The Hotel @ Tharabar Gate - Bagan

Ines

Dear Kay,

After my return to Islamabad I was a bit caught up in work and wished that I was back on holiday in Myanmar.

I really enjoyed the trip very much and would like to especially mention the outstanding performance of the guide and driver in Bagan. Both were extremely polite and taking excellent care of me. They were very professional, with a vast knowledge of the area and its sites but never  being boring by giving you too many facts and figures.

They tried to take my wishes into consideration whenever possible and I felt more like a guest than a tourist. I had a wonderful time and would like to highly recommend them as they were the best from all the guides and drivers I had on the trip.

The hotel in Bagan was absolutely beautiful and the staff very helpful indeed, making my stay a wonderful experience.

After the hustle and bustle of Mandalay the peace and quiet of the Inle Lake was wonderful and if the weather had prevailed I would have extended my time there even longer. The hotel on Inle Lake was great and the sights on the Lake itself as well.

Thanks and best regards from Islamabad,

Ines

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