NAYPYIDAW
How to get there:
To serve the new capital, the existing airfield at Ela was upgraded to handle the larger planes. It lies 10 miles (16 km) southeast of Kyatpyae.
All the local airlines in Myanmar - Myanma Airways, Yangon Airways, Air Mandalay and the new Air Bagan - have included Naypyidaw as a destination and provide services between it and other cities and towns across Myanmar.
Air Mandalay is flying on Monday and Wednesday, Yangon Airways on Tuesday and Air Bagan on Tuesday and Friday.
There are 2 express trains daily at 08:00 and 12:00.
Private express coaches also run everyday along Yangon- Nay Pyi Taw highway, which is over 320 km long. If you travel overland you can also break the journey at Taungoo (280 km).
Getting around:
A PRIVATE taxi association has begun operating at Nay Pyi Taw airport to serve passengers travelling to the administrative capital. For passengers sharing taxis, the association charges K2500 a person for a one-way journey between the airport and Nay Pyi Taw, via Pyinmana, a distance of about 19 kilometres (nine miles).
Passengers also have the option of hiring a taxi, for which the one-way fare is K10,000.
You may also rent a car from your hotel, but the rates are quite high.
Where to stay?
The Kempinski
Without doubt the best in town...The newly built property is located near the Myanmar International Convention Centre (MICC), just a short drive from the capital’s international airport. Spread over four villas, the hotel features 141 rooms and 35 suites, including the Grand Royal Suite, which at 1,000 square meters is the largest in the country.
The Hilton
Another international 5 star glam...unwind in a spacious guest room, (fee applies), upgrade to an elegant suite for floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views, and a separate living area and
swim in the sparkling outdoor pool, which is set in a beautiful out-door courtyard. The nearest golf course is just five minutes' drive from our Myanmar hotel.
Aureum Hotel Resort
Formerly the best in town... is located at the start of the Hotel Zone. This new hotel is a true Oasis, centering round a pear-shape lake. A palm dotted drive way spirals up to the Lobby and the main Restaurant, overlooking the lake, the sky pool, the banquet room and the main complex. The hotel has 27 deluxe bungalows, 2 suite rooms and 1 presidential suite.
Hotel Max
A 3* hotel situated in the hotel zone no.(9) of Nay Pyi Taw. Sitting majestically on 30 acres of beautifully landsacped garden, Hotel Max, Nay Pyi Taw is just a 30 minutes drive away from the Nay Pyi Taw (Ealar) Airport and Pyinmanar Town and within close range of the government offices. The hotel has 22 superior villas, 4 suite villas and 2 executive villas.
Naypidaw
Pyongyang
VARIOUS
Sightseeing
While some are of the opinion that here is nothing of interest to be seen, I have to admit that this bizarre capital and its surrounding is worth to be explored.
Myoma Market
This market is currently the commercial centre of Naypyidaw and one of the places here which feel alive... a reminder you are in Myanmar and not in Utopia. Here you find everything a Burmese heart desires: big bundles of colorful fresh flowers, fruits, exotic vegetables and local products. If you're just for a business trip in Naypidaw and you have some free time, then this is a good alternative to visit this nice market and get a glimpse of Burmese life.
Uppatasanti Pagode
Definitely worth a vist. Yes it is new and a kind of kitschy, however this copy of the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon has its own charm. Unlike the original, you can walk inside, and look at some quite remarkable marble reliefs with scenes from the life of Buddha. Don't forget to have a glimps at the nearby so called white elefants.
PYINMANA
a small town 2 miles West of the capital. Twenty years ago I organized unique steam locomotive tours to Pyinman, (which at that time was a restricted area for foreigners). Farmers use this kind of transportation for the harvesting of sugar cane. Why not having a day excursion with your guide? Visit the Sin Phyu Mountain near Pyinmana, and the Sin Phyu Pagoda in Pyinmana, and explore the former base of the Burma Independance Army during World War II.
Traffic
Compared to the former capital of Yangon... it's paradise on earth. I only do know one other capital which has no signs of traffic either and that's Pyongyang.
