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...

Average Review Rating: from 55 reviews.

Denise Balmer

DISCOVER BURMA

Written November 2012
Burma is a wonderful country, still mainly untouched by tourism. So much to see and do but the highlight is the people. Everyone is so friendly and polite, the children love to have the photo taken and then shown to them - it's a dream destination for photographers. Bagan is very special as is Inde Lake. Travel within Burma was OK, the short flights were on time and made getting from one area to another very easy.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Loved Bagan and Inde Lake, felt like going back in time and or so peaceful. Wonderful to meet the local people who were so friendly. Certainly worth seeing Bagan early in the morning and at sunset - it is a remarkable place to see as the light changes. The local market in the town is well worth a visit just to see all the fresh produce and how it is all set out. Inde Lake is massive, with so much to see, it is a very unique way of life and a great experience to be part of it if only for a day or two.
What did you think of your group leader?
Our guide was great, couldn't do enough for us and we were only his second group. He was with us throughout the whole tour and was very friendly and great fun. His love for his country was evident and he was very knowledgeable and hardworking
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Take plenty of small dollar bills - these must be in perfect condition - no creases or tears. Have dollars with you at all times as you can get a better rate with them - especially at Inde Lake. Be prepared for very hot, humid weather and take comfortable shoes that you will need take off several times a day! Be prepared to climb lots of steps up to the many temples and you will be will rewarded with some spectacular views.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Burma is a wonderful country to visit, the people are so friendly and fascinated by westerners, hopefully this will continue despite the increased tourism. Remember it is a country only recently opened up to the outside world so don't expect luxury hotels and restaurants - but enjoy the wonderful hospitality and kindness of all the people you will meet, buy the local handicrafts which are made in Burma rather then imported and try the food from the stalls at Inde Lake.
Christabel Scott_Balls

DISCOVER BURMA

Written November 2012
Very enthusiastic guide but too much emphasis on temples and buddas and legends not enough on flora,forna history topography etc.Excellent selection of local hotels.As usual a great group of interesting and mixed fellow travellors.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The whole area of Began and lake Islet
What did you think of your group leader?
Very enthusiastic but lacked experience in watching over his flock,he also concentrated too long on repeticious tales and legends relating to temples etc,he needs to consider the many other aspects of his country which will be of interest to a varied group of tourists
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Step outside the trap of hovering arround the guide leader all the time and explore what interests your self
Is there anything else you would like to add?
As usual a good mix of interesting people, On our trip we had a 91 year old lady who was an inspiration to us all,never whinging keeping up and even passing some of us which just goes to show no one is too old to enjoy an adventure in exciting foreign lands
Ilse Nikolsky

DISCOVER BURMA

Written October 2012
Go to Myanmar if there are still places on this trip! The two weeks were interestingly varied. We visited the expected highlights: Bagan’s forest of must see payas and we crossed the enchanting Lake Inle on a day long boat and sightseeing trip. Yet most of our group thought of hiking to villages in the Shan state, where we were treated to local food in a villager’s house and heard about work on conflict resolution, and on another day biking to Intha cottages to see their homes and working life, as further unexpected high points of this trip. The brief internal flights let us maximise the time for seeing as much as possible during the time in the country and mercifully shortish bus rides gave the experience of travel on the yet to be developed roads. Although this is a tightly packed trip there was time to wander about on one’s own and have encounters with locals keen to practise their English. My personal most moving conversation was with a group of teenagers and their teacher in a public place; they told me that two years ago they would have hesitated to talk with me, but now feel confident doing so. Going on this trip was a wonderful experience for us and even just talking with people there is something they appreciate. Now is the time to do so.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Meeting the people in remote villages; seeing golden payas dotted around the countryside; the boat rides- both on the Irrawaddy and on Inle Lake.
What did you think of your group leader?
Ko Ko was eternally patient with people in our group who had 'senior moments' and needed reminding of where we were going (having already been told several times), what to wear ( he recited umpteen times 'no bare arms, no knees showing, or socks and shoes in payas' and yet someone had to be wrapped in a longyi). He retrieved items people left in boats and hotels, found those people who just went astray when everyone else was in the bus, the lift, the plane- and never showed any irritation!
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Cover yourself in insect repellent at all times, treat trousers and a shirt/blouse with long arms and a pair of socks with permethrin for wearing in the evenings and early mornings, have a small supply of loopaper in your daysack, stick to cooked vegetable meals most of the time and brush your teeth with bottled water - you should have as trouble free a trip as I had.
Oh, and don't forget a spare memory card, you might take more pictures than you ever thought!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Go on the circular train ride in Yangon that Lonely Planet mentions, there is just enough time for a full circular tour (2h 55min) on the last day. Do not worry too much about all those snakes they also mention, just walk behind the local guide and you will soon forget all about it because the countryside is so beautiful.
andrew cornish

DISCOVER BURMA

Written October 2012
The opportunity to visit the major sites in a beautiful country before the locals become cynical about tourists is highly recommended. The people were warm and friendly, those hawking their wares at the many sites were gentle and helpful. Food throughout the tour was better than anticipated, and cheap, with well chosen restaurants. The varied nature of the different regions visited combined with the gentle (?) activities created a memorable trip
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Climbing up into one of the abandoned monestaries outside our first pagoda in Bagan to reveal a skyline peppered with stupas in all 360 degrees competes with the joy in the faces of the village children when they look at a recently taken photograph of themselves. Even the adults in the hill villages welcomed our attempts to communicate with them as we got their agreement for photos.
The warmth with which villagers welcomed us into their own homes to share a glass of tea with us.
What did you think of your group leader?
KoKo repeatedly showed a deep knowledge and a love for his country. He was consistently warm and generous in my dealings with him. He was generous with the time he gave the group and his preparation meant that all of our difficult dietary requirements were catered for. An enjoyable holiday is made by the company one travels with and the tour leader. KoKo succeeded in making this memorable.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Change money at the airport. It is quicker and best exchange rates. Take only the most perfect new notes or they will be refused. When shopping be prepared to barter but remember that the K200 you are fighting over is 20p to you but may be a meal for them!
I regret not taking the dawn ballooon flight over Bagan. It is highly unlikely that I will go back just for that experience so if you are in two minds I would go for it.
Eat the local food. It is not particularly spicy but is tasty and well cooked. There was a good range for vegetarians with generous portions. Start a debate regarding the qualities of Dagon, Myanmar snd Mandalay beers as you will have a good excuse to sample plenty that way.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Don't stalk monks and nuns with your camera. There are many of all ages and most are willing to be photographed. Try to get one of them to smile though. Altogether one my most enjoyable trips into SE Asia. Hopefully the people will not change too quickly as tourism from the west increases.
Chris Bruce

DISCOVER BURMA

Written October 2012
A wonderful experience of a fascinating country. The architecture, countryside, and people are all inspirational and need to be seen and experienced.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The highlight of the trip was a balloon ride over the temples at Bagan at sunrise, although we also enjoyed the river trip at Mandalay, and the 1 day trek in Shan State.
What did you think of your group leader?
Scott Jones is an excellent group leader being knowledgable, funny, and able to keep a group of 18 people together. His in-depth knowledge of the country, eating places etc was also very much appreciated.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
They say patience is a virtue, and it certainly comes in handy on occasions in Myanmar restaurants, which seem to have difficulty in dealing with groups.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Myanmar should be on everybody's list to visit before it becomes overcommercialised. Both the country and the people are inspirational and deserve supporting as this can only improve the present political situation to the benefit of all.
Rachael Large

DISCOVER BURMA

Written September 2012
What an amazing century and amazing people. So many different things to see and do, a country that has ore to it that I looked forward to or expectd.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
Sailing on inle lake maybe, or looking over thousands of temples at bagan as far as the eye could see. Watching the sun set talking to the monks at the top of Mandaly hill, there are so many.
What did you think of your group leader?
Gabriel would always help and do anything you asked if he could help. Organised things really well.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Make sure you take enough cash, prices seem to be going up, and there lots of things to buy! Also there is talk of getting ATM's in so check it put carefully. Make sure you take enough to cover knees and shoulders, there are not many days when a temple it not visited, or take a coue of wraps. I never needed a mosquito net at all and the walk would have been able to be done in walking sandals, but check it put for the weather at different times of year.
Nuala Wilson

DISCOVER BURMA

Written August 2012
A great trip because of the people, the sights and the country but mostly the people.
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What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?
The smiles of the wonderful Burmese people, who despite having nothing welcomed us wholeheartedly.
Getting soaked in a downpour in Yangon.
The magic of Bagan and its thousands of temples.
The Irrawaddy cruise allowed us to relax after a hectic few days and watch the country slip by.
The beauty of the countryside around Kalaw. The ride in Tommy's 1960 Land Rover!
The day on Inle Lake was fascinating.
Jasmine tea with cashew and chocolate brownie in The Strand hotel.
My fellow travellers.
What did you think of your group leader?
Gabriel was a sweet and charming man who ensured that everything went smoothly.
Do you have any advice for potential travellers?
Go now before the innocence disappears.
If you go during the wet season make sure you have a huge umbrella!
Be prepared to be exhausted, amazed and captivated in equal measure.
Mint condition US dollars are essential otherwise they will be rejected.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
This was a wonderful trip to a fascinating, beautiful and charming country.
The hotels were all comfortable with plenty of hot water in the showers. All had a TV in the room, however, some international news channels disappear for periods of time when the news items concern Burma!
The food is good, varied and cheap. $300-400 for two weeks should be enough unless you are a huge shopper.

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Our Clients’ Reviews

DISCOVER BURMA

DISCOVER BURMA

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