the country is so diverse and it has amazing undiscovered beaches and lots of islands. I hope so too!
Thank again 🙏😊 groetjes 👋
I subscribed for this channel & I watch without skipping commercials in order to support you .. big thanks to you for sharing Myanmar
Thank you so much 🤗 you’re so nice of doing that :) have a great day
I miss nothing but the food 😪 Hope the situation will get better soon and be safe out there everyone.🙏
You said your're from Netherland, however, you look like a real burmese man, even though you speak in english, that does't make any differcence. I'm in Yangon but in this video you show I kind of feel it's another place in the world, video is so nice with your talking and giving messages. Thank you so much for your support to us.
Haha I could be Burmese 😍 thanks so much for your kind words ❤️
Great man. What an amazing country and people. New subscriber here. I was there in 2006. Official exchange rate to 1 USD was 6 Kyat. 1 USD in the black market was 2000 Kyat! So no issue in recognizing the black market places back then.
Thanks! And welcome on board 😊
Thank you so much for speak up for my country🙏
Thank you share and supporting my country in Myanmar
Brother thank you.Myanmar people love you.
Thank you so much for this video❤ Even I'm Burmese and lived in Myanmar for many years, it is quite interesting ❤
Thank you 😊 I’m glad you enjoyed this one ❤️ I hope you’re doing well
Thank you so much for this vedio. brother. My country. 🇲🇲🇲🇲
Finally ,
I found someone else speak out for my country Myanmar 😢😢😢
The guide is amazing.
Nice video, still travelling to Yangon every year (since the post-Covid opening). It's pretty much safe (as long as you keep out of "politics") for foreigners. For Mandalay, I wouldn't take the bus though, but take a domestic flight.
I have seen many videos of you about my country . As a result , I realized that you are such a great man bro. You helped people a lot. Actually, I used to be a school teacher ..But now, I had to flee from Myanmar since March 2024 and live in Thailand. A lot of young people here who want to avoid the conscription law and having jobless in Thailand although almost all the people are good at their profession.
Thank you! Hopefully it will get better soon 💪❤️
Thank you. As a burmese, don't know how to live. feel like hopeless. nobody can expect when could these shit will end. Our young people losing day by day. May be we could lost one generation but we have no choice. We have to fight for our freedom.
I hope you and your family is strong. One day it will be better again
Thanks you so much! form the bottom of my heart ❤️❤️
Thank you for saying thanks this way ❤️
Please save Myanmar 🙏
Take Care Buddy
Thanks for your concern. They may not look it but I can tell you Burmese people are really tough 👍
OMG, this makes me so happy seeing foreign tourists.
Thank a lot of many
Positive thinking
iwas in yangon during 2022 and stayed in the downtown area - Parkroyal Hotel and did venture out quite a bit to Junction City mall a few times as well as tothe pagodas. I totally enjoyed being there as my gf is from Yangon. the eateries are very nice - rangoon tea house is very good
I can tell you Yangon is a lot more (may be 3x) crowded before the coup. I lived in another state but I attended University here before 2018 and now I recently came back here. The difference is crazy.
Myanmar is in the military control so glad you are back i am myanmar citizen.
My first time ther was in 1984. It was VERY different. Primative was one thought I had at the time.
wow this guy is really good at english. I dont have confidence to speak english even tho i took a lot of english class
Nice video, i have been in myanmar 2 years ago, i see 4 tourists in 4 weeks, i support a family in dala, i pay rent for their house 1k dollar each year, more than 10 years, i have been 10x in myanmar, i have good friends there, i never travel alone in myanmar
Thank you so much for helping people out there ❤️ you have a great heart mate 🤟🏼 good on you
first i am impressed by his english as a carpenter and hoping to get back to normal life ASAP!!! life is hard here man since 2020 .. GOD if you are real please help us once and for all
The man was quite proficient in speaking.
I like your vids, and I hope to visit one day, but I would think twice about going there myself at this time. It's just too risky IMO, especially traveling from Yangon by road to anywhere else.
And that's coming from a guy who has lived in the insurgency-struck, "dangerous" deep south of Thailand for 8 years.;)
Cheers mate 🙏 yeah I do not necessarily recommend to everyone to come over as there are definitely risks at the moment. Let’s hope the situation will improves soon.
Hello Chai, thank you for the great Tour with your friend. Isn't it crazy that expensive malls have unlimited lighting and electricity, and regular markets for low-income city dwellers don't have constant electricity?
that makes me sad...
Yeah it’s very saddening 😕 I really hope things will settle and peace will return one day soon 🙏
I've been to Myanmar 4 years ago. Not going back until years after the conflict is over, maybe never
i am so impress with moe moe's English wow
believe me or not , some place only get one hour or maximum 4 hrs of electricity for the whole day.
Thank you for the latest pictures from Yangon. Many barbed barracks. Generators, dust poor streets, The military regime has destroyed all.
So about the exchange rate, for the government exchange rate which is 1 dollar = 2100 Kyat, you get that price for digital currency like in bank, you cant take out dollars from bank in Myanmar. You can however, exchange physical dollars in black markets in Myanmar, the rate is about 1 dollar to 4000 kyats. This is because of the inflation. If you hold on to physical dollars the value of that dollars goes up everyday, (like holding on to gold but more affordable). Idk if you know this but if the police find somewhere above 200 dollars on you (if you are a citizen) they can take the money and put you in jail for Ransome) it would be safe if you don't show where youve exchange the dollars cuz we can't hold onto dollars in Myanmar.
Thank you so much for your input and no I didn’t know this 😳
What a beautiful country, I hope the government can end this war soon!
I hope so too ❤️
There are 3 Government rates 2,000+ to 3,800++ / US$. The Actual commercial rate workable is over Kyats 5,000++ / US$
မဂ်လာပါ
ကျေးဇူးတင်ပါတယ်
Official Money exchange is just for show. BTW, Money exchange is not the only thing that the government displays for show. And, thank you very much for diving a bit into what's happening on the gound. Honestly, many MM citizens are not as kind hearted as the guys you met. But as a Myanmar citizen, I feel proud to know that there are lots of good natured peopel in Myanmar although human resources has been drained considerably.
Yangon is really safe for ordinary people as well as tourists.If you are not doing against military.We welcome tourists.
hey I'm a huge fan of you and I'm from Myanmar you should visit Mandalay and maybe we can meet up so i can tell you all about Myanmar and our current situation
Stay safe
if your in mandalay these are the recomenned places to go 1.Mahar Myat Muni Pagoda 2.mandalay hill3.the ancient city walls
Thank you 😊
Don’t panic man you are at Yangon already plus You got the tickets. Just stay in downtown areas, you’re good!!
I was panicking a bit because I’ve read a landmine went of in between the old Yangon-Mandalay highway and day before I planned my journey to Mandalay
Take care bro. Do not get shot ya.
Myanmar needs Help!
You should try going to BayinGyi in mandalay 58 street corner of 128 its reallly good
I think the black market money exchange exists so that people can import foreign goods, paying for them with US dollars, and selling them at jacked up prices in Myanmar. Forty years ago I was told that much of the money went to importing used pickup trucks for use as taxis. Apparently much of the buying was done by airplane pilots who were some of the few who had the opportunity to leave and return to Myanmar.
In some countries, one can get higher than official rates for dollars because people convert their extra cash to dollars as a protection against inflation/deflating currency.
Thanks!
The exchange rate every citizen can get around is 1USD = 4000ish Kyat, 2100 is just the government price show off, the inflation is worse than that because of the current situation. Before 2021 1USD is just around 1400 kyats.
You mean Military’s Rate? When did they become so-called Government?
Hi Chai! As a local myself I want to thank you for spreading the correct information.
Myanmar is at war and its for real! The Yangon city might seem running normal in most people eyes but its not. It used to be busier with its people faces more lightened up. In fact the war has not arrived at big cities like Yangon and Mandalay but area more than half of Myanmar there has been fights every day with loads of displaced people.
The current ruling junta is faking up to give a good impression on Myanmar to the whole world to cover up the chaos made by them and thats why they give out tourist visas to foreigners but allow them to visit the only places which are not at war.
For your question, the currency exchange rate for people who are doing day to day business and imports/ exports the rate is correct at more than 4000k per USD as of today and that rate is for real life situation due to daily inflation. The rate of 2000ks per USD is just a so called rate put up by ruling junta to make up stories on stability of the Kyat currency. But its not. The one in shopping mall you saw with 2k rate per USD is possibly just trying to exploit foreigners to and i am sure locals will never go to such shops.
Thanks again for your update on my country.
Thank you for all of that and also to clarify the currency situation 🙏 hopefully things settle and be more united in the near future ❤️
bro my. man thank for coming to ma country and also tag me I am in Yangon
Be safe in Myanmar bro
Thank you 🙏
About the money exchange, you should have use the black market rate to get more money when you exchange. The government rate is low and you won’t get a lot of money.
Thanks
*** Assuming you're still inside of the Country as of today (May 28, 2024), here are some advice despite you're already aware of some situations there: Even in normal time the Country was already known to be "money hungry" Country so imagine the current time. Meanwhile lots of people on the streets you meet with are super friendly and helpful, watch out for scammers, pick pocketers and/or robbers etc, at your surroundings at all time ! I had experienced it multiple times during peace time over there. About currency exchange rate: It's approximately 4000 kyats per dollar on black market right now. They used to have private/individual "currency exchange agents" in downtown area but I don't know about now. Even there are some, you may want to take extra cautions as you don't want to get robbed and injured because foreigners/tourists are easily spotted as they are easy targets. Good luck with your journey and be safe Chai !
Thank you so much for your help 🙏 I’m actually outside of the country. I decided to film everything ahead for the Myanmar series. It’s useful information though, also for people who are interested to visit at this moment cheers
i would like you to come when all this is over.
Strange... No sign of military or security in deeply divided Country...
u were so close to my building
You look so handsome dear...
Thank you so much ;)
Well, you better deal with someone who is trustworthy for better rate like 4000 something today since there's a restriction on exchanging foreign currencies at the moment plus you'll not get actual rate for right this moment but if you prefers to be safe or something then I do recommend you to exchange at official exchange with the ridiculous rate like 2000 something for 1 dollar. Hopefully you got your answer ....... Keep swinging Chai
Thanks for this ❤️🙏
How's the weather there? Would you say it's hotter than Bangkok?
I’d say it’s about the same, very very hot some days
If I were you I would not post until you leave Burma, that is good advise, wait till you return to Thailand my freind
Chai is already back in Thailand. He posted these when he got back and not whilst he was there. He explained in one of his videos earlier.
That’s right 🙏❤️ thanks. Normally I’m publishing a week in advance. But for this Myanmar series I made sure I’m publishing everything outside of the country 🙏 just for my own safety
@@Chai_Travel smart guy
@@Chai_Travel This means you are no longer in Myanmar ?
🙏Yes, I explain why I am filming ahead for this Myanmar series in the first part of this video: ua-cam.com/video/CrErb6N3HVM/v-deo.htmlsi=sbJVtSHj5sSBjfmO
Try 18th street satay😊
All SE Asian capitals are starting to look the same. Except Yangon clearly. Not just the architecture but importantly the mode of dress, and the "make up".
When is it falling?
No one knows 😢
I think your $400 per night was the Strand. I stayed there in 1984 for $1 per night. That was before it was refurbished into a four/five star place. Had a lobster (fresh water prawn) dinner in the dining room for $1.25.
Wow, times has changed
Yes, it was the Strand, but currently still closed, just as the Sha-La.
I struggled with the decision to go there maybe 10 years ago because of the ethnic cleansing but as you say you can help out with a little money here and there.
I am so glad I went and it still does hold a special place in my heart.
Fantastic people and a strangely nice country.
Myanmar is a dangerous country to travel right now. It is in the midst of a civil war between a repressive military government and various separatist groups. Myanmar was a parliamentary democracy at the time of Independence in 1948. In 1962 the military seized power led by Gen. Ne Win who controlled the country for the next 26 years. In 1988 there was the 8888 uprising that overthrew Ne Win's regime due to very high inflation. However there was another military coup in 1988 led by the military led by the State Law and Order Restoration Council. Former dictator Ne Win remained an sinister eminence grise figure controlling the military junta until he lost control of it in 1997. Next there was a power struggle between Lieutenant Khin Nyunt, head of military intelligence who supported Ne Win and hardline Major General Than Shwe. Khin Nyunt was effectively sidelined in 2003 and Than Shwe moved towards restoration over a pseudo- military civilian parliamentary system which took power in 2011 led by Gen . Thein Sein. Thein Sein presided over the country until 2016 when Aung Sas Ssu Kyi and the opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) won power. However when elections were called in 2021, the NLD won a landslide victory which was disputed by the military. The military again seized power in 2021 led by Gen. Min Aung Hliang and the State Administrative Council . Gen Min Aung Hlaing and his repressive military regime has since controlled the country.
🙏
most days are normal in myanmar. just ignore the 50 infantry divisions and military on the street and the fighter jets 💀
🙏
@@Chai_Travel yeah in some parts of myanmar you cant even go 30m without seeing military in the street
Actually Myanmar is so beautiful and sincere except Myanmar junta.
How can I smile..Most of our people killed between argument ,So our ethics people suffer war....Our soldier,our pdf ,eaos are also our nation...we don't want their suffer, we don't want their family cry ... We need only ☮️.. peace..So don't gun fire on our country.. it's not smart for world.
Beautiful words ❤️ I hope peace will come soon to Myanmar
The inflation is very bad and right now it's already 4500 kyats for 1 dollar. 💀
Thanks for the update
bro got scammed, the exchange rate is nearly 1 USD for 4100kyats rn,
Not scammed. 3930 was a pretty good deal about 3weeks ago. People also need to make a living 😊
how mandalay?
I don’t understand your question sorry
@@Chai_Travel how about Mandalay?
Glad you are back!!!! Of course you do not see any other foreigners in Burma, for obvious reasons. You might think I am joking with you, but many of us are worried about you. Please take care ❤
Thank you ❤️ Normally I’m publishing a week in advance. But for this Myanmar series I made sure I’m publishing everything outside of the country 🙏
@@Chai_Travelyou said "publishing a week in advance"
What is the meaning a week in advance, could you tell me,please🙏
So many tourists from China, Malaysia and India there. Its just white people that are rare.
@@dianach-fl7fw Normally, he is posting videos about a week after he makes them. For this he waited until he left the country, so they could have been filmed a few weeks ago.
@@SilverfoxJB i got it, thank you
Before military coup, 1USD=1300 MMK. The inflation hits very hard and 1USD at the present time is more than 4000MMK in the market or business. Junta try’s to control the exchange rate forcefully setting at 2100 MMK which you saw at the exchange counter. Thanks for the update.
I agree and this is true, we are living under this kind of circumstances. And have no choice but try to be safe and healthy.
Unfortunately that's not the real exchange rate. It's currently at 1USD= around 5000mmk.
@@tosshi545 it's actually 4500. It went to 5010 for 1USD for a day.
@@GojokeSatoru yeah rn it's 4600.
Thank you for an honest video explaining how a little help can go a long way. Tourists who just stay in big hotels and enthuse about the few malls need to watch this. Love and Hope from Thailand.
Thank you for saying that ❤️
Thank you for sharing the latest about Myanmar. I was last there in 2018 when the economy was booming. It's really sad and a shame that the military govt is taking the country backward again. My heart breaks for everyone there.
Chai คนพม่าเป็นคนที่น่ารัก นิสัยดีและมีมารยาท ผมคนไทยยืนยันได้ เพราะผมก็ทำธุรกิจอยู่ที่่นั่นครับ อย่าลืมไปเที่ยว มัณฑเลย์ด้วยนะ 🥰
ขอบคุณ! ฉันรู้สึกโชคดีที่ได้ไปมัณฑะเลย์เหมือนกัน 🤗 ขอบคุณที่รับชม
We spend about 10 days in Myanmar 2017. Landed in Mandalay.
I was shocked about the poverty .
We stayed at Hotel mostly occupied by western people.
Across from the Hotel was a large bridge and many ,many people living under there.
We went to the open market and saw nothing but poverty.
We did hire a driver true the hotel to drive us around especially to see a famous temple but after that nothing but poverty.
We toured the country which looked . Spent 4 days in Began, nice hotel with pool and Ingle lake which were lots of tourist.
On to Yangon. Visit the huge temple and tourist market . Food was great ,people were nice .
Did see those big apartment blocks covered in black sud.
On the way to the airport saw very depressed housing .
It can leave you very depressed.
Bur I am glad I had the opportunity to visit . I would do it again but not under these current situation .
@@EvelinHolmes เรื่องความยากจนหรือดูด้อยพัฒนา แน่นอนคุณจะเจอได้แทบทุกเมืองในพม่า ถ้าคุณเทียบกับบ้านคุณที่เจริญหรือประเทศอื่นๆ แต่ถ้าคุณเปิดใจรับกับแหล่งท่องเที่ยวและผู้คนที่นั้นๆ คุณจะได้เห็นอะไรมากมาย แต่อย่างน้อย คุณก็พูดถูกว่าอาหารเค้าอร่อย ซึ่งก็จริง
-มัณฑะเลย์ ถ้าในเมืองก็ไม่มีอะไรมาก คุณต้องออกนอกเมืองเช่น อังวะ สกายและอีกที่คือ ขึ้นเขาไปเมืองเมียวเมียวหรือ พีอูราวิน มีสวน กันดอจี ที่นั่นเป็นฐานทัพเก่าของอังกฤษ ซึ่งปัทติมากรรม ก็มีกลิ่นไอของอังกฤษ ที่นั่นอากาศค่อนข้างเย็น
-ย่างกุ้ง ชั่วร์ ไม่มีอะไรที่คุณคาดหวัง ก็มีพุทธสถานเช่น เจดีย์ ชเวดากอน หรือไม่ก็วัด โบตะเทา ซึ่งก็คงไม่ได้ทำให้ชาวตะวันตกว้าว
-บะกัน ใช่เลย ที่นั่นคือแหล่งท่องเที่ยว มีสิ่งปลูกสร้างเพื่อต้อนรับนักท่องเที่ยว เช่นคุณและผม ซึ่งเป็นคนไทย
ปล.ผมคนไทย ที่หลงไหลพม่า จากคนที่เคยเกลียดเพราะซึมซับเรื่องประวัติศาสตร์ แต่วันนี้เราอยู่กับปัจจุบัน อ้อ ผมทำธุรกิจเล็กๆอยู่ที่พม่ามาเกือบ10ปีแล้วครับ
20 mins walk and he won't let u take a taxi. he's the real one! his English is amazing for someone who has never been a tourist guide.
But just to be transparent, having no Motorbikes is bad since they take Motorbikes to make you exchange for money, otherwise you'll get -shot- ...
🙏
bro really made you walk to junction city in the heat lmao.
Motorbikes were outlawed because the government thought they allowed terrorists an easy escape from the authorities. This happened after the 1988 student uprisings. Also surprising is how light the traffic is. Before the 2021 coup, downtown was gridlock.
me myanmar❤❤❤❤❤❤
Excellent video Chai. It is amazing how a country at war can in many ways appear so normal in some places, despite what we all know is happening there. In your opening park shot I thought you must have waited to time it so the men in the pink robes (monks?) would appear in the BG to make it an even better shot. Good job! 555 that's what I would have done. So smart of you to only use your camera and no selfie stick or gimble, or visible mics. We get so much more unwanted attention with all that gear. Safe and smart to look like a tourist.
I hope you are like me and you are slow to edit and post, so that you are posting these when you are back home, safely in Thailand, Malaysia, or one of your other many global homes. I hope you tell me when you reply that you are home safely. Take care amigo and great job in a risky place.
Ey mate, thank you and yes, I only could make this Myanmar series publishing from outside of Myanmar. I’ve been talking about the situation quite a bit over the last few weeks and I would not be safe publishing this while being in Myanmar 🙏 I’ve made about 10 videos, I’m still working on another 7 at the moment. Ow and about the pink robes… haha sometimes I do wait for the perfect shot but I’ve not staged anything for the coming videos and they’re pretty raw tbh 😊 thanks champ 🏆
Pink robes would be Buddhist nuns. (Male) monks were saffron/orange robes.
In Bago, a city close to Yangon, there's a very large nunnery. In the morning very large numbers of pink robed nuns leave in mass. It's referred to as the flight of the butterflies.