Itinerary Expand all Depart London. Day 1 Start Yangon (Rangoon). The day is free to recover from the flight or start to explore the teeming city of Yangon. There will be a welcome briefing this evening with an optional group dinner at a local restaurant. Grand United Hotel or similar Arrive Yangon (Rangoon). The day is free to recover from the flight or start to explore the teeming city of Yangon. There will be a welcome briefing this evening with an optional group dinner at a local restaurant.Grand United Hotel or similar Day 2 City tour including the incredible Shwedagon Pagoda and old colonial areas of this former capital. Yangon sits under the shadow of the magnificent Shwedagon Pagoda. It is 2,500 years old and the most religious site in Myanmar that is said to contain eight hairs of the Buddha as well as 5500 diamonds and other precious stones. As the golden stupa glitters overlooking the city, life goes on in the busy streets below. To the south we will explore dilapidated colonial edifices and busy side streets on our city tour. Downtown Yangon with its unpaved streets lined with old wooden shuttered houses, medicine shops, temples and the more colourful markets offers plenty of photographic opportunities. Close by, we visit Shwe Bontha, perhaps the most photogenic of all streets in the city, with its leafy sidewalks, pavement tea-shops and magnificent colonial buildings. We will have a break for lunch and in the late afternoon we will head to Lake Kandawgyi to view the Karaweik replica of the Royal Barge, before ascending to Shwedagon Pagoda for impressive sunset views over Yangon.Grand United Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 Fly to Bagan (Pagan) with its ancient temples and pagodas; free time to explore until sunset. This morning we leave early for our short flight to the ancient wonder of Bagan (Pagan), where we will do a short orientation walk on arrival. There are over 2000 temples and pagodas in many shapes and sizes to explore amongst the 25 square miles of brick that compare to the Angkor kingdom of Cambodia, Chichen Itza and Machu Picchu as one of the world's most spectacular archaeological sites. This is where Buddhism, Hinduism and Nat worship come together in an array of different shrines. There is free time to explore the area by bike or on foot (optional) before this evening's visit to Shwezigon Paya one of Bagan's most famous temples. This is the only temple which is a Buddhist Temple as well as a Nat Shrine in the same compound, and reflects the local beliefs here which combine both religions. This evening we have the chance to enjoy an optional group dinner at a local restaurant with a traditional string puppet show performance.Su Tine San Royal Palace Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 Full day tour to explore the largest temples as well as some of the smaller ones. A full day spent exploring the temple complex spreading out as far as the horizon with its peaks of brick stupas that dot the skyline in many shapes and forms. After the former Kings of Bagan introduced Theravada Buddhism in the mid-11th-century building commenced, a string of Kings followed building temples to worship their gods. Ananda Pahto with its bejewelled umbrella (hti), Dhammayangyi pahto and Shwesandaw Paya are the largest and most impressive sights we will visit along with the smaller hidden gems well away from the main tourist route which offers unique opportunities to delve deeper into the history. We will finish the day with sunset at a viewpoint overlooking the temples - a truly magical experience as the temples glow in the warm light, and a photographer's paradise. For those that would like to do the optional balloon ride on day 4 or 5, please consult the Optional Extras section.Su Tine San Royal Palace Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 5 Morning sightseeing at Bagan; free afternoon. Returning to the huge site of Bagan this morning we will visit more temples including Manuha Paya and the bas relief figures at Nan Paya. Away from the other temples, we'll also see the 13th-century temple of Wetkyi-In-Gubyaukgyi with its impressive frescoes. Later we'll visit a traditional lacquerware artisan, as this area is famous for these beautiful products. This afternoon there will be time to visit The Archaeological Museum, explore the town of Nyang U, take a trip to Mount Popa the home of Nat worship (see Optional Excursions), relax with a drink by the Irrawaddy River for sunset or continue to explore the temples - all optional.Su Tine San Royal Palace Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Fly to Mandalay; visit Mandalay Hill for sunset. Following another short flight east to the former Kingdom of Myanmar we cross the plains and the great Chinese road before landing in Mandalay. Mandalay has one of the most evocative names in the world, epitomised by Kipling's poem and an adapted song 'On the road to Mandalay'. The former Kingdom of Myanmar was abolished in 1885 by the British in the 3rd and final Anglo-Burmese war, with the remnants being given away by the last King Thibaw Min. The remains now sit directly in the middle of a grid system similar to that of Manhattan. After checking into our hotel we will take a guided walk around the streets of downtown Mandalay where we will be able to see people going about their day to day lives in the local markets. After lunch we will visit a local cottage industry where gold leaf is made which is then used by people to place on Buddha statues. We'll then continue on to Mahamuni Pagoda, revered as the holiest site in the former Kingdom, where we will see local people applying the gold leaf onto the Mahamuni Buddha statue. We will continue onto Shwe In Bin Kyaung, the Teak Monastery, built in traditional Burmese fashion and one of the few buildings that has survived the test of time. Constructed in 1895 by Chinese merchants, the monastery consists of fantastically intricate woodcarvings and also contains a number of admirable works of art. After a short break at the hotel, we will head to Mandalay Hill with its glittering stupas, mosaics and great lookout points, a must-see for every visitor. There is now a lift providing access to the top of the hill, to spare you having to walk up lots of steps (whether taking the lift or stairs, you will need to remove your socks and shoes). Once at the top you should be able to make a wish at Sutaungpyei (literally wish-fulfilling) Pagoda. With panoramic views of Mandalay, we will watch the sunset over the old city walls and moat, and to the West the Minwun Hills and the Irrawaddy River. Mandalay City Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 Visit U Bein Bridge at sunrise; day exploring the countryside visiting Mingun and Sagaing villages by boat. An early start as we head out to one of Burma's most iconic sights - U-Bein Bridge, built in 1849 by Mayor U-Bein. This teak bridge spans over a kilometre and is best seen at sunrise when villagers cross it to begin their journey to work and the fishermen prepare for a day on the water. This is one of the most photogenic sights of the country and not to be missed. We then drive back to the hotel for breakfast before heading down to the port area where we board our boat for a cruise on the Irrawaddy River. We'll explore the pretty riverside village of Mingun, home to one of the world's largest bells (weighing in at 90 tonnes) and the Hsinbyume Paya with its whitewashed terraces and staircases. From here we board our boat and cruise downriver to the township of Sagaing - known as a meditation centre for monks and nuns who wish to escape city life. Here we will find many stupas on its famous Sagaing Hill with leafy pathways leading to caves and shrines. Sagaing also boasts a monastic hospital and an international Buddhist University. We board our boat and take the scenic ride back to Mandalay.Mandalay City Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 8 Scenic drive to Kalaw, a former colonial British hill station. Today we leave early driving through some of the region's beautiful countryside (approx 6 hours) until we arrive at the hill station of Kalaw. Situated in the Shan State, Kalaw is a popular, peaceful and quiet former British hill station. At an altitude of 1320m and nestled amongst impressive alpine scenery it is pleasantly cool (it can even be chilly in the evening or early mornings) and a great place to escape from the tropical heat. The town has retained its colonial atmosphere but has an eclectic mix of Shan, Bamar, some Indians and ethnic tribes such as Pa-O, Palaung and other tribal minorities from the surrounding plateau. After checking into our hotel the rest of the day is free. Options available include a walk up the many steps to Thein Taung Paya viewpoint for views over the surrounding plateau, a visit to the strange Nee Paya, a 500 year old gold covered bamboo statue or exploring some of the colonial architecture.Pine Hill Resort or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 9 Day walk through Kalaw past minority villages. Amid gnarled pines, tea plantations and bamboo groves, and accompanied by local guides we explore the surrounding hills of Kalaw on foot. Our walk will take in the daily life of the local villages where we may have the opportunity to drink tea with a village chief and in season we should see the inhabitants planting or harvesting the local crop. The tracks we walk on are centuries-old trading routes used by the Pa-O, Palaung and Danu ethnic minorities for moving their cattle and harvesting their crops. The views of the surrounding countryside are spectacular which few westerners get the opportunity to see. The trek is moderate on well trodden undulating paths. However it can be hot. We will be walking for approximateky 5 to 6 hours in total but if needed there is the option to leave the trek halfway through at the lunch time view point and take a vehicle back to Kalaw. Approx 3 hours walking half day and 5 to 6 hours full day.Pine Hill Resort or similar Meals included: Breakfast Lunch Day 10 Drive to Inle Lake visiting Pindaya Caves en route. We leave after breakfast and travel east to Inle Lake. Our drive traverses undulating hills and dense farmlands, stopping at Pindaya caves where we will explore the caverns and tunnels en route to the magnificent Inle Lake. There are more than 8000 Buddha images within the Pindaya limestone caverns and meditation chambers. Pilgrims flock to the caves and install new Buddha images within this labyrinth of tunnels and chambers and there are many from around the world. We should arrive at the village of Nayaung-shwe at the north end of Inle Lake late afternoon.The Nyaung Shwe City Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 11 Cruise on Inle Lake; visit local craft industries and markets, Indein pagodas and see the famous leg-rowing fishermen. An optional dawn start will usually provide the opportunity to witness the daily parade of saffron-robed monks receiving alms before breakfast. Afterwards we have a day on the lake visiting cottage industries, markets (if possible), monasteries, temples and small villages. We will see the famous leg-rowing fishermen casting their nets in the lake - this technique of standing up holding a long paddle in one hand with their leg wrapped around the paddle lower down leaves the fishermen free to cast their conical fishing nets. This unique style evolved because the lake is covered by reeds and floating plants making it difficult to see above them while sitting. There is a five-day market, named so because it moves between five different villages around the lake on a rota system. Here, the locals come to sell their traditional wares early in the morning and return to their village in the afternoon. The market serves most common shopping needs and depending on its location we may be able to visit it (this cannot be guaranteed). We will also visit Indein on the western banks of the lake, this intricate pagoda complex has hundreds of Shan style stupas clustered together on the hillside. Although this area is now being reclaimed and renovated following years of decline, walking amongst these hauntingly beautiful ruins intertwined with forest remains a highlight for many and has a very Indiana Jones feel- a fantastic photographic opportunity.The Nyaung Shwe City Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 12 Cycle to minority villages around Inle Lake by support vehicle (if needed). This morning we head out on bikes visiting the villages and farmland that surround the lake. The ride is on undulating fairly quiet roads and we will cycle at a leisurely pace. Please be aware it can be hot and the bikes will be fairly basic models. Helmets are supplied locally. This is a great way to get about but only suitable for those who have cycled before. The roads are mostly surfaced but there are some potholes. Anyone not wanting to cycle can use the support vehicle for the day which will follow the same route and stop at the same villages. We cycle around the edge of the lake towards an Intha minority group village passing rice paddies, sugar cane and traditional wooden houses. We will stop en route at various villages and see what local products are being made or harvested depending upon the time of year. In Kaung Daing we will see the local specialty, Tofu, being made with split yellow peas instead of the normal Soya beans. After visiting the village we may have the opportunity to spend a little time with the local monks at the monastery. We will return to our hotel by bike in time for a late lunch approx.1.30pm. For those who have opted to use the vehicle we will drive back. Cycling distances approximately 20km (round trip). Late afternoon we will take a sanglor (local styled vehicle) and visit a nearby vineyard and admire the beautiful views back over Inle Lake as the sun sets behind the mountains in the distance. The vineyard produces a range of red and white wines and has a tasting menu (optional). The Nyaung Shwe City Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 13 Fly to Yangon; free afternoon. We fly back to Yangon, where the rest of the day is free for last minute sightseeing or shopping. The huge Bogyoke Market is worth a visit with food, clothing and handicrafts all on sale (closed on Mondays and public holidays), or visit the Strand Hotel with its historic past which was often visited by the likes of Rudyard Kipling and Somerset Maugham.Grand United Hotel or similar Meals included: Breakfast Day 14 End Yangon. End Yangon (Rangoon). Meals included: Breakfast Morning at leisure; depart afternoon. Free time in the morning. Afternoon depart for the airport for the return flight to the UK. Meals included: Breakfast Arrive London. Arrive back into London.
Ngapali Beach If you are keen to end your holiday on a very relaxed note, the following three‐night beach extension can be added to the end of the main itinerary. You can also choose to add on as many extra nights at the beach as you decide (your time here will be at leisure for you to do as you wish). Please note that you will be met and transferred between the airport and hotels but you are not escorted or guided. The extension does not operate during the wet season between May to September. Please ask your sales consultant for prices. Extension Day 1 - Fly to Thandwe; drive to Ngapali Beach.Upon arrival at the beach, the rest of the day is free to explore the colourful reef offshore or simply relax and soak up the sun!Pleasant View Hotel or similarMeals included: Breakfast Extension Day 2 - Free day.Free day at the beachPleasant View Hotel or similarMeals included: Breakfast Extension Day 3 - Fly to Yangon.Today we leave the beach and fly back to Yangon where the remainder of the day is free for some final sightseeing. Bogyoke Market and the Strand Hotel are both worth a visit.Grand United Hotel or similarMeals included: Breakfast Extension Day 4 - End Yangon.End Yangon.Meals included: Breakfast Please note: this extension request will be 'pending' until the point that Exodus confirm that your main Exodus tour is operational ‐ never later than 6 weeks before departure and usually considerably earlier.
Myanmar (Burma) Nearly all nationalities require a visa to enter Myanmar (Burma), and this must be obtained prior to departure. Passengers without a visa will not be allowed to enter the country. For further information please see our Myanmar Visa Information Sheet. For nationalities where there is no Burmese embassy please contact the Exodus office for assistance.
Myanmar (Burma) There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for this trip. Recommended vaccinations for this trip are: Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. There is no risk of yellow fever, however, a vaccination certificate is required for travellers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. The risk of malaria on this trip is slight, but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice. Dengue fever is a known risk in places visited on this trip. It is a tropical viral disease spread by daytime biting mosquitoes. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available for Dengue, and therefore the best form of prevention is to avoid being bitten. We recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Zika fever is a mosquito‐borne viral disease and a known risk in places visited on this trip. There is currently no vaccine or prophylaxis available, we therefore strongly recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Hotels 13 nights standard hotels, all en suite. The accommodation is mostly in standard locally-rated 3-star hotels. Overall you should be prepared for the service and quality of hotels to be less than in neighbouring south east Asian countries such as Vietnam and Thailand however most hotels are still of a good tourist standard. There is mesh on the hotel windows where needed to protect against mosquitos. Internet connection is now available at most of the accommodation, but can be intermittent. Single accommodation (available on request)
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Reviewed March 2020 James Ragusa Trip: Discover Myanmar (Burma) Can't Say Enough Complementing an already beautiful country with humble people was our guide Su, who created the best possible experience we could have. From the daily written itinerary with a full schedule accompanied by optional activities and restaurant options to the smooth efficiency to which she commandeered our group. This made it so easy for us all to get along and become friends. She was constantly working in the background to ensure the best possible experience for the us removing any possible travel stresses. We saw most of the major sites and traveled with many different exciting modes of transportation. So much was learned on this trip that we now have a thorough deep understanding and love of the country. Myanmar, still in its' tourist infancy, should not to be missed....especially via Exodus with great value and maximum benefit. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The most inspirational moment of the trip was seeing the morning rounds of the monks seeking food donations and witnessing the local people who have limited amounts themselves still donate generously. Or seeing the temple donation boxes with much bounty everywhere we went. The humbleness of the people, while in their own daily struggles, have boundless compassion for others. What did you think of your group leader? As mentioned above, I have been on many tours the world over and Su ranks #1 in all categories Do you have any advice for potential travellers? While the communication system is still in its' infancy, I had no problems with my TEP travel wifi which grabbed a strong signal everywhere, even in the remote villages. If you have gluten free allergies, it is very difficult to communicate this to the restaurants, even with a Burmese translation as they do not comprehend the scope themselves. She was caught off guard several times. She did bring gluten free soy sauce, Kari Out brand individual packets, which really helped a lot. Is there anything else you would like to add? This was our first Exodus tour and we were the only Americans in the group of British and we had the most wonderful time
Reviewed January 2020 Sarah Morrow Trip: Discover Myanmar (Burma) The real Myanmar This trip covers all major aspects of Myanmar and gives an incredible insight into the country. This is an excellent trip, suitable for anyone, as any of the more physically demanding activities can be avoided if you like (although none are very demanding for one of any age with basic fitness) We covered a good distance and all the major sights thanks to efficient use of internal flights (which were probably also a safer way to travel considering the state of some of the roads) What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Far too many to mention - except it was a real highlight to catch a glimpse of the river dolphins during our boat trip down the Irrawaddy. What did you think of your group leader? The group leader was incredible in all respects. He had an obvious love and pride for his country, and gave us the best possible insight into all aspects of life and culture. His knowledge was comprehensive, and he always ensured that we were in the right places to see everything at its best. He ensured that, in return, we contributed as much as possible to the local economy, benefitting most those at the lowest levels. His efficiency at handling transfers between hotels was amazing - you left your bag outside one room, and however we travelled, bus or air,it magically appeared at the next, without any worries at all. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Myanmar does not receive the best of press at the moment, but please do not let that put you off visiting. The country feels entirely safe, open, and incredibly welcoming and your tourist pound goes a long way to improving their economy at a beneficial level. All the optional excursions are really worth taking - none of them are at all expensive but they contribute hugely both to their economy and your overall experience of the country. This trip exceeded my expectations in all respects.
Reviewed December 2018 Lesley Bufton Trip: Discover Myanmar (Burma) Myanmar in my words Myanmar is an absolutely enchanting country and I would strongly encourage everyone to visit. Given the troubles that they are having in parts of the country we were completely safe. Our guide, Alex, was extremely knowledgable and nothing was too much trouble for him. It is a fantastic trip and the travel between places by aeroplane or bus was punctual, well organised and gave us as much time in each place as feasible. Inle Lake was one of the highlights but so many it is hard to pick out just one. The people are beautiful and extremely friendly, they could teach us a thing or two as to how to live your life. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Too many to mention, see above, What did you think of your group leader? Alex was fantastic - a lovely kind human being and he does his job extremely well. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Embrace everything.
Reviewed November 2018 Wendy Cohen Trip: Discover Myanmar (Burma) Go Now! This tour really gives you everything you could wish for in discovering Myanmar, Yagon and Bagan will immerse you in Buddhism, you will see amazing temples and Stupas, our guide got us up before dawn to witness amazing sunrises and of course out again for sunsets, but all worthwhile, Kalaw and Inle Lake take you on a different journey, the beautiful Shan high hills countryside, boat trips to amazing sites, a visit to a nunnery was very special indeed, my message is go now, because these places will become overrun with tourists which will create a different experience. Our second trip with Exodus and they do not disappoint, our tour guide was amazing! What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? We loved the visit to the nunnery as it was so special, and quite unexpected. What did you think of your group leader? Lae was absolutely the best! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Go now! Is there anything else you would like to add? The early starts were all worth the effort, the internal flights were bang on time and got us around really well, the long coach journey was bumpy, they are working on upgrading their roads, very busy schedule but that's what most travellers expect on a trip like this!
Reviewed March 2018 Paul Spencer Trip: Discover Myanmar (Burma) Discover Myanmar Excellent comprehensive tour of Myanmar discovering scenery, food, local customs etc. in a completely safe secure and friendly environment. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Discovering the thousands of pagodas at Bagan. A truly unique experience and should be on the bucket list of any discerning traveller. What did you think of your group leader? Our group leader was, quite rightly, very pleased and proud to showcase his home country in a way which encompassed humour, humility, efficiency and the finest traditions of Buddhism. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Be prepared to visit a country embracing tourists in a completely safe environment but the scourge of plastic bags and other refuse is as prevalent here as in other poorer countries. Is there anything else you would like to add? There was NO evidence of police or army presence whatsoever, and it is difficult to believe the political turmoil of the Rohingya people is within the same country, albeit very far away.
Reviewed March 2018 Andy Bettis Trip: Discover Myanmar (Burma) A full and engaging trip A lot gets packed into this holiday so it can feel a bit hectic but you get to see so much of the country it's well worth it. Bagan is amazing, Inle Lake is fascinating with lots to see, Kalaw shows a very different aspect in the cool hills, and Yangon & Mandalay, although fairly typical big cities, have their charms. The people are friendly, the food is great, and there are unexpected delights all around. The travelling can get a little relentless but there's only one long drive and the hotels were much better than I expected. I really enjoyed myself. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Bagan was the real highlight for me, it didn't have the Wow! factor of Angkor Wat but there was a similar sense of immersion into an ancient land and with relatively few (other) tourists around it was easy to find peace & space to appreciate it. What did you think of your group leader? Lae was great - she took good care of us but was always ready with a joke too. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Grab a card as soon as you check into a hotel and go wandering in the free time - there's lots to discover and a cab home is cheap!
Reviewed March 2018 Fiona Allan Trip: Discover Myanmar (Burma) Magical Myanmar A well paced trip visiting Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Kalaw and inlay lake. A beautiful country which held one wow moment after another. If your thinking about visiting Myanmar don’t put it of. Part of the magic of this country is that it is totally unspoilt. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? So many to choose from. The humbling experience of visiting the nuns whilst on the river trip on the Irrawaddy was very special. The shewadagon pagoda is simply stunning. I loved Bagan... stupas and temples literally everywhere but the atmosphere in the village was so chilled and relaxed.....loved it. The hotel and staff at the Yar Khinn Thar were excellent...I would also recommend the horse and cart which the hotel will organise(about £8 to hire for 2/3hours) What did you think of your group leader? Lae was very attentive and ensured that everyone got the most from their trip to Myanmar. She was knowledgeable and easy to understand. She has a great sense of humour and gelled well with the group. She always gave recommendations for restaurants at dinner or lunch time and where to avoid. There was always a map given out of where we were with restaurants highlighted and suggesting of what to visit in free time. She helped greatly in making Myanmar so special. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Don’t delay....Myanmar will become a tourist destination and part of its charm that at the moment the country is largely unspoiled by commercialism and tourists. Be respectful to the people and their beliefs....temple dress. Is there anything else you would like to add? It would have been good spend more time in Mandalay especially on the river. The trip was at a good pace and covered a lot of ground. Standard of hotels and food was as good if not better than other parts of Asia.
Reviewed November 2017 Keith Burrett Trip: Discover Myanmar (Burma) Myanmar I will start with a sore note which otherwise was an excellent holiday. We visited Bagan House lacquerware, the demonstrations and products on display where amazing. So much so I purchased a gold inlaid box which was a bargain at $45 which was nicely gift wrapped. To my horror on arriving home I discovered it had been replaced by a heap of worthless junk. So be warned if buying from them. The people in Myanmar seem very friendly and always smiling. One of the highlight is visiting the villages and workshops. It like beening transported back 300 yrs, before the time of the industrial revolution. The other highlights are the temples and monasteries. The only annoying part is having to keep taking you shoes and socks off. At times the trip was a bit hectic but well worth it for there is a lot to see. I would recommend this trip for the cultural experience, but don't wait too long for modern technology will eventually take over. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? The most inspirational part of the holiday was the Myanmar people. They seem very happy yet compared to us they have nothing. What did you think of your group leader? The group leader Khti Maw was excellent. Very knowledgable and a good sense of humour. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Only advice from experience if buying anything from Bagan House don't allow them to wrap your purchase. Is there anything else you would like to add? The food in Myanmar restaurants is not too expensive and good quality. Although be careful when ordering duck or chicken because it contains a lot of bones.
Reviewed August 2017 Pippa Hyde Trip: Discover Myanmar (Burma) Delightful Myanmar This trip was one of the most delightful holidays I've had. Myanmar/Burma is a beautiful country and the people welcoming. It's busy but always worthwhile, interesting and thoroughly enjoyable. I'd concur with other reviewers that it's good to get there soon - I hope the country stays as charming, but tourism is growing fast. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Difficult to choose. Bagan is beautiful, the sunset in Mandalay was glorious, and the boat trip in Inle Lake one of the best boat trips I've had. But every day had its great moments. What did you think of your group leader? Min was terrific. He was always calm and organised, really cared that we had a good time and paid meticulous attention to detail. His colour-coded highlighted maps became a legend, and he paced the sights/restaurants etc with skill. He would solve problems before they became problems, and was careful to give us space to do things for ourselves, where appropriate. An excellent leader. Do you have any advice for potential travellers? I believe monsoon departures can be problematic, but the weather for my trip wasn't hugely significant. Although the balloon ride isn't available, and the skies can be persistently cloudy and we didn't get any spectacular dawns, it wasn't as hot as it can be and there are fewer tourists, which I suspect is a real advantage. I've seen some criticism of the bike ride using main roads, but I didn't find it a problem, and the surface was much better than the minor road. It is bone-shaking to start off with, but happily not the whole way. Laundry was significantly cheaper in Bagan than subsequent places. There are early starts, but it's cooler than so I didn't find them inappropriate. Go, before Mayanmar changes! Is there anything else you would like to add? I really loved this trip, and heartily recommend it.
Reviewed March 2017 Colin Ford Trip: Discover Myanmar (Burma) A packed, fascinating exploration of Myanmar. A packed, fascinating exploration of Myanmar. What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Balloon trip over Bagan, What did you think of your group leader? Aung suffered by not having very strong English (compared to our guide on a previous Exodus trip). Some of our group really struggled to understand him. He was knowledgable but sometimes was unable (initially... until we reworded them) to interpret/answer questions (back to his English). Only rarely did we not keep to the schedule he published and that wasn't due to him but overstaying at one interesting venue. Transport was always where he said it would be when he said it would be. When members of the group had additional early start excursions, he was always there to ensure everything went smoothly, even at 5am! Can't fault his diligence but there were a few cultural differences which we coped with some some of the group didn't! Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Don't pack anything white! Myanmar is very dusty and the, predominantly red, dust stains. Given the detail of the trip notes, I am surprised this isn't mentioned too. Is there anything else you would like to add? Great trip - varied sights/sites.
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