Burma Reviews

Review 1

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Difficult to say, there were so many. Visiting Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon; mingling with local pilgrims at the precariously perched Golden Rock; seeing the sun set over Bagan and later U Bein Bridge; serenly skimming the surface of Inle Lake.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Our tour leader Nyi Nyi Lwin was excellent. He was gentle and kind, attentive and knowledgeable, while also highly efficient and made our travel arrangements seem seamless. He stayed behind in our hotel in Yangon after our departure time, to ensure everyone got away safely, or that those who stayed on had everything further they needed. It was a pleasure to be in his company.

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Read up on the Myanmar Buddhist tradition before you go. Interact with the people. Donate to the schools and orphanages you will encounter. These are run by wonderful people, often with no outside support. Take extra memory cards for your camera. You will need them.

Reviewed by Shirley Flynn who travelled in January 2012 on the Best of Burma trip

Review 2

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

The Schwedagon Pagoda in Yangon was endlessly fascinating, the myriad 11th-13th century temples at Bagan were an amazing sight, and swimming in the warm Indian ocean with the other members of the group while the sun went down over the sea was great fun, but I think that my favourite experience was the optional canoe trip on Inle Lake. I always enjoy boat trips, but in a canoe there is no engine noise, you glide soundlessly along, watching the locals in the floating villages carrying out their normal daily activities without disturbing them, and enjoying the beautiful scenery in peaceful tranquility. You also get to observe the unique rowing technique of the Inle lake boatmen at close quarters, using their feet as pivots while they push the oar through the water.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Very cheerful and good natured. No problems with organisation

What advice would you give to other travellers?

The standard of accomodation and transport was very high for an adventure holiday. Obviously an advantage if you like comfort and beautiful surroundings, but if you were expecting that because of the long absence of British tourists in Myanmar you would have a less touristy and more 'authentic' experience of travel, you might be a little disappointed. On a practical note, you need to take all the money you need in US Dollars, it's very hard to use plastic or travellers cheques outside Yangon.

Reviewed by Pamela Carr who travelled in November 2011 on the Burma - the Golden Land trip

Review 3

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

All of it

What did you think of your tour leader?

Excellent

What advice would you give to other travellers?

Bring US$ only in absolutely 100% perfect condition

Reviewed by Paul Glickman who travelled in December 2011 on the Burma Unveiled trip

Review 4

What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Bagan was stunning but the tour leader made the holiday 110%. Burma is an amazing country, and the people so hosptable. The train ride from Bagon to Mandalay is one I will never forget.

What did you think of your tour leader?

Excellent, excellent and excellent! i cannot stress enough how Nyi Nyi Lwin contributed to making it such a wonderful experience. He was so well organised, very professional, knowledgeble, humerous and the best person we could ever had had to show us his beautiful country. I will be nominating him for Wanderlust travel guide award.