Can you spend the night in Kawthaung Burma or travel beyond?

[Sciamachy]

I'm here on a tourist visa. If I go down to Ranong and across to Burma can I spend the night in Burma on the entry permit I get from the Burmese authorities, and/or travel further north to check out that part of Burma?

What if I have a Burmese tourist visa from Bangkok?

Thanks!

[lomuamart]

You can spend two night there, but travelling further will not be possible, I believe, as imm will keep your passport.
There mat be possibilities with a prearranged TV, but travelling is severely restricted in Burma and I'm not sure how far out of town you'll be allowed to go in that region. You'll need to check with a Burmese Embassy.

[STEVE G]

As Lomu says, the entry stamp at Point Victoria allows you two nights there, and if I remember correctly from the last time I went there, you are limited to travel no more than a few kilometers from the town. I believe you can get a 28 day tourist visa for Myanmar that has to be applied for in advance from the embassy, and allows you to go to tourist destinations.

[Sciamachy]

Thanks. I've been to Burma many times but never Kawthaung.

Have either of you spent the night there? Any ideas on accomodation?

What was it like when you travelled around? Did you have a minder the whole time?

I wonder if I could cross on a tourist visa and then fly to points north. As for asking the embassy -- hah! They never answer the phone and they are rarely friendly.

[STEVE G]

I’ve never stayed the night, but on the sea front in Kawthaung there is the bizarrely named Honey Bear Hotel. I know people who have stayed there and apparently it’s a bit ropey and overpriced but it does have a generator, which is a big plus as the electricity supply in Kawthaung is often turned off! I don’t think you would stay overnight for fun, but it could be worth it for the experience. There is also a casino resort on an island nearby if you like that sort of thing.