The Strand - Yangon

Rebecca Taylor

Thank you for arranging our holiday to Burma in February. We all had a wonderful time. The guides were very informative and knowledgeable about your country's history and culture. They were also friendly, and their language skills were fantastic. They all took time to play with our children and also made sure we did things that suited the children.

They were all happy to change schedules to fit in with what we wanted to do ... eg extra shopping, resting time for the kids.

I would particularly like to mention our Mandalay guide, Zaw. He was so friendly, flexible and kind. He recommended great restaurants and also came with us when we wanted to try something a little different (a chapati restaurant on the street corner)! Our children loved him as he took time to talk with them and engage them in the sights.

The drivers were also friendly and we felt safe at all times.

Thanks again,

Rebecca Taylor
Myanmar - February 2009

Carla

Dear Laneya and Lee,

I'm delighted to report that our trip to Burma was just fantastic.
Your hotels, guides, itinerary suggestions and arrangements were truly wonderful.  Of course, I fell in love with the gracious people and the traditional culture where religion, superstition and mythology blend into one.

Kenneth was the perfect guide, so erudite, humorous, kind, patient and professional. Everyone just loved him! In addition, he is a gourmand so his restaurant suggestions and menu ordering were first rate; a banquet every day.  

Everyone enjoyed the varied experiences but the luxurious Pandaw boat cruise with fascinating village trips and an amazing guide in Mr. "Go To", idyllic Inle Lake and the resort (unbelievably gorgeous) and the hikes to the ethnic minority villages were the definite highlights.  Oh, and did I mention the shopping?  Wow!

I felt so bad for the people involved in the tourism industry in Burma as very few tourists have come this year, as you know.  We all tried to do our best to tip as we went along.  Everyone brought supplies and we bought supplies in the market along the way.  We also gave money to the local guide in Kentung (charming, enthusiastic and absolutely fabulous with the tribal people) to buy medicines, which we delivered on our hikes.

Given the drama at the Bangkok Airport, it was greatly reassuring to learn in Mandalay that the Yangon Exotissimo office worked on an alternative plan B for us.  We really appreciated their efforts.

In conclusion, then, I can truthfully say that all of us have become enthusiastic ambassadors for Burma and will spread the word!

Looking forward to traveling with Exotissimo again!

Best,
Carla
November 08