Anyone else booked?

Hi Charlotte,

Yes I booked on this departure quite recently too, it fits in perfectly with the remaining days off work I have for this year - hooray!  Looking forward to seeing a country that has been less influenced by modern developments than other places in the region. 

Cheers - Ross

Hi Ross,

Good to hear from you.  It just fits in with my remaining leave too, although I am tacking on a couple of beach days in Thailand on the way back.  Are you on the group flights?  I've booked with Thai Airways and arrive the evening before the group flight.  Think I'm just going to book myself into a cheap hotel for the first night.

I'm travelling on my own - how about you?  It sounds like there is a good mix of ages and solos/couples.

 Charlotte

Hi Charlotte,  Yes, I’m travelling on my own and am on the group flight which is with Malaysian Airlines via Kuala Lumpar.  I live in the northwest, but my folks aren’t too far from Heathrow so I’ll stop by and see them on the way to the airport.  Do you have far to go to catch your Thai Airways flights?   I did an excellent Exodus trip to Thailand last year which finished off in Ao Nang on the west coast.  The scenery is gorgeous and there’s plenty of scope to do as little or as much as you like around there so I’m sure you’ll love it.   

I haven’t checked the group demographic for our trip to Burma, but I’m sure we’ll all be an intrepid bunch – my friends and family certainly seem to think I’m brave going to somewhere like this. 

 

Cheers - Ross

Hi Ross,

I live in Leamington Spa and will be flying from Heathrow so just a couple of hours on the train (Or just over an hour if I can persuade somebody to give me a lift!)

Ao Nang is Krabi isn't it?  Thats where I'm going - I'm flying down to Krabi and have booked a hotel on Railey Beach.  I've been to Thailand a few times but have never been to Krabi so thought I would give it a try.

Exodus said "There are 17 people in your group in total, with 4 couples, 2 male friends travelling together and the rest are solo travellers. The group is a mix of ages from early 30s to late 60s".  I'm 33.

I've done Exodus trips to Egypt and China before which were both great.

Charlotte

Hi Ross/Charlotte

I was just looking at the trip and noticed the forum.  I am booked on the same trip as yourselves.  Just been looking at the write ups and this sounds like a fantastic holiday.  I have also booked the Hot Air Balloon flight over Bagan - are either of you doing this?  I live in Nuneaton, so not far from Charlotte.

I did a trip to India and Nepal last year with Exodus which I thoroughly enjoyed.  I am sure this one will be just as great.

Anne

Hi Anne / Hi Charlotte,

 Thanks for pointing out the hot air balloon flight that is available to pre-book in Bagan, I hadn’t spotted that so will have a think.  I did a balloon flight over the Namib Desert a few years ago – they don’t tend to be the cheapest excursions, but it really is the most serene way to experience a landscape from above and is well worth trying once.  I’m sure this will be one of many highlights of our trip. 

 Railey Beach is the next bay along from where I stayed when I was in Thailand and both are near Krabi – snorkelling trips out to the islands is recommended.  When I went, it looked like the coral was still recovering from the 2004 tsunami but the fish life was abundant and colourful.  I also tried a bit of sea kayaking to which involved navigating through a mangrove forest right next to towering limestone karsts.  Both these activities are easy to book when you get there if you want to. 

Cheers – Ross

Hi guys,

Yes I've booked the hot air balloon trip too Anne.  Its something I'd like to try at some point so thought that might be the place to do it!

Anne, are you travelling solo as well?  Are you on the group flights?

Charlotte

Hi Charlotte

I'm travelling solo and I am booked on the group flight.   Are you taking a helmet with you for the cycling?

I have read that you don't really need one.

Hi Anne,

I don't have a helmet so won't be taking one.  I'm hoping there's not too much cycling as I really don't like it!  I rode a bike for the first time in 18 years earlier this year on an Exodus trip in China!

Charlotte

Hi Anne,

I had an email from Exodus yesterday saying that the balloon flight is fully booked and that I'm on the waiting list.  Have you had one too or did you manage to get in in time?

Charlotte

Hello Charlotte

I believe that I have managed to get on the balloon flight (I've paid for it anyway!).  You maybe lucky and there may be a cancellation.  Not too many weeks to go now.

Hi Charlotte, Ross and everyone, We are looking forward to meeting you all. Marion and I went for a practice bike ride yesterday, I have not ridden a bike for 40 years. We are not taking helmets.

Best wishes to all Marion & Dennis