NEW! Burma: Land of Golden Temples & Floating Gardens (2012)

These trips were a lifetime experience. We were out in the villages to see how the population lives. Two beautiful countries you need to see before they change. All of the in-country travel and lodging were excellently arranged and adjusted where necessary. We really got into some "out of the way" places as little side trips. Our guide, Frankie, did a fantastic job arranging everything from shopping to seeing the beautiful countryside and the village people. Highly recommend the trip. Frankie loves his country and knows all the history.

Traveler: Gary L Smith from Washington, MO traveled on March 13, 2012

What an exciting trip! The people are so friendly. Many fantastic temples to explore. Hotels were great except the Pine Hill hotel in Kalaw needs a room heater. Lots of blankets but room too cold. Food great everywhere but breakfast food in Pine Hill also cold. Bring U.S. dollars that are new as many cannot take old dollars. Most people accept U.S.dollars. Also no credit cards or ATM machines yet. Bring lipstick as young ladies love our used lipsticks. Bring wipes as you will take off shoes & socks to enter temples. Bring sunscreen. Inle Lake area is wonderful experience - restaurants on the water and many boat rides to see the area and how the families live, fish,grow crops, etc. Enjoyed Frankie, our guide and he gave us plenty of time to shop. I certainly hope to return to this exciting Asian area again. Sorry I did not take the Balloon ride. Missed a great experience. Would have had plenty of time to enjoy it & take the optional tour. Oat office did not have info on timing so I missed purchasing the balloon ride as I thought it would conflict with optional tour.

Traveler: Marie Keenan from Metairie, LA traveled on February 13, 2012

This is a wonderful tour to a fascinating country. Those interested need to be aware of the lack of sleep they will get both arriving and leaving, unless other arrangements are made. We arrived in Bangkok at 11:30 p.m. and didn't arrive at our hotel--45 minutes from the airport--until 1:30, only to have to get up at 5 to catch an early flight to Vientiane for our pre-trip (the same is true to those starting in Yangon). Had we known this, we would have arranged to arrive a day early so we would begin the tour well-rested. Or, OAT could have later flights to Yangon andor Vientiane. On the way home, we once again arrived late at the distant from the airport Bangkok hotel, only to have to get up 5 hours later to begin our long trip home. It's possible to arrive earlier in Bangkok from Yangon, we recommended that OAT arrange for this, so travelers will have enough sleep before he long trip home.

Traveler: Joellyn Ross from Philadelphia, PA traveled on February 07, 2012

Having recently been to S.E Asia (Ancient Kingdoms), we were anxious to visit Burma to learn more about this region of the world. Myanmar did not dissapoint! It was really interesting to draw comparisons between the other S.E. Asian countries and to see Burma before it became too "TOURISTY" Our guide, May, was so wonderful. She was young enough to give us the more modern perspective while speaking about the traditional values her family had instilled within her. We were really pleased when the hotel in Bangkok was changed. The Pantip Suites (we had stayed there previously) was becoming VERY tired and it was difficult to walk on the narrow streets to get out to the very busy and noisy main thoroughfare-just to go for a walk. The Tawana Hotel was in a much better location with restaurants and 7-11 stores to purchase snacks and of course a block away from the night market-A SHOPPER'S
PARADISE!. Yangon, Bagan and Mandalay offered breathtaking visits to historic sites and temples such as the National Museum, Shwedagon Pagoda and sunset at the U Bien footbridge. The hotels were lovely and accessible if you wanted to go out for a walk. We would recommend that Kalaw be eliminated in lieu of an additional day on Inle Lake. Here we could have experienced "A DAY IN THE LIFE". The hotel in Kalaw was rustic and cabin-like and very cold at night. The evening hot water bottle was a welcomed relief. Inle Lake was great fun and very diverse. Travelling in dugout canoes and long-tailed boats to experience life in and around the lake was both informative and exciting. We visited workshops to learn about lotus fiber and silk weaving, cigar or cheroot making, Shan paper-making and meeting and speaking with the "long neck" women from the Paduang hill tribe. We observed fisherman navigating with one foot and agriculture on floating gardens and of course, bargaining with the locals on the floating market. Of particular interest was a visit to a nunnery where we were able ask questions and the nuns spoke openly about their lives. This gave us a much greater insight into a very significant part of Buddhist life and Burmese culture. Our farewell dinner was delightful, under the stars, where we all dressed in longi (Burmese garb) and were entertained by with Burmese music and dance. This travel adventure was filled with a great deal of "LEARNING AND DISCOVERY" and gave us a deeper insight into this newly emerging nation.

Traveler: Beverly & Bob Levine from Rockland, MA traveled on January 30, 2012

Good trip! Good Trip Leader!

My Diabetes Doctor says, "Never go barefoot!" It can cost you life or limb.

This needs to be clear before you decide on this trip as you will either go barefoot or you will not enter Pagodas.

There is plenty to experience without going into Pagodas.

Suggest people with diabetes take power bars and adequate testing equipment as lunch and dinner times are not pre-announced or regular.

Traveler: Robert Martin from Davenport, IA traveled on January 25, 2012

Our trip to Burma was a beautiful surprise. The people are friendly and helpful and it's difficult to stop taking pictures of the children.

Burma seems to be on the edge of coming into this century and the excitement can be felt on the streets and even in the countryside. The infrastructure made the trip a little more tiring than most of our OAT trips but we also had wonderful opportunities to ride a horsedrawn cart, ride in a cart being pulled by a multipurpose tractor, and spend two and a half glorious days on Inle Lake where our mode of transportation was a boat.

We shopped for produce at the market, cooked outside over a charcoal fire, and enjoyed the hospitality of a farm family in their home.

We also have enough golden temples under our belts to last for a very long time.

The most difficult part of the trip turned out to be trying to keep my longhi from falling off at the Farewell Dinner.

I really like having the same guide for the entire trip and OAT always has the best.

Traveler: Kay Dean from Marietta, GA traveled on January 25, 2012

It's been over 3 weeks since our return, and I am still trying to deal with my photos! So many amazing stories told along the way, information freely offered by our native guide, intriguing ways of life and picturesque places.

First of all, my husband and I especially appreciated having a native Rangoon guide who was with us the entire trip, no other daylocal town guides. This kept the flow of information fresh and relevant.

We took all 3 Optionals available...you MUST take the waterfront walk in Rangoon, it really was the highlight of our time there. Ballooning over Bagan is amazing, albeit expensive, but it rivals the ride over Cappadocia in Turkey. And going to Mt. Popa added a tremendous amount of country insight along the way, extra experiences with farmers, palm tree farming, monkeys, nats. BUT, taking all 3 left us really tired at the start of the trip (luckily we arranged to have a day in Bangkok before going to Rangoon).

One big surprise...commerce is thriving in Burma! They have products from China as well as everything made in Burma. So when we heard stories about them craving products to hand out free...it was really about having American cosmetics so they could re-sell them at a profit. Not because they have shortages (just not American-made).

Seriously...the shoes and socks come off at pagodas. And you go to at least one or more EVERY day on the trip. My husband is strictly a sneakers and socks guy...and never a chair or bench...he finally gave up on entering temples. It was just too hard and always left him way behind the group that went forward with the guide.

The hotels were amazing in quality and amenities. Someone already mentioned Internet access. I also had my netbook with me, and wifi was generally available, only had to pay for it in Rangoon. But it was REALLY SLOW at most times of day, and often only in the lobby.

The only hotel that was uncomfortable in early February was Pine Hill in Kalaw. No insulation, no heat, icy cold in the room at night. So we got in after dinner and couldn't tolerate even a shower, just jump in bed with hot water bottle (which was a treat!) It was helpful to have comfy clothes and socks to wear to bed those nights.

Products to buy along the way, you must bargain...lacquerware, shan paper goods, jade, carved teak, woven goods. We did not get much shopping time compared to other tours, so take advantage of shopping whenever you see something of interest.

Food...we were offered BIG meals for all the included lunch and dinner. Often, they were just a few hours apart. The food is delicious, blend of Indian and Chinese with local fresh produce. Excellent soups. You will not starve!

Cash, we also found that $300 was enough to exchange, and we used dollars to settle hotel expenses. The pristine condition of $100 is serious. Bring plenty more than you need, because they will find ways to reject them.

All the people were friendly and helpful. Never felt the presence of military or restrictions on our movements. Our time was full, the guide kept us busy though!

Glad we went to Burma before the country opens up more. You can feel the optimism about sanctions being lifted by the west. The people are industrious and resourceful and consciencous, so they will thrive given the opportunity!

Traveler: Marcea Reid from La Jolla, CA traveled on January 25, 2012

This is a wonderful trip and I suggest you take the opportunity to go now before it becomes extremely crowded with tourists. The political situation is changing for the better with the release of many political prisoners and more open elections. To me Began was a magnificent sight and rivals Ankar Wat and along with Lake Inle were the highlights of the trip. The cities are interesting but there is alot of trash and of course pollution, so be prepared. Having said that, the hotels were excellent which was a great surprise to me. I would suggest any one going to get a tetnus shot (or booster)as there is much walking in barefeet (not socks) in the temples. Also, it is not the trip for people with major health problems. There does not appear to be much medical care, so be sure you have an adequate supply of medicines.

Traveler: Linda Gerber from Middlebury, CT traveled on January 25, 2012

I dreamed about going to Burma for years. In 2007, on the occasion of the Saffron Revolution, I was advised by the U. S. State Department to cancel it. When it was offered by OAT this year, I jumped at the chance and must admit that it was worth waiting for.

Burma is southeast Asia in microcosm and it was made believable for us by a superb tour guide, who shared the love of her country, its history, its people, its one-of-a-kind attractions in a warm and heart-felt way. Just seeing imposing, monumental Schwe Dagon in Yangon was a long-held dream come true.

There is so much more to add (I have written a 'log about the trip, which I should be happy to share with you.)

To add another dimension to the review,
we were fortunately in having a small, exceptionally compatible and cooperative, intellectually curious group, which made both the off- and the on-hours more enjoyable.

If I can add a quibble, which I have voiced (or written about) frequently, but never received a response to: why have optional tours, especially if the attraction is an integral atrtraction. Why not include them and factor the price into the overall cost.

I can see why there is such heated interest in and demand for Burma. Long off limits (in a manner of speaking) to U.S. citizens, it is now accessible and
worth every penny.

Traveler: Vernon Mosheim from Forest Hills, NY traveled on January 04, 2012

I also posted most of this in the forum.

Just returned from Burma Land of Golden Temples and Floating Gardens trip (Jan, 2012). Some misconceptions:

1. Electricity - although power sometimes went off, no major issues or need for surge protectors. Outlets were either compatible with US plugs or used European 2 pronged round adaptor. You need an adaptor only if your U.S. type plug has one larger grounded prong as the outlets do not allow for this.
2. Internet access - excellentfree wifi access in Bangkok Pantip Suites lobby, Mandalay Sedona Hotel lobby, and Inle Lake Pristine Lotus Spa resort in dining room. Aye Yar River View Hotel in Bagan has a computer in the lobby for free use. No free wifi access at Pine Hill in Kalaw or Chatrium in Yangon.
3. E-mail access - I had no problem accessing my comcast.net e-mail account. All research said I needed a g-mail account for Burma, but did not find this was true. In fact, my g-mail account lagged a couple of days behind.
4. Malaria - our guide told us there is no malaria in the areas this trip travels to, so you may want to reconsider taking meds for this.
5. Money - bills do need to be in excellent condition, but not necessarily brand new. Take $100 bills for changing money as you get the best exchange rate with these. I changed $300 and this covered all expenses, tips, and purchases. Most tourist area vendors will take U.S. money, but you may get better prices with Burmese Kyats.

This trip was very good, but grueling. All flights leave in the morning, so early wake-ups on those days + modes of transportation such as horse carts, open-air trucks, and canoes were very uncomfortable - my blowup cushion came in handy. The first week was very tiring, but we had more free time and rest periods in the afternoon the last week. Strongly suggest arriving in Bangkok several days early to allow recovery from the long flights before heading to Burma. Also suggest staying in Bangkok at end of the trip for at least one day to prepare for long flight home if you have an early departure time.

Kalaw could have been one day instead of the two - the hotel had no heat and paper thin walls (but we did get hot water bottles for the bed). Yangon was too short - would have loved more free time here to go back to Shwedagon Temple and explore more. We went to Shwedagon at dusk, so photos were difficult. No roughing it at the rest of the hotels - they were very good. Pristine Lotus Spa at Inle Lake was fabulous!

I did love this trip and our tour guide, Lennie, was very good. I'm glad I went before the country really opens up and the tourists take over.

Traveler: Deboarh Lerew from Centennial, CO traveled on January 18, 2012