Discover Burma

Our Clients’ Reviews

Here at Exodus we thrive on feedback from our customers. It's the only way we can ensure our trips continue to be the best they can be. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of the trip you're interested in, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers. Any feedback collected (Good or bad) from Exodus clients is posted straight onto our website - totally unedited. Read more...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

• 

  Emma Holden

  DISCOVER BURMA

  

  Written December 2012

  Th group was too big.  18 in total made for bad group dynamics and too many of us when having to travel to different site.  Previuos experiance groups of 8-12 work much better.   

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  I'm not sure about inspirational, the highlights of the trip were visting Bagan and the boat trip on Inle Lake.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  The group leader was Ok, he did the basics, getting us from A to B.  Previuos experiance of group leaders, they have been fantastic.  Unlimited information about the country, history, people, culture etc.  However this was not the case on this trip, we got very limited information which was diffciult to understand at times. 

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Clean US dollar bills.  A good guide book to give you information incase you tour guide dosen't tell you anything.  Visiting U Beign Bridge, get off the bridge best view are from the island in the middle of the lake.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  We missed most of the sun rise at U Beign bridge as had to leave, therefore didn't see the actual sun come up.  Could have spent longer there.  Would have been help if the guide had told us how to get off the bridge for the best view - found acidentially.

   
• 

  Anne Bellchambers

  DISCOVER BURMA

  

  Written December 2012

  Fascinating country , friendly people and changing times. Go if you want to be amazed and see a nation growing. 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The balloon ride over Bagan at dawn on a stunningly clear day was worth every penny and the sunset over the temples was spectacular. The Shewdagon Pagoda in Yagon at dusk was magical as was the boat ride on the Ayerwaddy. Travelling around Inle lake was fascinating.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Gabriel was excellent. He was very organised and made all the travelling very straight forward. He was thoughtful and tried his best to accommodate all requests and answer all questions about everything. Maybe the company and he could work together to increase information on the historic sites and temples as on busy days it was difficult to remember which was which. The summary he sent to us of all the places we visited, particularly the temple day in Bagan was very helpful. He was good company.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Be prepared for early mornings. Take shoes or sandles that come off easily as they need to be removed at all temples. Take a bag with plenty of room in it for all your purchases as there are many things to tempt you!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Anti histamine cream was very useful . Take more medicines than you think you will need as any left over can be donated to the clinic visited near the end of the trip. The school appreciated pencils. There are a few ATMs if you have a MasterCard ! Book the balloon ride in Bagan if you can- it was magical!

   
• 

  Zoe Pease

  DISCOVER BURMA

  

  Written December 2012

  Very enjoyable and varied trip.  Quite a few early starts, but only one long bus journey.  I really felt I had seen the highlights of Burma.  Fantastic weather in December. 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  In general, the friendliness and helpfulness of the Burmese people.  They are fabulous. 

  I loved the bridge at dawn (well worth getting up for) and the boat trip around Inle lake.  The walk in the countryside was fun and the cycle trip also very enjoyable.  I think I enjoyed everything we did.

  Standing on the scales when I got home and discovering I had lost half a stone.  Most people on our trip got food poisoning at some stage, ranging from 24 hours to a couple of days.  I was happy to start 2013 a bit lighter.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Nathan was great.  Friendly, positive and communicative.  Great knowledge of everywhere we went including the background and history of buildings, temples etc.  Always had a smile on his face - he genuinely loves his job.  Real 'can-do' attitude.  We were very lucky to have him.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Take immodium or similar.  As mentioned previously, most of us got ill.

  The stop over on the Malaysian airlines group flight is very long on the way back.  I flew with Thai Airways via Bangkok, which was very similar in price, and only involved a two hour wait.

  Don't take smart luggage.  The internal airline managed to trash my Rimowa suitcase and I think it is very unlikely that I will be able to make a claim against them.  I think they must have dropped it out of the plane onto the concrete.  It's been round the world a couple of times with no damage.

   Take flip flops or easily removable shoes - there are a lot of temple visits and you have remove your shoes on a frequent basis.

  It's cold in the North, particularly evenings / night.  I wish I'd taken pyjamas and warmer clothing for the evenings.  A fleece and a hat would definitely have been useful.

  The walk in Kalaw is do-able in trainers.  You don't really need proper walking shoes unless you particularly want to take them.

  It's fine to change as much money as you want at the airport.  Rates are now similar across Burma.  There are plenty of places to change money as you go along too.  We did three flights, and you can change money at most of the airports.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Very enjoyable trip.  Most people in our group were keen to see Burma first - before it changes.  I loved the fact there were very few mobiles - you didn't have to listen to people booming down their phones constantly, which is a nice change from the UK.

  Hopefully food hygiene will improve.  I have never been on a trip when so many people got ill.  It wouldn't stop me going, but it's something to be aware of.  I think it's pretty much unavoidable.  We got ill in a wide variety of recommended restaurants!

   
• 

  Malcolm Ruddiforth

  DISCOVER BURMA

  

  Written December 2012

  A trip full of interest although quite hard work for a sedentary 73 year old. Believe I got a good overview of life in Burma and the rapidly changing political and social scene. Also made  some lovely new chums. Totally delighted I have been. 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The dawn sun rising over U Biens Teak Bridge. Crossing Lake Inle in a 'longtail. The masses of Stupas at Bagan. Sunset at the Shwedagon. Eating Mangosteens. Talking to a monk in a temple about monastic life. Seeing the full moon and stars one night.

   

  Having people laugh at a joke of mine at New Year.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Nathan is a national treasure in human terms, second only to "The Lady", Aung San Suu Kyi. That man magiced us and our luggage through airports like butter on a hot knife. He can sing. He knows all about Myanama. He took us to a Shan market and to a food stall whose hygiene looked terrifying but the noodles were delicious. He knows all the temple and stupa names which should be impossible owing to the numbers. He managed the tipping kitty expertly.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Take a double size pack of tolerance. Hotels are booked solid and casual none booked trippers can end up on the Reception floor for the night. Take two packs of Aloe Vera Wet Toilet Tissue. Don't be mean, make sure you leave money behind. A hotel porter get US$ 100 a MONTH. They survive on your little gifts. Buy stuff you don't need, just like you do in Tescos. Be sure you have excess memory cards and batteries for the camera. You will take 600 to 1000 pictures, all different. Spread the risk of loss. You will walk miles barefoot in temples. Respect the Buddha figures. The beer isn't too clever but it was boiled in the making.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  This is a brilliant holiday. Holiday? No, it's an experience.

  My one negative is a hotel in Mandalay, who for very disgust I will not name. Not very clean. I feel Exodus should give me back my single supplement for the two nights I had to share the room with Big Cocky. (Bin that hotel, Exodus, if you can). And I would stay there again if I had to, to keep the rest of the trip.

   
• 

  Clair Rogers

  DISCOVER BURMA

  

  Written December 2012

  A great overview of a fascinating country 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The balloon flight over Bagan...an expensive optional but well worth it.

  Dawn on U Bein bridge. 

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Nay was excellent! I work as a guide for an active travel company myself and I know how much hard work goes on both with travellers and behind the scenes. I think handling 18 people on your own is a tough call.  Nay was charming, insightful, super-organised and professional at all times. I cannot praise him enough. Our group was very pleasant, but not exactly comprised of the lowest-maintenance people on the planet. Nay was infinitely patient and did his best to accommodate everyone's preferences. A superb guide.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  I thought this was a great trip because the country is so interesting. It is rated as 'moderate' but is actually easy-going. To be honest it was not active enough for me and I wish I'd held out for the bike trip in 2013. Both the hike (walk) and biking on this trip are very short. It is definitely suited to an older or less active crowd. There are some early starts because of flights but it's great that you don't have to endure long coach journeys and you get to see an awful lot of the country this way. The hill station in Kalaw is COLD....I mean 'frost on the ground in the morning' cold, so take a warm jacket!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Do get up early to see the dawn on U Bein Bridge. It's extremely atmospherice.

  The balloon flight over Bagan is expensive but well worth it. Pay an extra 30 dollars for premium service and fly in just an 8-person balloon. 

   
• 

  Hazel Ledgard

  DISCOVER BURMA

  

  Written December 2012

  A fascinating tour to a new destination. 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The Shwedagon Pagoda at night was magical.         Climbing up the steps of one of the temples in Bagan and seeing hundreds more below us.      The horse cart ride around the area.        Watching the sun come up over U Bein's bridge near Mandalay, with all the locals including many monks crossing it.       The celebrations at Full Moon in Kalaw-the fireworks were exciting.... but quite alarming!      The trek near Kalaw where we saw something of the life in the villages.       The cruise on Inle Lake where all the locals waved at us as we went past.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Lin was new to guiding, but he was conscientious and keen to make sure that we all enjoyed our trip. We had a large group ,18 and it must have been hard to make sure that we were all accounted for when we needed to move on. While in the Inle Lake area, he took the whole group back to his mother's house for tea!

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Burma will change.       We had the privilege of  visiting a country before mass tourism arrives and changes it for ever.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  I agree with some of the other reviewers that 18 is sometimes rather large for a group. Although our group was fantastic and I met many interesting people, there were times when our size made for delays -especially in eating places.   Take antiseptic wash or similar. Quite a number of our group became ill during the trip. The bike ride near the end of the trip was very interesting,but some of the bikes are very basic and heavy and hard on backsides!

   
• 

  madeline hallwood

  DISCOVER BURMA

  

  Written November 2012

  A very interesting and stimulating trip around the main sights of Burma. Friendly people, amazing sunsets and sunrises, Bagan and Lake Inle are absolutely stunning, and the way that the country is changing is fascinating. 

  Read full review

  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Really, there were no words to describe the balloon flight over Bagan. If you have the slightest inclination, book it and do it well in advance as they get booked up early. It is the best way to fully appreciate the size of the site.

  I also really enjoyed U Bein bridge at sunrise, the trek and the time with Tommy, the cycle ride, the trip across the lake, the boat trip...yes, too much to mention as ever.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Scott was a good group leader, well able to cope with such a large group. Even though he himself was struck down by the dreaded stomach problems, he attempted to continue and make sure our trip was not impacted, whilst still trying to ease the problems of other members of the group. And at the same time, he was endeavouring to coach the two trainee guides.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Firstly, I get the impression that stomach problems are not that unusual (over half our group were hit), so as well as taking the normal precautions with water and ice, a good stock of stomach medication and toilet roll is advised. We noticed that the hotels were not over generous with toilet paper supplies and there are times that you don't really want to have to go to reception.

  Secondly, this country is changing fast and not totally able to keep up with the surge in tourism. Hotels can be of varying standards. Things don't always go to plan. Telephones in hotel rooms don't always work, nor does always hot water or electric.

  There is a lot of bare foot walking in temples, better not to have anything that requires a lot of effort to take on and off.

  If you are a wine drinker rather than a beer drinker, take your own wine to Mandalay, as it doesn´t seem to be sold there (yet). The wine from the Red Mountain vinyard is surprisingly good.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Personally I think Exodus are going a bit far with 18 in a group, you lose the sensation of being a small group and you can feel a bit disruptive being anywhere in such large numbers, especially in restaurants. Also, this trip centres around a lot of sunrises and sunsets, for which it is important to be on time, and the more people, the more time it takes to get around places, especially for the less experienced guides.

  This is a very good trip where you get to see something of a quite incredible country. Because the country is changing so quickly, the experiences I had will be very different from someone in even three months time, although the sheer beauty of some of it, I hope, will always remain the same. Highly recommended.

   

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8