I have a mate who did a 1 year teacher training program in Myanmar. He told me it was one of the most incredible experiences of his life due to the kindness and solicitude of the people. He said he felt like he never left home as the people were so welcoming and gracious toward him. All the way from the principal of the school he was training in to the taxi drivers, street food vendors, business people and even the police he encountered. I'd love to travel there before I leave Asia.
The British are brilliant that way, actually. I can listen to all of their accents ALLLLLLLLLLLLL day, as well. Of course, I get told about my accent (a New York city one) too!
Yeah, ditto. I am also glad he is not the Bono of air travel constantly preaching and trying to save the industry one flight at a time. Also, that hotel room could’ve knocked me over with a feather. A real beauty.
Just to let you know that the supremely informative multi-page comments by 'Ms. Gregoria' at, "Myanmar remains in social and economic crisis since military seized power/BBC News", on TH-cam, got pushed down below 100 other comments lately!
@@AGrace-tw6ku By the way, many thanks for the informative multi-page comments by 'Ms. Gregoria' at, "Myanmar remains in social and economic crisis since military seized power/BBC News", on TH-cam., that I learned much more about Myanmar than I've ever known.
Myanmar,our country was very beautiful and happy to all of us and visitors. Now, we are facing with crisis. I wish that God bless our country to get back out happy days.
Your in a country where people are starving and would live well off that for weeks if not months, don't put western values on third world countries, classic tourist silliness
A staff at the airport asked you “Have you finished lunch?” is a way of greeting in Myanmar. If you spend a few more days, you might hear people greeting you “Mingalabah” following “Have you eaten?” 😁
In your description it describes Yangon (previously Rangoon) as the capital city of Myanmar. Yangon used to be the capital, whereas today the capital city is Naypyidaw to the north. If you find and watch the old Top Gear Burma special, Clarkson, Hammond and May visit Naypyidaw.
Naypayidaw is officially the capital, that is purely administrational though as the Burmese people do not consider it as such and never have done. To them it’s Yangon and always will be.
"Have you had your brekkie/coffee/lunch" is a sort of greeting in some parts of the world. It is in Karnataka, in India. Glorious sunset on your way back!
If you say no do they feed you? Or is it how (in the US at least) people as “how are you?” But sometimes they just want you to say “good” and don’t actually care for a real answer?
@@liz2880 LOL. I was curious too and wanted to know what they would do? Would they offer me a cuppa? My neighbour asked me one day as I was passing by her house if I had had my coffee and I said 'no'. She just smiled. No invitation, no coffee. When I told my husband, he said she must have felt sorry that you did not have your priorities in the right place. What is the use of living if you don't eat and drink well? So yes, just like the 'good' and not caring for a real answer, all that is expected here is a 'yes' or just a smile and a nod.
@@liz2880 Chinese here, same for us, and it is literally the exact same as "how are you?", just a way of greeting and to show that you somewhat care about the person you are talking to
The Strand Hotel in Yangon is where George Orwell lived while working as an officer in Burma. Some believe that it was here where he began writing his novel 1984.
Living in Yangon, it's intriguing to see someone venture into Myanmar amidst civil unrest. Your journey captures the essence of our country's complexities. From airport insights to hotel surprises, your experiences resonate with many locals. It's heartening to hear positive remarks about Myanmar Airways. Looking forward to more of your adventures!
Great video and kudos to MAI on their services. Let's hope the situation in Myanmar improves so more people can safely visit. I love the harbor approach into Singapore.
For improvement I think the rebels have to overthrow a dictatorship. And lots of time in those third world countries if the rebels win, they establish their own dictatorship.
I do stands with rebels that are fighting the military dictatorship. But some ethics forces are not trustable. Especially MNDAA which is officially from China their plan maybe is to take their land laukkai back so. Myanmar would never be in peace when people are not together.
I lived in Myanmar from 2010-2015. It is truly one of the most special places on the planet with just the kindest people and I cannot wait to return as soon as the situation has lightened. In reality, it is safe to visit, but many of the people I knew while there have fled the country.
Great video as always. The customer service for business class passengers in Myanmar looks amazing! Something you wouldn't normally expect unless on the best first class.
This might be my favorite video ever from Noel as someone who's the regular viewer on this channel and born in this particular country Myanmar, I really appreciated for doing it. I just wanna touch on some things Noel said on the video, although it has been mark as a "Do Not Travel" on DOS, it is relatively safe to travel there for a Foreigner, as you seen in the video people in Myanmar treats the Foreigner like absolute full of kindness and services that you never expected from these airlines/country that no many ppl heard of. I hope Noel to go back there again in future to explore more about the country and airlines of course.
My partner and I went to Yangon for 5 days in March 2023. We had a lovely time, although the city is not as vibrant as it was pre-Covid and military coup. The people are so friendly, so much history, nice places to visit and great local foods. A real shame that Noel couldn't have taken one day there sightseeing and visting temples, parks and markets. Contrary to what the media might show, there really was no obvious military presence on the streets in and around the city. The military checkpoint shown in the film is on return to enter the airport. As for DO NOT TRAVEL warnings, we too researched the U.S. Department of State notice. But, we also researched the UK Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) where they have different warnings for specific areas of the country. Yangon has travel advice but was not on the "do not travel list".
@@EddieManningI agreed with you there on the DO NOT TRAVEL warnings that put out by the gov and those big cities in Burma are relatively safe to travel for a foreigner, although it is much more military + local police presence now than back then, since military coup and thanks to recent large armed conflict around the various part of the country and Military Junta gov having low grip over their population, they now have more checkpoints around the city and especially around the airport since people are fleeing the city ahead of recent conscription order where military gov have control, anyway enough of politics. I'm glad you guys enjoyed the city and your time at Yangon. Like I said in previous comment, people are so nice, friendly towards foreigners especially. I wish Noah could go back there when things are a bit clear and explore more.
So weird seeing the check in area at the Bangkok airport. I haven’t been there in 12 years, but i could recognize it right away. There’s not very many airports like it. My family lived in China from 2004 to 2009, so during CNY we would travel around Southeast Asia.
I spent a month traveling around Myanmar in the 90's. Yangon was fascinating, up country even more so. I met people who had never seen a foreigner. Yangon was plagued with frequent, often prolonged power outages in those days. I flew Thai Airlines round trip to Yangon from Bangkok.
"This plane is in a pretty battered condition" says the man going to a developing country in the midst of a civil war... Tbf I live in Yangon and it's all a bit rough round the edges and there's no surprise about the boot not opening. You didn't get to experience the joy of the daily blackouts! Pan Pacific would be sheltered from most of the 'interesting' elements though. The people are very kind generally though as you saw, and the taxi driver was asking you if you wanted the Aircon on. Fuel is really expensive for local people these days so taxi drivers will avoid putting the Aircon on unless the customer specifically requests it. He seems to have put it on for you though specially!
Yangon was a beautuful city . That hotel room was stunning & was not what I expected. The toilet is like one of those Toto from Japan that opens for you & knows when your done & cleans you off & all sorts of amenities. I am glad you made it thru without getting anything blown off! It didn't look like a country in a war, but I'm sure that somewhere it is not pleasant. I haven't seen any bad passengers on your flights except the guys that had the whiskey! Here in the states, it sounds like flights have bad passengers who do everyhing from hitting flight attendants to peeing in the isle. Now, that would make a very interesting video!
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.
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.
What a huge room! It is a beautiful troubled country. Noel, you are like a kid in a candy shop, so excited and happy! You do love new adventures. It looks like you had a good adventure!!
Isn’t it ironic that you are forbidden to take knives etc. on board an aircraft yet they provide these implements on board as well as in the lounges (which is post-security)!
Did I hear you call Yangon the capital of Myanmar Noel? They've got a new purpose-built capital called Naypyidaw. Yangon is still the business capital though.
Wow! I've flown to Yangon from Bangkok myself (before the military took the country over, it was much safer in 2017) and I stood right where you are in the Bangkok Airport waiting for my flight to Yangon!
Wonderful video as always. Some fantastic shots, that sunset was exceptional. I thought your hotel room was amazing, the view and the loo too! Great airline as well, so rare to get such service like that anymore. Thank you, really enjoyed that.
How come you frequently spend very little time on the ground doing touristy things? I know the focus on this channel is the airline but I would love to see the country a little bit.
Nice review of your flights with MAI. Looks good. My partner and I went to Yangon for 5 days in March 2023. We had a lovely time, although the city is not as vibrant as it was pre-Covid and military coup. The people are so friendly, so much history, nice places to visit and great local foods. A real shame that you couldn't have taken one day there sightseeing and visting temples, parks and markets. Contrary to what the media might show, there really was no obvious military presence on the streets in and around the city. The military checkpoint shown in the film is on return to enter the airport. As for DO NOT TRAVEL warnings, we too researched the U.S. Department of State notice. But, we also researched the UK Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) where they have different warnings for specific areas of the country. Yangon has travel advice but was not on the "do not travel list".
I am Bulgarian and had the huge pleasure of visiting many South-East Asia countries and feel so good there. People are so zen and super friendly, it is so safe, the temples are so touching and spiritual, hotels are clean, food, and juices are SO good and nature is stunning and there is so much history and hope to visit Myanmar one day. Their airlines are super clean and modern. People are not rude, hysteric or arrogant in the planes. I cannot decide which SE Asian country is my "favourite", they are all so gorgeous with no exceptions. Vietnam with its so interesting history, especially Philippines with their crazy humour and super modern Taiwan with an IMPECCABLE metro and posh Singapore and north Thailand is fantastic as well. So is Borneo in Malaysia. I hope the war in Myanmar ends and they become an entirely peaceful nation and wish the nation all the best. But your Turkmenistan video was just wacky and so much fun and interesting to watch as many of your videos to watch. Keep it up, Noel and keep surprising us hahaha maybe you end up in Antarictica next......🤣😁
What a beautiful sunset that was and loved this video of all the staff that helped you out on this trip! This was an awesome time you had! Loved seeing it!! 😊
Bit like Northern Ireland in the 90's. I'd have no problems going to Myanmar. Especially with that hotel. $100 for that Penthouse suite...jesus Premier inn costs more in Belfast
MAI isn't a National Airlines of Myanmar.MAI is a private Airline.Our National Airline is Myanmar National Airlines (MNA).Thank u for your taveling to our country.
Fantastic video thank you for sharing Noel. It’s interesting how the state department will advertise level four and it doesn’t seem that bad… However, I don’t doubt there are high risks. Beautiful pictures around town. I would never have seen because I have no plans of visiting a war zone. Thank you for sharing. You did not show any signs of fatigue. For a war-torn country it’s amazing how much nicer the airport is than airports like JFK, or Baltimore, Washington international, or Washington Dulles. I really really like the Myanmar airlines check-in process. That’s pretty neat.
Absolutely enjoyed your video, and seeing Myanmar from the sky, genuinely impressed by their services from Hotel to airline what an amazing experience that must have been. Hope the nation thrives and peacefuly ends their war.
This was a fun experience. Not going to lie, I did freak out a bit when you said civil war, turned out to not be too bad. Please do be careful, though.
My father was a diplomat and we spent 2.5 years in Burma in the late 70s. It's such a beautiful place and the Burmese are the nicest people on the planet. The Shwedagon Pagoda is incredible. We used to holiday at Sandoway Beach (now Ngapali) and it's comfortably the best beach on the planet. When flying there during school holidays in Australia I'd be on their Fokker F28 service from either Singapore or Bangkok. When flying from Singapore they used to announce that if there were strong headwinds we'd need to land in Vientiane to refuel! There were only ever 10 or 12 people on that flight but it was loaded to the brim with meat and alcohol and assorted goodies for the ruling Communist class. On my first trip the hostie asked if I'd like coffee tea. I answered tea, please, and she filled my cup from the one jug she was carrying. Turned out it was coffee + tea + milk + an industrial quantity of sugar. Was pretty good, though! Great memories.
Hello Noel, this is the first time I have seen one of your travel blogs. I do enjoy it. You may have mentioned it and I must have missed it but may I ask, which hotel you stayed at with the wrap around window in Yangon? That looks very nice.
Really enjoyed the video, Noel. Myanmar is a country you hear about but know very little about. The people seem lovely and anxious to make a traveller's stay memorable.
I was just in Yangon, Myanmar 5 weeks ago! My family told me not to go due to the civil war, but I really wanted to see the Schwedagon Pagoda. So I used MAI from Kuala Lumpur to Yangon and stayed in the country for just 6 hrs! Since I was not sure if I will ever be back to Asia and have the chance to visit and see the country. It is indeed a bit sad to see that almost no tourists visit the country due to the civil war but as you have said, when you visit downtown Yangon, life seems very normal.
the "temple" at 10:18 is actually shwedagon pagoda, probably the most recognizable landmark of yangon (and to some, myanmar too)! definitely a must-visit when you come to ygn, so even if you were here for not too long, it's great that you at least got to see it from afar!
Noel visits Turkmenistan, wasn’t taken to prison and video was produced. Noel visits Myanmar, wasn’t taken to prison and a video was produced. If Noel stops releasing videos I think we’ll know why.
11:08 Automatic Toilet Lid. Yep, our 14-room suite at the top of the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore had FOUR bathrooms, each with equipped with those automatic toilet lids. Also, the seats were warmed. They had many other buttons that we dared not to touch.
There’s a guy that goes to countries after or during major events and he says the prices are great, and security is top notch! I think you found a new series lol
I have to admit that I don't know how you could not have noticed/known Myanmar is in a state of civil war - its been reported widely although its not as much recently given the Gaza genocide or the war in Ukraine
Goes to show when you're not the oppressed group, you have a lot of privilege and you can enjoy a country without being "inconvenienced" by such realities like civil war. Honestly, this trip seemed a bit out of touch.
When i flew to Yangon in 2015 they had a room in the arrival area full of cellphone's. I was told that previously cellphones were not allowed in the country by the military government and all phones were compensated before entering.
Hope you get back someday, Noel. It's a special place. I was in Myanmar about 5 years ago, and found the people to be most amazing. We got around on bicycles, and kids would come running out of schools or homes to greet us. We'd always hear "Mingalaba!" shouted, along with cheerful waves and smiles, as we rode by farm fields. Lots of good will all round, though we couldn't communicate at all! As visitors, we kept a low profile, always respectful and cheerful. We saw military vehicles and installations and just kept a respectful distance, cameras and phones put away. The people deserve peace.
The Myanmar Tourism Bureau should write you a letter of gratitude ;) Seriously tho, glad you had such a good time. The city and country look absolutely beautiful and delightful people.
Nice video. We went to Yangon from Bangkok five or six years ago. We were on Nok Air, now pretty much a domestic Thai airline and flew out of and back into DMK (which was a pain). Rather than the Pan Pacific, we stayed at a Chatrium a little further from the core area, but a nice room and nice amenities. My wife wanted to buy some jade bracelets, so we spent a lot of time at the various stores in the main jade shopping area. Also toured the temple which was beautiful and unusual. The state of people living in areas just outside the main shopping area was disturbing. Never felt unsafe, but boy, was it a depressing sight.
I love watching all your videos, but I did enjoy them when you used to take us around the destination for a glimpse into that location. I hope you can add those back in. Thanks for all your hard work. 😊
@@noelphilips 😂 Hahaha, you are welcome. I continue to hope you will fly safely. Like you said, there are some countries that are going through government problems. And other countries that are ok for now!
When I was Air France flight crew we used to layover in Rangoon (what is was called then)....nothing like your experience of today! We stayed at the grand old resort hotel called "Inya Lake Hotel", the rooms were basicaly falling apart, the bathroom water was rusty, the lights flickered on and off, we slept in our uniforms on top of the beds and kept our luggage on the dresser, you never knew what could be crawling around! But we had excellent meals at some of the city's restaurants...If you go next time you must visit the Shwedagon Pagoda, it is a huge monument lined with real gold all the way to the top.
Hi Noel, I’m seen most of your travel blogs now. After the most recent one travelling to Myanmar, I was left wanting more info and scenery from the destination. Would you consider actually visiting the country rather than just landing and taking off? I love aeroplanes too, but I also love travel, and I am aware that you are conscious of being away from your family for too long. Me too. Would perhaps less journeys and more about the country be more profitable and less tiring/timely for you? Just a thought. Keep up the good work. Jase UK
Wow I’m super impressed with MAI. They are doing way better then us and European airlines and their service thru out your whole journey was incredible. Considering the fact they’re in a civil war this absolutely blows my mind! They definitely deserve more attention, well done MAI!!
You should have explored the Yangoon city at least for a day if you paid £833 for a flight. The city looks cool, similar to Kathmandu. Your t-shirt is cool btw....
Not deals or discount. I been there at 2020. The hotels were futuristic and luxurious and also cheap. It may change but Philips prove it too😅 I have a plan to visit Myanmar next month so I will make sure to check hotel prices 😊
When you are the only tourist and the only business class passenger in the whole country, you get a bit of special attention ;-)
I have a mate who did a 1 year teacher training program in Myanmar. He told me it was one of the most incredible experiences of his life due to the kindness and solicitude of the people. He said he felt like he never left home as the people were so welcoming and gracious toward him. All the way from the principal of the school he was training in to the taxi drivers, street food vendors, business people and even the police he encountered. I'd love to travel there before I leave Asia.
On top of the business class seats, they may have seen him filming and wanted to make sure the airport looked fantastic -- which it absolutely did.
@@NomadHokie their airport looks nicer than many airports in the West...
For locals u are required to pay for those services costing more than 100 bucks, Actually it just white worship ;-)
@@NomadHokieI once visited there like at 2023. the airport is way more better than my home"west" or europe airports
I never get tired of watching a kind gentleman treating everyone he meets in a polite way.
The flights and adventure are a bonus.
The British are brilliant that way, actually. I can listen to all of their accents ALLLLLLLLLLLLL day, as well. Of course, I get told about my accent (a New York city one) too!
I wish someone would reply, "Just fuck off will you".
Meanwhile the poor elevator button get's to deal with all the frustration and has to endure 5 agressive pushes.
Yeah, ditto. I am also glad he is not the Bono of air travel constantly preaching and trying to save the industry one flight at a time. Also, that hotel room could’ve knocked me over with a feather. A real beauty.
This is the first guy I know who has a 3-Thank-Yous per person minimum.
Ironically, this is one of your best travel vlog I've ever seen., since everything went well without a hitch!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Agree with you.
Lovely trip.
Just to let you know that the supremely informative multi-page comments by 'Ms. Gregoria' at, "Myanmar remains in social and economic crisis since military seized power/BBC News", on TH-cam, got pushed down below 100 other comments lately!
@@AGrace-tw6ku By the way, many thanks for the informative multi-page comments by 'Ms. Gregoria' at, "Myanmar remains in social and economic crisis since military seized power/BBC News", on TH-cam., that I learned much more about Myanmar than I've ever known.
Myanmar,our country was very beautiful and happy to all of us and visitors. Now, we are facing with crisis. I wish that God bless our country to get back out happy days.
The country is doomed. Instead of making a better country the juntas are destroying it and making people suffer.
Many Burmese have now run to Singapore, just like the Hong Kees, Tamil Nadus and Pinoys.
I am sad to see what I see with your country. You all deserve far better friend. I hope things can get stable for you and your beautiful country.
This has been such a nice episode! Myanmar seems like a lovely country. Wishing their country can have peace again.
Quite often it's only wacky politicians that are the reason there can't be peace in an area.
I love living here. Thanks
Lovely my a** because of their civil war and fascism, they create the refugee crisis in the whole Southeast Asia
Lovely my a** because of their civil war and fascist govt they created refugee crisis in the whole Southeast Asia
@@LizafromWhere your country looks lovely, it would be awesome to visit 😮
"Be kind to one another" - one big reason I'm a subscriber, Noel. Enjoy your trip.
that $100 a night hotel feels like it would be much more expensive anywhere else, what an amazingly nice hotel room
PanPac YGN pretty much struggles for guests nowadays, that's why rates are low.
in Myanmar 😇
@@supot2523
I Use To Stay At ParkRoyal Hotel Next Door To Another Local Hotel And Cinema Theatre.
Is This That Same Hotel ??
Your in a country where people are starving and would live well off that for weeks if not months, don't put western values on third world countries, classic tourist silliness
I've stayed in comparable hotels for 80.00 in much more stable countries.
A staff at the airport asked you “Have you finished lunch?” is a way of greeting in Myanmar. If you spend a few more days, you might hear people greeting you “Mingalabah” following “Have you eaten?” 😁
It's quite customary with a lot of South East and South Asian cultures to check on if you had your meals. They take their 3 meals a day seriously!
Chinese here. We do this in China too.
♥️ my mother would always always ask me that
In your description it describes Yangon (previously Rangoon) as the capital city of Myanmar. Yangon used to be the capital, whereas today the capital city is Naypyidaw to the north. If you find and watch the old Top Gear Burma special, Clarkson, Hammond and May visit Naypyidaw.
And also the coup video to the sounds of morning exercise dance music
When they visited it is deserted
@@PrograErrorsoo iconic 😅
@@lorddarlo6194 it's always deserted
Naypayidaw is officially the capital, that is purely administrational though as the Burmese people do not consider it as such and never have done. To them it’s Yangon and always will be.
9:15 its not a temple its a shwedagon pagoda. one of the most prestigious pagodas in myanmar..
Fair play the customer service was amazing!
Always looking forward to your videos😃👋🏼
Yay! Thank you!
"Have you had your brekkie/coffee/lunch" is a sort of greeting in some parts of the world. It is in Karnataka, in India. Glorious sunset on your way back!
If you say no do they feed you? Or is it how (in the US at least) people as “how are you?” But sometimes they just want you to say “good” and don’t actually care for a real answer?
@@liz2880 LOL. I was curious too and wanted to know what they would do? Would they offer me a cuppa? My neighbour asked me one day as I was passing by her house if I had had my coffee and I said 'no'. She just smiled. No invitation, no coffee. When I told my husband, he said she must have felt sorry that you did not have your priorities in the right place. What is the use of living if you don't eat and drink well? So yes, just like the 'good' and not caring for a real answer, all that is expected here is a 'yes' or just a smile and a nod.
I know. But am not sure if he knows 'ootaaita"?
@@liz2880 Chinese here, same for us, and it is literally the exact same as "how are you?", just a way of greeting and to show that you somewhat care about the person you are talking to
@@Drinking-Water oh I see, thanks
The Strand Hotel in Yangon is where George Orwell lived while working as an officer in Burma. Some believe that it was here where he began writing his novel 1984.
wow very interesting history lesson. Great author and book
Elaine: Peterman ran off to Burma, and now he wants me to run the catalog.
Kramer: Where?
Jerry: Myanmar.
Kramer: The discount pharmacy?
I read that in the character's voices, lmao.
Nice to read someone knows the classics!
I find this funny as I've been watching the show recently
It will always be Burma to me…
Doesn't Jerry say, isn't it Myanmar now
Living in Yangon, it's intriguing to see someone venture into Myanmar amidst civil unrest. Your journey captures the essence of our country's complexities. From airport insights to hotel surprises, your experiences resonate with many locals. It's heartening to hear positive remarks about Myanmar Airways. Looking forward to more of your adventures!
Hey my father was born in Burma in the late 1920's. He could speak and write fluent Burmese. He passed in 2017. I wish he could have seen this video.
Do you know Burmese, as well?
@@SuiGenerisAbbie Sadly, no.
@@milindbajekal Please do not be sad about this.
You still can learn.
Maybe he has seen this video. I believe it made him smile.
@@ToddBinNM You can learn Burmese. I have confidence in you.
This is the most respectful travel vlogger I have watched so far.
Subscribed.
Thank you so much!
Great video and kudos to MAI on their services. Let's hope the situation in Myanmar improves so more people can safely visit. I love the harbor approach into Singapore.
It's MAI though. ❤
Thank you
@@Notapplicable8 Oops. Thank you for correction. I edited the original post to reflect correct info.
For improvement I think the rebels have to overthrow a dictatorship. And lots of time in those third world countries if the rebels win, they establish their own dictatorship.
I do stands with rebels that are fighting the military dictatorship.
But some ethics forces are not trustable. Especially MNDAA which is officially from China their plan maybe is to take their land laukkai back so. Myanmar would never be in peace when people are not together.
I lived in Myanmar from 2010-2015. It is truly one of the most special places on the planet with just the kindest people and I cannot wait to return as soon as the situation has lightened. In reality, it is safe to visit, but many of the people I knew while there have fled the country.
Great video as always. The customer service for business class passengers in Myanmar looks amazing! Something you wouldn't normally expect unless on the best first class.
Customer service and quality is always amazing in Asia. Don’t compare to third world trash like US or Canada
This might be my favorite video ever from Noel as someone who's the regular viewer on this channel and born in this particular country Myanmar, I really appreciated for doing it.
I just wanna touch on some things Noel said on the video, although it has been mark as a "Do Not Travel" on DOS, it is relatively safe to travel there for a Foreigner, as you seen in the video people in Myanmar treats the Foreigner like absolute full of kindness and services that you never expected from these airlines/country that no many ppl heard of.
I hope Noel to go back there again in future to explore more about the country and airlines of course.
My partner and I went to Yangon for 5 days in March 2023. We had a lovely time, although the city is not as vibrant as it was pre-Covid and military coup. The people are so friendly, so much history, nice places to visit and great local foods. A real shame that Noel couldn't have taken one day there sightseeing and visting temples, parks and markets. Contrary to what the media might show, there really was no obvious military presence on the streets in and around the city. The military checkpoint shown in the film is on return to enter the airport. As for DO NOT TRAVEL warnings, we too researched the U.S. Department of State notice. But, we also researched the UK Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) where they have different warnings for specific areas of the country. Yangon has travel advice but was not on the "do not travel list".
@@EddieManningI agreed with you there on the DO NOT TRAVEL warnings that put out by the gov and those big cities in Burma are relatively safe to travel for a foreigner, although it is much more military + local police presence now than back then, since military coup and thanks to recent large armed conflict around the various part of the country and Military Junta gov having low grip over their population, they now have more checkpoints around the city and especially around the airport since people are fleeing the city ahead of recent conscription order where military gov have control, anyway enough of politics. I'm glad you guys enjoyed the city and your time at Yangon. Like I said in previous comment, people are so nice, friendly towards foreigners especially. I wish Noah could go back there when things are a bit clear and explore more.
I live and work here along with thousands of other foreigners, white ones included. I'm over sensationalist TH-camrs
@@LizafromWhere why? What is your point?
@@LizafromWhere You obviously misread the video title! They warned him but he travelled anyway so he's not with the ones you complain about...
"Are you finished lunch" is a common polite gesture in SE Asia.
How are you supposed to answer?
Is there a meaning? How do you respond normally?
In Thai "have you eaten yet".
In Malaysia: Sudah makan?, in Singapore: taken your lunch?
Yup, in Korea a common greeting with people you know is 'have you eaten rice?'
So weird seeing the check in area at the Bangkok airport. I haven’t been there in 12 years, but i could recognize it right away. There’s not very many airports like it. My family lived in China from 2004 to 2009, so during CNY we would travel around Southeast Asia.
Dawson 😮
Such lovely people there. They really rolled out the red carpet for you. I hope they're all safe with the conflict going on.
I spent a month traveling around Myanmar in the 90's. Yangon was fascinating, up country even more so. I met people who had never seen a foreigner. Yangon was plagued with frequent, often prolonged power outages in those days. I flew Thai Airlines round trip to Yangon from Bangkok.
What service friendly staff and people I hope the Country is peaceful one day ❤.
"This plane is in a pretty battered condition" says the man going to a developing country in the midst of a civil war... Tbf I live in Yangon and it's all a bit rough round the edges and there's no surprise about the boot not opening. You didn't get to experience the joy of the daily blackouts! Pan Pacific would be sheltered from most of the 'interesting' elements though. The people are very kind generally though as you saw, and the taxi driver was asking you if you wanted the Aircon on. Fuel is really expensive for local people these days so taxi drivers will avoid putting the Aircon on unless the customer specifically requests it. He seems to have put it on for you though specially!
I think Noel just got the presidential suite lol :).
Looks schmick
Yangon was a beautuful city . That hotel room was stunning & was not what I expected. The toilet is like one of those Toto from Japan that opens for you & knows when your done & cleans you off & all sorts of amenities. I am glad you made it thru without getting anything blown off! It didn't look like a country in a war, but I'm sure that somewhere it is not pleasant. I haven't seen any bad passengers on your flights except the guys that had the whiskey! Here in the states, it sounds like flights have bad passengers who do everyhing from hitting flight attendants to peeing in the isle. Now, that would make a very interesting video!
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.
Its chill here now. I live and work here
Wow, what brilliant service in MAI ! You are so polite and well mannered Noel. Love your vlogs.
Thank you so much!
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.
Really? I live and work here and run a TH-cam Channel
Sounds like a fantastic job. Your channel is quite interesting.
Myanmar and their people seemed lovely- and what beautiful monuments. Great video. Thanks Noel.
Glad you enjoyed it
What a huge room! It is a beautiful troubled country.
Noel, you are like a kid in a candy shop, so excited and happy! You do love new adventures. It looks like you had a good adventure!!
Isn’t it ironic that you are forbidden to take knives etc. on board an aircraft yet they provide these implements on board as well as in the lounges (which is post-security)!
Wow, everyone you met were amazingly helpful and polite. Treated like aviation royalty. 😊
Good people bad country
@@LeeGeeEd Other way around.
Love from myanmar ❤
From yangon
Did I hear you call Yangon the capital of Myanmar Noel? They've got a new purpose-built capital called Naypyidaw. Yangon is still the business capital though.
Wow! I've flown to Yangon from Bangkok myself (before the military took the country over, it was much safer in 2017) and I stood right where you are in the Bangkok Airport waiting for my flight to Yangon!
Rob
Wonderful video as always. Some fantastic shots, that sunset was exceptional. I thought your hotel room was amazing, the view and the loo too! Great airline as well, so rare to get such service like that anymore. Thank you, really enjoyed that.
The hotel is just new cookie cutter hotel, it could be the same any where I'm the world, not impressed!
How come you frequently spend very little time on the ground doing touristy things? I know the focus on this channel is the airline but I would love to see the country a little bit.
I am from Assam, India. It is really nice to see my neighbour myanmar.
Nice review of your flights with MAI. Looks good.
My partner and I went to Yangon for 5 days in March 2023. We had a lovely time, although the city is not as vibrant as it was pre-Covid and military coup. The people are so friendly, so much history, nice places to visit and great local foods. A real shame that you couldn't have taken one day there sightseeing and visting temples, parks and markets. Contrary to what the media might show, there really was no obvious military presence on the streets in and around the city. The military checkpoint shown in the film is on return to enter the airport. As for DO NOT TRAVEL warnings, we too researched the U.S. Department of State notice. But, we also researched the UK Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) where they have different warnings for specific areas of the country. Yangon has travel advice but was not on the "do not travel list".
I am Bulgarian and had the huge pleasure of visiting many South-East Asia countries and feel so good there. People are so zen and super friendly, it is so safe, the temples are so touching and spiritual, hotels are clean, food, and juices are SO good and nature is stunning and there is so much history and hope to visit Myanmar one day. Their airlines are super clean and modern. People are not rude, hysteric or arrogant in the planes. I cannot decide which SE Asian country is my "favourite", they are all so gorgeous with no exceptions. Vietnam with its so interesting history, especially Philippines with their crazy humour and super modern Taiwan with an IMPECCABLE metro and posh Singapore and north Thailand is fantastic as well. So is Borneo in Malaysia. I hope the war in Myanmar ends and they become an entirely peaceful nation and wish the nation all the best.
But your Turkmenistan video was just wacky and so much fun and interesting to watch as many of your videos to watch. Keep it up, Noel and keep surprising us hahaha maybe you end up in Antarictica next......🤣😁
Thank you, glad you enjoy them.
What a beautiful sunset that was and loved this video of all the staff that helped you out on this trip! This was an awesome time you had! Loved seeing it!! 😊
Glad you enjoyed it!
Bit like Northern Ireland in the 90's. I'd have no problems going to Myanmar. Especially with that hotel. $100 for that Penthouse suite...jesus Premier inn costs more in Belfast
good value for PP: The one in BKK used to cost a lot more.
I actually was in Enniskillen in the early 90s - it looked a little scarier to us then, than here in Myanmar.
@@lisaa8795 It would have been more scary for sure. yes. I moved to Ireland in 2004, things had pretty much gone more quite by then.
And after the lock downs and things opened up again, the hotels here on the emerald isle are now totally taking the piss.
@@Marlow925 Very true but their greed will make tourists go elsewhere
MAI isn't a National Airlines of Myanmar.MAI is a private Airline.Our National Airline is Myanmar National Airlines (MNA).Thank u for your taveling to our country.
Wow, what a brave man you are especially since it had a no fly warning. The hotel was gorgeous. It looked like you had a corner room. Safe travels.
Fantastic video thank you for sharing Noel. It’s interesting how the state department will advertise level four and it doesn’t seem that bad… However, I don’t doubt there are high risks. Beautiful pictures around town. I would never have seen because I have no plans of visiting a war zone. Thank you for sharing. You did not show any signs of fatigue. For a war-torn country it’s amazing how much nicer the airport is than airports like JFK, or Baltimore, Washington international, or Washington Dulles. I really really like the Myanmar airlines check-in process. That’s pretty neat.
Good thing you did fly with them you checked 2 airlines of in one very well serviced trip. Great video Noel
Absolutely enjoyed your video, and seeing Myanmar from the sky, genuinely impressed by their services from Hotel to airline what an amazing experience that must have been. Hope the nation thrives and peacefuly ends their war.
This was a fun experience. Not going to lie, I did freak out a bit when you said civil war, turned out to not be too bad. Please do be careful, though.
WOW!...That was well worth your while, awesome choice / love that hotel too., Myanmar Airlines looks very impressive with great flight crew🛫👍
bro just said "oopsie daisy" to flying to a warzone and i love it
Yeah treating a terrible situation like a joke , great
My father was a diplomat and we spent 2.5 years in Burma in the late 70s. It's such a beautiful place and the Burmese are the nicest people on the planet. The Shwedagon Pagoda is incredible. We used to holiday at Sandoway Beach (now Ngapali) and it's comfortably the best beach on the planet. When flying there during school holidays in Australia I'd be on their Fokker F28 service from either Singapore or Bangkok. When flying from Singapore they used to announce that if there were strong headwinds we'd need to land in Vientiane to refuel! There were only ever 10 or 12 people on that flight but it was loaded to the brim with meat and alcohol and assorted goodies for the ruling Communist class. On my first trip the hostie asked if I'd like coffee tea. I answered tea, please, and she filled my cup from the one jug she was carrying. Turned out it was coffee + tea + milk + an industrial quantity of sugar. Was pretty good, though! Great memories.
Too bad you couldn't check the place out .....quick in and out seems silly.....
Great video. I've always wanted to visit Myanmar. Fair play for doing it now
Noel, you're really making me want to buy a ticket to Myanamar in the middle of a civil war just to buy a business class ticket to come home
Hello Noel, this is the first time I have seen one of your travel blogs. I do enjoy it. You may have mentioned it and I must have missed it but may I ask, which hotel you stayed at with the wrap around window in Yangon? That looks very nice.
Welcome aboard.
Really enjoyed the video, Noel. Myanmar is a country you hear about but know very little about. The people seem lovely and anxious to make a traveller's stay memorable.
I was just in Yangon, Myanmar 5 weeks ago! My family told me not to go due to the civil war, but I really wanted to see the Schwedagon Pagoda. So I used MAI from Kuala Lumpur to Yangon and stayed in the country for just 6 hrs! Since I was not sure if I will ever be back to Asia and have the chance to visit and see the country. It is indeed a bit sad to see that almost no tourists visit the country due to the civil war but as you have said, when you visit downtown Yangon, life seems very normal.
u did not experience Burma
Airport - taxi - fancy hotel - taxi - airport. Yeah, not exactly seeing the place!
I’m sure he knows that.
the "temple" at 10:18 is actually shwedagon pagoda, probably the most recognizable landmark of yangon (and to some, myanmar too)! definitely a must-visit when you come to ygn, so even if you were here for not too long, it's great that you at least got to see it from afar!
Noel visits Turkmenistan, wasn’t taken to prison and video was produced.
Noel visits Myanmar, wasn’t taken to prison and a video was produced.
If Noel stops releasing videos I think we’ll know why.
11:08 Automatic Toilet Lid. Yep, our 14-room suite at the top of the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore had FOUR bathrooms, each with equipped with those automatic toilet lids. Also, the seats were warmed. They had many other buttons that we dared not to touch.
There’s a guy that goes to countries after or during major events and he says the prices are great, and security is top notch! I think you found a new series lol
Haha that old american man? 😂
Nice hotel in yangon. If kuala lumpur it will double the price for such a hotel.
Welcome to Myanmar. Great to see you and Josh making trips here!
Thanks! 😃
Hi Noel,
The country looks beautiful and everyone was so polite.
I have to admit that I don't know how you could not have noticed/known Myanmar is in a state of civil war - its been reported widely although its not as much recently given the Gaza genocide or the war in Ukraine
Goes to show when you're not the oppressed group, you have a lot of privilege and you can enjoy a country without being "inconvenienced" by such realities like civil war. Honestly, this trip seemed a bit out of touch.
Yeah, I'm not buying that either. It has been three years after all.
When i flew to Yangon in 2015 they had a room in the arrival area full of cellphone's. I was told that previously cellphones were not allowed in the country by the military government and all phones were compensated before entering.
Hope you get back someday, Noel. It's a special place. I was in Myanmar about 5 years ago, and found the people to be most amazing. We got around on bicycles, and kids would come running out of schools or homes to greet us. We'd always hear "Mingalaba!" shouted, along with cheerful waves and smiles, as we rode by farm fields. Lots of good will all round, though we couldn't communicate at all! As visitors, we kept a low profile, always respectful and cheerful. We saw military vehicles and installations and just kept a respectful distance, cameras and phones put away. The people deserve peace.
whilst the rest of the countries people are being blown up with your holiday money
@@nickdawson9236 these countries probably make a lot of their money from tourism
The Myanmar Tourism Bureau should write you a letter of gratitude ;) Seriously tho, glad you had such a good time. The city and country look absolutely beautiful and delightful people.
*Britished it 🤔…..i think i like that term. I’ll immediately incorporate it into my personal vocabulary
Lmao I said the exact same 😂 I’m def using it in the future
Nice video. We went to Yangon from Bangkok five or six years ago. We were on Nok Air, now pretty much a domestic Thai airline and flew out of and back into DMK (which was a pain). Rather than the Pan Pacific, we stayed at a Chatrium a little further from the core area, but a nice room and nice amenities. My wife wanted to buy some jade bracelets, so we spent a lot of time at the various stores in the main jade shopping area. Also toured the temple which was beautiful and unusual. The state of people living in areas just outside the main shopping area was disturbing. Never felt unsafe, but boy, was it a depressing sight.
I love watching all your videos, but I did enjoy them when you used to take us around the destination for a glimpse into that location. I hope you can add those back in. Thanks for all your hard work. 😊
I’ve flown to/from and around on various Myanmar airlines. The staff make airlines what they are; definitely deserve the praise you gave them.
Excellent service that looked Noel the people seemed so kind and polite. Thanks for uploading
Thank you for taking your flight. I am glad you were able to fly away from here.😊
Thanks for watching!
@@noelphilips 😂 Hahaha, you are welcome. I continue to hope you will fly safely. Like you said, there are some countries that are going through government problems. And other countries that are ok for now!
The people seem so friendly and hospitable, a completely different reality to how Myanmar is often portrayed in the media. I’m pleasantly surprised.
Sam
Another really nice adventure as always when i watch your travels. Thankyou
Love how excited you were for the second flight 😀
Always enthusiastic! Love that. ❤️✈️❤️✈️❤️✈️
When I was Air France flight crew we used to layover in Rangoon (what is was called then)....nothing like your experience of today! We stayed at the grand old resort hotel called "Inya Lake Hotel", the rooms were basicaly falling apart, the bathroom water was rusty, the lights flickered on and off, we slept in our uniforms on top of the beds and kept our luggage on the dresser, you never knew what could be crawling around! But we had excellent meals at some of the city's restaurants...If you go next time you must visit the Shwedagon Pagoda, it is a huge monument lined with real gold all the way to the top.
Congratulations on 510K follows and very soon you will have 747K follows! I love that you fly on all the airlines!
17:53 It appears that it's actually an MAI airplane, based on the door labels. Perhaps they bought it but haven't got around to painting it.
He’s polite asking everyone how they are and saying thank you hundreds of times! What manners ! Love watching Noel .
Wow how amazing was that! I really hope you return and go exploring. Josh Cahill had an epic experience too.
There's a SNAKE 🐍 on that PLANE 🛩 !!! 😳
Hi Noel, I’m seen most of your travel blogs now. After the most recent one travelling to Myanmar, I was left wanting more info and scenery from the destination.
Would you consider actually visiting the country rather than just landing and taking off?
I love aeroplanes too, but I also love travel, and I am aware that you are conscious of being away from your family for too long. Me too.
Would perhaps less journeys and more about the country be more profitable and less tiring/timely for you? Just a thought. Keep up the good work. Jase UK
Hmm 🤔
These toilets you find in most hotel rooms in japan
Wow I’m super impressed with MAI. They are doing way better then us and European airlines and their service thru out your whole journey was incredible. Considering the fact they’re in a civil war this absolutely blows my mind! They definitely deserve more attention, well done MAI!!
Wow, that is quite an impressing way of doing things on behald of MAI !
Thank you Noel😉
You should have explored the Yangoon city at least for a day if you paid £833 for a flight. The city looks cool, similar to Kathmandu.
Your t-shirt is cool btw....
On the bright side, flying into a civil war DOES seem to be a good way to get great hotel deals AND private access to multiple lounge treat areas!
Not deals or discount. I been there at 2020. The hotels were futuristic and luxurious and also cheap. It may change but Philips prove it too😅
I have a plan to visit Myanmar next month so I will make sure to check hotel prices 😊
it's also a great to way to support the genocidal government
Love love this. I've always wanted to go to Myanmar, but had it down the list because of the do not travel. Moving it up now. Thanks so much!
Great video! Great service and loved the toilet! Thank you for allowing me to take part in your adventures!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Love your Loo-Reviews! Got only a glimpse of the loo at the hotel, surely it had more features?
Wow!! What an amazing airline!! I can tell how happy and surprised you were. What incredible customer service 👏 🙌
With every new episode i am feeling like i was also in all those places...love your videos. Thank you.
So nice of you