Elizabeth_S

This is really last minute for us to decide where we're going for the winter - but we've decided to seriously consider Vietnam plus Myanmar plus another destination for 8 weeks or so starting mid January 2013.

To my surprise Air Canada/Aeroplan has some fairly decent availability with a variety of routings - from Toronto via Frankfurt or Beijing or London to SIN or BKK.

This is definitely a "how long is a piece of string" question - but any interesting routing tips? Assume we'll add in other air for internal routes.

Have been to HK, Cambodia, Laos and Bangkok in other trips so looking for a 3rd destination - Manila? Suggestions welcome!

rhkkmk

malaysia, penang in particular--ties in easily with SIN..

Craig

Bali from SIN or BKK. Sri Lanka from SIN (and also Malaysia per rhk above).

Kathie

Do you have reservations yet for Myanmar? If not email Santa Maria Travel NOW to get reservations. Accommodations for Nov & Dec are fully booked.

Bangkok is the easiest hub for VN and Burma. You can also add on Penang, Malaysia to the mix, as Thai has a non-stop from Bangkok.

While Singapore also works as a hub, flights to VN and Burma are more expensive than from Bangkok.

Sri Lanka is a great option We loved it there. There are non-stop flights from both Bangkok and Singapore.

Elizabeth_S

Thanks Kathie - I just flipped back here from Santa Maria's site which I discovered via the sophisticated google search term of "Myanmar itineraries".

Is their pricing good? Assuming you recommend them? I'll check your trip report now as I have it bookmarked from last year.

Kathie

Yes, their pricing is good. In Burma, you get the best prices on accommodations from travel agents! I have two Burma reports, one from 2009 which covers Yangon/Inle/Bagan, one from 2011 for Yangon/Mandalay/Bagan/Mrauk U Note that the logistics info on money changed dramatically from 2009 to 2011, so read the 2011 info on money.

Kathie

Oops - forgot to mention, tell them exactly what you need, which transfers, if/when you need a car and driver. Otherwise, I think they tend you give you a price for everything, including guides (which you don't often need).

Elizabeth_S

Kathie - do you think it's too ambitious to put together a 2-3 week Myanmar trip for mid January at this point? I suppose it could also be first two weeks of March if we do the itinerary backwards.....but I was struck by your comment that there is a lot of pre planning required and I don't want to short shrift ourselves (and I love the pre planning!)

Kathie

If it were me, I'd try for mid-Jan or Feb. By March it will be getting hotter. I'm glad to help you in whatever way I can with planning. I think it will come down to getting accommodations.

Elizabeth_S

Thanks Kathie - If we pursue this I will definitely take you up on your kind offer