©
Michael Coghlan
Myanmar Travel Guide
©
Michael Coghlan
Myanmar has, given its history, a special in place in south-east Asia. Questions in society, such as handicap, its care and recognition don't seem to appear among the government's priorities.
Handicapped people are among the most vulnerable among the Burmese population. A lack of care, a lack of means, poor integration in communities and in the working world, isolation, and problems of awareness and understanding, the situation of handicapped people in Myanmaris far from obvious as much in the cities as it is in the countryside.
Public transport in Myanmar lacks infrastructure suitable for all types of handicap, both physical and mental. Whether it's the bus networks in Yangoon, in the capital or the national companies for long-distance journeys, you won't be travelling in good conditions. There's neither an access ramp, raised platform nor specific markings and no qualified staff. Therefore, the best way to get the most out of a trip to Myanmar is to resort to a private company or a specialist organisation with trained guides, which is very rare.
In the same way, travelling in the city can be difficult, the roads are in bad condition, even chaotic. Holes in the road are common, you must weave your way between the street vendors, motorbikes, cars and tuk tuk.
The tourist sites are poorly equipped with infrastructure suitable for handicapped people. Hotels, museums and temples are often inaccessible, and so it's best to research and organise your trip to Myanmar in advance. However, there are numerous hotels which are equipped with lifts and ramps or fitted with bedrooms on the ground floor. Many cultural, spiritual and natural sites pose no accessibility problem, and are suitable for all travellers.
