After a hiatus of three decades, direct flights between Russia and Myanmar have been reinstated, marking a significant development in bilateral travel relations. The last direct flight from Russia to Myanmar occurred during Boris Yeltsin’s initial term in 1993. Now, after 30 years, the two nations have reached an agreement to reestablish air travel connectivity.
Myanmar Airways International is set to facilitate the transportation, with the Federal Air Transport Agency confirming the resumption. The flight route is poised to link Novosibirsk, a prominent city in the Asian region of Russia, with Mandalay, the largest city in Myanmar and the erstwhile capital of the Burmese Empire. Mandalay boasts remarkable attractions, including the grand palace of King Mindon, an expansive temple complex atop a hill, and one of the world’s largest jade markets.
Tourism expert Nikolai Melnik weighs in on this development, contemplating whether Russian tourists will be enticed by these new horizons. Notably, Russians can avail a visa-free stay in Myanmar for up to 30 days. While ticket prices are yet to be disclosed, direct flights from Novosibirsk to nearby Thailand typically commence at 60,000 rubles for a round trip.
Consumer prices in Mandalay, as per aggregator Numbeo, are poised to attract many. A dinner for two at a respectable restaurant costs around 1,500 rubles, and rent is half the cost of Moscow. Booking accommodations offer double rooms in three-star hotels for 20,000 to 30,000 rubles per week. Nevertheless, these favorable aspects coexist with the backdrop of a military junta and ongoing conflicts with rebels across various Myanmar regions.
In 2021, Myanmar encountered significant turmoil, as the military proclaimed widespread electoral fraud and seized control of the nation. Despite these challenges, the country remains open to tourists. The Association of Tour Operators of Russia cites travel agencies’ observations, affirming that security is vigilantly managed, quelling concerns, and offering tourists a content experience. Insights from forums reflect a dual perspective, portraying the affable nature of the Burmese people and the coexistence of “low-level civil unrest,” evident in curfews and roadblocks. To those seeking tranquility, Myanmar is deemed a haven, yet a contrasting viewpoint emerges. Citing an online survey, the Chinese Global Times highlights that up to 95% of Chinese residents exhibit reluctance to visit Myanmar due to prevailing security concerns.
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