Myanmar/Burma
Oct 27, 2014 | 4:59 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 3
Myanmar/Burma
I am planning a trip to Mynmar in Jan-Feb 2015, with my daughter.
We are not serious trekkers but want to visit out of the way places, meet local people, with fewer buddah and temple sites. We like to travel in small groups (like in Vietnam when local travel agents organize day tours), being flexible with number of days and time spent in different locations.
Also, budget accomadations, but with hot water. Any help is much appreciated
We are not serious trekkers but want to visit out of the way places, meet local people, with fewer buddah and temple sites. We like to travel in small groups (like in Vietnam when local travel agents organize day tours), being flexible with number of days and time spent in different locations.
Also, budget accomadations, but with hot water. Any help is much appreciated
Oct 27, 2014 | 10:32 am
#3
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: YVR - Vancouver, with most winter weekends in Whistler.
Programs: Aeroplan 35K, Alaska MVP, Marriott Titanium / Lifetime Platinum, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 4,633
Recognize that you are asking for travel conditions normally associated with high end travel.
-small number of travellers (private tour)
-ability to dictate own itinerary
Myanmar is far from fully independent travel. It's only fully been open to travel groups for a few years.
I would recommend reaching out to high end hotels and arranging a guide and car for the day if you really want to get off the beaten track. The Governors Residence in Yangon can arrange this.
Alternately, you probably need to find a group to go with up country to Bagan / Mandalay that caters to budget travelling.
I can't help you out with the budget travel. Other than the backpacker culture hasn't fully arrived just yet.
-small number of travellers (private tour)
-ability to dictate own itinerary
Myanmar is far from fully independent travel. It's only fully been open to travel groups for a few years.
I would recommend reaching out to high end hotels and arranging a guide and car for the day if you really want to get off the beaten track. The Governors Residence in Yangon can arrange this.
Alternately, you probably need to find a group to go with up country to Bagan / Mandalay that caters to budget travelling.
I can't help you out with the budget travel. Other than the backpacker culture hasn't fully arrived just yet.
Oct 27, 2014 | 1:21 pm
#5
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Denver
Posts: 2,396
Welcome to FlyerTalk. You might get some helpful tips in this recent thread, including at least one recommended tour guide:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/asia/...ar-travel.html
You'll likely find other past discussions in this forum that may have useful information, as well.
Good luck!
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/asia/...ar-travel.html
You'll likely find other past discussions in this forum that may have useful information, as well.
Good luck!
Oct 28, 2014 | 1:47 am
#6
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DCA/IAD
Programs: most of them
Posts: 3,284
I think a travel agent should be able to arrange such a trip. Unless you know the language, meeting locals might be tough in out of the way places. And even in in the way places.
I did essentially a private tour a few years ago. An agent should be able to arrange a trip including whatever level of hotels you want. The places I stayed were certainly a step above what you are looking for but most of them were somewhat basic compared to most other places. They can arrange transport, guides, etc. for you. Keep in mind that the tourist infrastructure isn't so developed there yet.
I did essentially a private tour a few years ago. An agent should be able to arrange a trip including whatever level of hotels you want. The places I stayed were certainly a step above what you are looking for but most of them were somewhat basic compared to most other places. They can arrange transport, guides, etc. for you. Keep in mind that the tourist infrastructure isn't so developed there yet.
Oct 28, 2014 | 5:43 pm
#7
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: UK
Programs: LH, PG, BA, SPG, HH
Posts: 325
It is perfectly possible to travel to Myanmar on a budget even if most travellers there tended towards the higher end.
Each town has hotels for local travellers, that are basic but much cheaper than the tourist oriented hotels but they are very basic. I think the last time I stayed in one about 18 months ago it was USD15 a night for an ensuite room with AC (but no TV no internet etc).
I would recommend Taunggyi the Capital of Shan state as somewhere to base yourself. There is plenty of hiking around the area, Inle lake is very close. It also has enough tourists so that there are a range of places to stay and tourist guides.
Each town has hotels for local travellers, that are basic but much cheaper than the tourist oriented hotels but they are very basic. I think the last time I stayed in one about 18 months ago it was USD15 a night for an ensuite room with AC (but no TV no internet etc).
I would recommend Taunggyi the Capital of Shan state as somewhere to base yourself. There is plenty of hiking around the area, Inle lake is very close. It also has enough tourists so that there are a range of places to stay and tourist guides.
Oct 31, 2014 | 11:23 am
#8
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Kansas City, MO
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 3,766
I am currently n the UA lounge at SFO on the way to a 12 day private tour vacation in Myanmar. I used Myanmar Shalom to put the trip together at the budget I had. They were excellent to work with. After I return I will have feedback to share.
I paid $1800 each for 11 nights for all hotels, 4 flights, and guides and drivers. I thought the price very fair.
I paid $1800 each for 11 nights for all hotels, 4 flights, and guides and drivers. I thought the price very fair.
Nov 6, 2014 | 2:22 am
#10
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Kansas City, MO
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 3,766
Coming to the end of 1 day in Yangon, 4 days in Bagan. So far everything planned day Myanmar Shalom has worked out great. There was a small miscommunication about what we were supposed to have done yesterday, so MS just change d the plan as being okay with us. We have had 2 guides so far and both were so helpful and friendly. Even the weather has cooperated up to today, when it rained. Be aware it is very very hot here.
In Bagan we are at Amazing Bagan Resort. Nice place but a bit out of the way. There is nothing in walking distance for restaurants.I'd stay in another area if I ever comexperienced back.
In Bagan we are at Amazing Bagan Resort. Nice place but a bit out of the way. There is nothing in walking distance for restaurants.I'd stay in another area if I ever comexperienced back.
Nov 8, 2014 | 2:11 am
#12
Join Date: Apr 2010
Programs: AA LT EXP, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 297
Last week we stayed at the Sky Palace Hotel in New Bagan. There are several decent restaurants within 5 to 10 minutes walking.
Nov 9, 2014 | 6:59 am
#13
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Kansas City, MO
Programs: AA Gold
Posts: 3,766
Just finished up 2 nights in Mandalay where we stayed at Hotel Yadarnabon. Nice place, good location in the city, very nice 6th flook rooftop restaurant where the breakfast is served.
Now in Nyaung shwe for 2 nights at Amazing Nyaung shwe Hotel. Seems like a nice place.
I had expected WiFi to be slow and limited but all hotels have had an excellent signal.
Now in Nyaung shwe for 2 nights at Amazing Nyaung shwe Hotel. Seems like a nice place.
I had expected WiFi to be slow and limited but all hotels have had an excellent signal.
Nov 17, 2014 | 11:02 am
#14
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Aurora, CO
Programs: Statusless and proud
Posts: 7,945
Just finished up 2 nights in Mandalay where we stayed at Hotel Yadarnabon. Nice place, good location in the city, very nice 6th flook rooftop restaurant where the breakfast is served.
Now in Nyaung shwe for 2 nights at Amazing Nyaung shwe Hotel. Seems like a nice place.
I had expected WiFi to be slow and limited but all hotels have had an excellent signal.
Now in Nyaung shwe for 2 nights at Amazing Nyaung shwe Hotel. Seems like a nice place.
I had expected WiFi to be slow and limited but all hotels have had an excellent signal.
Chris