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...

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  Martin Lucas

  DISCOVER BURMA

  

  Written July 2012

  A wonderful country which I have wanted to visit for some time. Myanmar certainly lived up to my expectations and exceeded them in many ways. The Exodus trip was very varied and our guide, Gabriel, was excellent.    

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  It is impossible to identify one moment which was the best as almost every day there was a new experience which I will remember forever. I loved the chaos and bustle of Mandalay which contrasted so much with the wonderful temples of Bagan. Inle Lake was also so different to everywhere else we visited and I still cannot understand how the fishermen were able to paddle their boats with their leg! It was also excellent to use such a variety of transport - walking in the countryside, cycling, bus and of course local flights. On the free afternoon in Yangon, some of us spent $1 on a train ride to the superbs which was extremely memorable. If I have to pick an inspirational moment, I would like to choose the Burmese people throughout the trip who always smiled when taking their photo or in return for a "Mingalabar".

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Gabriel was an excellent leader and certainly helped make an excellent trip, even more enjoyable. He was full of information about his country, and always cheerful, even when we had to get up early to catch an internal flight or to see the sun rise. Nothing was too much bother and he ensured that we were always aware of when and where to meet for dinner or after some free time at the various sights. He also had excellent suggestions for meals which mean that we always ate in local restaurants. 

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Not the cheapest trip in the book, but well worth it! While Myanmar would benefit from some tourism, I hope that too much tourism will not spoil the country, so visit soon to see a wonderful unspoilt country.

  There are some early starts, many due to the internal flights, although our brief experience on the country roads soon explained why Exodus were using planes to get from place to place.

   Take an umbrella (or buy one locally on the first day) - we were extemely lucky with the weather - it was the rainy season but we only really got two serious downpours, however, when it rains, it certainly rains!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  For anyone who has been elsewhere in south-east Asia, Myanmar is a must before it becomes too popular.

  There is lots to suit everyone - history, temples (lots of!), cities, walking, boats, cycling, good and cheap food and much more.  

  In summary, the country was wonderful, our guide was great, we were lucky with the weather (given it was the rainy season) and I have taken a record number of photos - excellent.

   
• 

  Fiona Sutcliffe

  DISCOVER BURMA

  

  Written July 2012

  One of my top three holidays! Burma was an amazing country to visit and the itinerary gave a really good overview of the major sites in an all-too brief time.   

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  It's difficult to pick one particular moment. Those that stand out are: 

   

  • the temples of Bagan- think Angkor Wat without the jungles
  • Inle Lake- great fun speeding across the lake and the many passageways on a sort of motorised canoe
  • the cocktails at Tony's pizza restaurant in Nyaungshwe
  • getting up at 4.15am on my birthday to see the sun rise over the teak bridge in Mandalay, having a boat trip down the Irawaddy and then in the evening seeing the Moustache Brothers - a surreal experience- and not forgetting the huge Burmese birthday cake (thanks again everyone!)
  • the people- very welcoming and not yet bored of tourists
  • a journey on the Circle Line train in Yangon to Danyingon- where the whole train station (including tracks) is just one huge fruit and vegetable market- an incredible sight and experience

   

  What did you think of your group leader?

  After a previous not great experience in China, I can honestly say that Gabriel was exceptional. Always cheerful, he was keen to share his enthusiasm for his country. He gave us some great ideas for things to do in our spare time (I would recommend any of the optional acitvities). His restaurant recommendations were spot-on and gave us a great opportunity to sample the full range of Burmese food. We also got the opportunity to see a few places which weren't on the official itinerary.  He always gave the impression he was looking out for the group and really nothing was too much trouble for him.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Firsly go now! Take advantage of any optional activities- they'll be worth it! Be prepared for some very early morning starts- the plus side is you arrive at destinations early too and so don't waste the whole day travelling. Take a high capacity memory card for photos- you'll need it.

  One member of our group took a bag of balloons- the children loved them. 

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The trip isn't cheap but once you're out there most things are quite cheap so you don't need a huge amount of spending money- though there is lots to buy!

   

  Other than that, just enjoy! 

   
• 

  Ellie Tole

  DISCOVER BURMA

  

  Written July 2012

  Such a fantastic trip - it's without a shadow of doubt my favourite place in South East Asia, possibly anywhere. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  There are so many it's difficult to choose.

  Getting up to watch the sunrise at U Bein's Bridge was fantastic and we all managed to get some great pictures of the monks and locals going around there daily business.  It was one of many early starts but well worth getting up for.

  My favourite place was Bagan which has the laid back backpacker feel of Laos, minus all the tourists.  The Temples are all within easy reach and easily compare to the Temples of Angkor without having to struggle to capture photos wihout a hundred tourists in the background.  It's easy to take great pictures in Burma as there are so many beautiful sites which aren't overcrowded.

  Inle Lake is another great place and we were fortunate enough to be staying there whilst 4,000 monks had descended in for their exams.  Getting up at sunrise we were able to see them all having their breakfast.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Gabriel was a fantastic tour leader and remained cheerful on all the early starts (and there are lots).  Health and safety was his key priority and I would recommend anyone thinking about booking the trip to make sure Gabriel is your leader.  I'm certainly hoping to go back soon.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Go now, before Burma becomes the next stop on the South-East Asia merry go round.  It's such a fabulous country - you won't be disappointed.

   
• 

  Susan Jane Darnton

  DISCOVER BURMA

  

  Written May 2012

  A brilliant trip exploring a fascinating country in the process of political change. The lovely , friendly people really deserve their freedoms. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  • The Shwedagon pagoda in Yagon [Rangoon] at sunset- breathtaking golden architecture to admire in a secular manner but also a place of real spirtual meaning.
  • The thousands of 11th century temples in Bagan- one of the wonders of the world.
  • The begging monks and the teak monasteries.
  • Inle Lake: photogenic fishermen and fascinating craft shops for top-grade shopping.
  • Visiting the lovely friendly people in their rural homes.
  • Saying 'ming-guh-la-ba' [hello] to absolutely everyone.
  • Delicious, freshly cooked meals and freshly squeezed fruit juices.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Our Australian group leader, Scott Jones, was outstanding: humorous, ever patient, knowledgable and efficient.

  Our Burman guide, Nay Win, welcomed us to his country and was an ace on the history telling.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Be careful to bring absolutely crisp American dollar bills. You are told this in the notes-- and it really does matter. $100 bills get a better rate. We all changed $300 to start with and this was OK as long as there was no splurging on big souvenirs. Some extra dollar bills kept aside would pay for the latter.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  If you want to visit a really fascinating, lovely place just at the start of its touristic history-- then go soon-- and go with Exodus.

   
• 

  Maria Elliott

  DISCOVER BURMA

  

  Written April 2012

  Burma is a fascinating country, never seen so many temples in my life! The highlights were, Shwedagon Pagoda, the temple  complex of Bagan and Inle lake. It was hot, so travel before the end of February, when it should be cooler and less humid, not to mention the mosquitos. Most hotels have mosquito nets, but despite this, we had lots of mozzies in the room, so if you have a mosquito net, take it with you. The high humidity also effects the quality of the photos, no views from hilltop locations, etc. Overall, I would definitely recommend the Burma trip and out Exodus tour leader, Scott was a great guy to look after us. If you can afford it go for the hot air balloon trip over Bagan.!Maria Elliott 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Shwedagon Pagoda

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Scott was excellent, obliging, fun and very patient.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  see above re timing of the trip and mosquitos

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  I wish we had a local guide, who could speak English and had good local knowledge. That would have made a great difference. Sadly our local guide was the exact opposite.

   
• 

  Alison Cole

  DISCOVER BURMA

  

  Written April 2012

  Fantastic trip with a great and varied itinerry 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The local people were a joy - so friendly and open.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  The group leader was excellent - organised, knowledgable, patient and good fun.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  GO before it all changes!

   
• 

  Christine Browning

  DISCOVER BURMA

  

  Written March 2012

  The whole trip was very well organised and ran superbly. We always travel independently, so we were extremely surprised and pleased to have our previous prejudices against group travel totally unrealised. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience and, in all honesty, could not have bettered it on our own. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Climbing one of the pagodas at Bagan just before sunset and seeing the whole panorama of pagodas and temples spread out over the plain. It was magical. When we were out cycling in and around Bagan, we met a woman on one of the dirt roads, who then showed us round her house which was the old Bagan Post Office. It was only then that we saw the real state of poverty and lack of possessions of the people. It really brought home to us, the depths to which the country has fallen.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Quite simply, we though Matt, as group leader and Gabriel, as overall guide were fantastic. No criticisms at all, as they were more than capable of dealing with and advising on every possible scenario. They were genuinely funny and made everyone feel equally valued.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  In my view, a modicum of fitness and tolerance to heat and dust help greatly. The temples and pagodas usually have numerous steps and there are lots of opportunities for walking and cycling. The food is not exciting, but I don't think anyone would go to Burma for the food!

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  The group we were with were great and we are in touch with several of them. The country is desperately poor, and clearly, has seen better times. The people are charming and if you smile at them, they immediately respond. Those that speak English and try to to hassle you a bit can easily be distracted and will talk, although not about politics, unsurprisingly. The people and the way they live and go about their lives is really interesting, as they obviously have to manage with what they've got, which ain't a lot. They have to be very inventive. All in all, it was a great trip that we both really enjoyed.

   

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