The crackdown, in which soldiers shot into crowds, raided monasteries and hauled monks away in trucks, stirred up outrage from governments around the world.
The heavy-handed suppression even prompted criticism from China, the closest the junta has to an ally, and rare condemnation from the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which Myanmar is a member.
The generals habitually ignore outside pressure, but bowed to the international outcry to admit Gambari at short notice.
The government has admitted 10 people were killed on Wednesday, the first day of the crackdown, although western governments say the real toll is almost certainly much higher.
One Japanese video journalist was shot dead when troops opened fire on a crowd of chanting protesters, causing Tokyo to review the aid it gives to the impoverished Southeast Asian nation, now under military rule for the last 45 years.
Adding to the pressure on the generals, a Japanese envoy arrived on Sunday to ensure a full investigation into the death of Kenji Nagai, 50.
Footage of his death appeared to show a soldier shooting him at point blank range as security forces began to clear central Yangon of protesters.
State-run media have proclaimed the restoration of peace and stability after security forces handled the protests "with care, using the least possible force".
But there have been no signs yet that the generals were prepared to make concessions to the protesters and some to the contrary.
State television is publicising marches around the country condemning the Yangon protests and officials say there will be more during Gambari's visit.
Suu Kyi's meeting with Gambari was a very rare excursion outside her home, but the second in little more than a week.
Since she was last detained in May 2003, her fellow countrymen have seen her just once -- when she appeared at the gates of her lakeside villa to pay respects to monk allowed through the barricades sealing off her street.
Riot police stood between the monks and Suu Kyi, whose National League for Democracy won a landslide election victory in 1990 only to be denied power by the generals.
There has been no explanation, or repeat, of the incident.
