The first part of your plan loos good, though do think through whether you want to do the boat from Mandalay to Bagan. We opted not to do it on the basis of reports by others. It takes all day and is not especially scenic.

The last part of your trip is likely to be a problem. Sittwe/Mrauk U has been closed to visitors because of the ethnic violence. Whether it will be open by mid-Feb is unknown. If it is open, you will need to hire a private boat to be able to actually have two full days of sightseeing at Mrauk U. Do have a plan B.

Are you working with an agent? The agent will be your best source of info on whether Mrauk U is open.

Thanks Kathie. I'll take the boat trip out. So far I've worked this out on my own but I've sent a request to Santa Maria. If the Mrauk U is out, what would you think is worth adding instead.

I loved the boat trip to Bagan. Then I like leisurely river trips.

Would also try for an extra day in Yangon it has much to offer.

Enjoy your trip.

i would want to be back in bkk the day before i leave for home

I agree with rhkkmk I think being back in Bangkok the day before is safer - you never know when a flight will be cancelled or delayed in Burma.

Thanks for you replies. The planning for Burma is more difficult than I expected. We decided to delay the trip and go to Kerela instead.

Sorry you have to delay your Burma trip. It is more difficult planning than elsewhere in SE Asia.

When you plan your trip again, browse through the trip reports here, which include the faster boat from Mandalay to Bagan: http://loraltravel.blogspot.com/2006/11/south-of-france.html

>The planning for Burma is more difficult than I expected. We decided to delay the trip and go to Kerela instead.

You will also notice some reports on Kochi and Munnar there.

I would spend a day less each in Inle Lake and Bagan and add some time at the beginning in Mandalay so that you can see both the "3 cities" and Pyin oo Lwin and at the end in Yangon to see Shwe Dagon and do some shopping in Scott's Market.

Cheers, Alan