Despite stricter inspections along travel routes due to the military council’s campaign to crack down on unlicensed vehicles, domestic tourism businesses report that visitors continue to arrive at well-known destinations in Mon and Karen States this June.
Social media users have been sharing photos and information about natural lakes, forests, mountains, and waterfalls across Mon and Karen States during the rainy season. As a result, these locations have seen increased visits during public holidays.
A local tour operator in the area noted that trips to sites such as Zwekabin Mountain, Kyauk Ein Mountain, Taung Wine Mountain, and Saddan Cave in Hpa-An Township, as well as Zin Kyaik Waterfall and Kha Lawk Inn Waterfall in Paung Township, are being planned more frequently.
“There are quite a lot of visitors. The hotels in the mountain areas are fully booked. Some come on tours, while others come with their own vehicles. Saturdays and Sundays are the busiest. Visitors come from all over, but most are from Yangon,” the operator said.
They also mentioned that students and youths from various regions often visit Zin Kyaik and Kha Lawk Inn Waterfalls in Paung Township during public holidays.
While domestic tourism operators expect the number of visitors to increase in July and August, they also express concern that the military council’s vehicle inspection campaign and the way travelers are treated like criminals during inspections could lead to a decline in tourism.
“It’s easier for those who travel in their own cars, but in some areas, ID checks are very strict. At some checkpoints, travelers are required to get out of their cars and show their identification,” said one tour service provider.
Additionally, due to continuous rainfall, water levels in streams, dams, and waterfalls have risen, posing unpredictable risks. A representative from a social rescue organization in Mawlamyine warned both locals and tourists to be extra cautious to avoid accidents while swimming or taking scenic photos.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19, international tourism has significantly declined. The situation worsened after the military coup due to ongoing internal conflict, further reducing tourist arrivals.
Although the military council’s state government had attempted to boost tourism during the last dry season by reopening hotels and tour businesses and ordering maintenance of pagodas, religious structures, and caves for tourists, ongoing insecurity in the region has prevented tourism services from operating normally.
