jroe111

We are going to Asia in November for 3weeks. We are in our 60s. I know I want to go to Hanoi and Luang Prabang but I get overwhelmed after that. I would consider beach time in Thailand and what about Burma? I probably won't get this way again but don't want to spend too much time in airports .I was thinking a good travel agent could help give me some options and help with hotels and in country flights.

Thx in advance

Kathie

If you want to go to Burma, put it at the top of your list. I'd plan at least 10 days to two weeks just for Burma. You will need an agent to make your air and hotel reservations. There are lots of good agents in Yangon. We used Santa Maria for both of our trips. Things are changing rapidly, so many of the money logistics and political cautions in my two trip reports are wildly out of date. But the info on destinations is still good. Click on my name to find my reports from 2001 and 2011. Photos are at www.marlandc.com

Elsewhere, if what you want is Hanoi, Luang Prabang, - and what about Angkor Wat? - and a Thai beach this is easy to arrange on your own. Once you decide what you want, the logistics will fall into place. People here will be happy to help you - recommend hotels, tell you how to book flights on the internet, etc.

Fatboy

Mr. Xuan Hao of Vietnamstay/Aurora (Hanoi office) did a wonderful job helping plan our 18-day trip to and booking hotels/flights for Vietnam, Luang Prabang, and Siem Reap from which we just returned two weeks ago.

Kathie

Fatboy, I hope you will post a report.

jroe, it sounds like Vietnamstay/Auora Travel can book VN, Laos, Cambodia. Note that you will need a local company in Burma to book your time there.

internetwiz

I used Tonkin for two trips, through Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand (total travel time was 6 weeks). For Myanmar, we're using Santa Maria. Three weeks isn't a very long time if you really want to experience an area, especially since the flights can eat up a chunk of your day. These forums have a wealth of information to help you craft your ideal trip.

dannyjacob

You can use the services of Ann Tours for Vietnam part. They are a local agent with many experiences involved in tourism field. Many friends of mine did travel with them and they were quiet happy with this company.

For Laos part, I would like to recommend Lao Travel Service which do the local tours with very reasonable prices. All of the arrangements they made for us worked out very well. Luang Prabang is a charming riverside town. The temples, people and good foods made us fall in love with the city. We wish we could have spent more time here. Luang Prabang is an amazing place to visit; We recommend it to all who come to Laos.

Regarding Burma, as Kathie said above, it would be around 10 days for a deep insight into the country. Having just returned from Burma and I cannot help thanking Burma Senses for a wonderful time in Burma and for the excellent job they did for my trip. The guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and very courteous. They never made us wait, and always ensured our well being. I have no doubt that I will use their services on my next visit to Burma. Note that you can connect to Yangon from Hanoi. So you can start from Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, then Burma.

kwki

So, how did you do?
From Hanoi to Yangoon is a very large area. Did you ask to an operator to develop your itinerary?

Lolazahra

Hello,

We went to Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. We used Aurora/Vietnam Stay and we were very happy with their services. We used them for hotel reservations, internal flights and all activities and tours. They had great suggestions and were flexible with my changes, even the ones I made while in country. And they always got better rates at all of our hotels. I was very pleased.

Read my trip report for more info.

Enjoy.