Myanmar - Organizing Trip for 2015
May 29th, 2014, 09:57 AM
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Myanmar - Organizing Trip for 2015
My husband and I are starting to think about a trip to Myanmar for January or February 2015. With the great advice of Fodor's, we have planned and enjoyed various journeys, including India,Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam. We appreciate all your wonderful support and advice!
What itinerary do you recommend for Myanmar? In what order, and how many nights minimum for each city? We will fly in and out of EWR. We would like to spend maybe 10 nights in Myanmar, and then perhaps make a 3 or 4 night visit to either Chiang Mai, Thailand, or alternatively to Luang Prabang, Laos. Is either of these destinations more accessible from Myanmar? From which city in Myanmar would we fly? I assume that it is a short flight.
We are of course in the early planning stage of this journey, which I always enjoy. I have been reading various TR's on this board. Thank you very much in advance for your expert advice.
What itinerary do you recommend for Myanmar? In what order, and how many nights minimum for each city? We will fly in and out of EWR. We would like to spend maybe 10 nights in Myanmar, and then perhaps make a 3 or 4 night visit to either Chiang Mai, Thailand, or alternatively to Luang Prabang, Laos. Is either of these destinations more accessible from Myanmar? From which city in Myanmar would we fly? I assume that it is a short flight.
We are of course in the early planning stage of this journey, which I always enjoy. I have been reading various TR's on this board. Thank you very much in advance for your expert advice.
May 29th, 2014, 11:04 AM
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Myanmar is a place where it pays to use a local agent. We used Santa Maria for both of our trips, but One Stop, Myanmar Shalom and many others get good reviews.
The "wow" places in Burma are Inle Lake and Bagan. You will want some time in Yangon to see Shwedagon Pagoda and perhaps some other sites. We loved Mrauk U, but it takes time to get to/from and isn't practical if you only have 10 days.
If it were me - and it isn't - I'd divide my time 4 nights (three full days) at Inle, 4 nights in Bagan and 2 nights in Yangon. I'd fly into Yangon on the earliest flight out of Bangkok, and have the agent book me on the first flight I could make out of Yangon and on to Inle Lake. I'd next go to Bagan and finish in Yangon for 2 nights.
There are non-stop flights from Yangon to Chiang Mai(but not every day of the week), but none to Luang Prabang. I much prefer Luang Prabang over Chiang Mai, and would gladly take a connecting flight through Bangkok to Luang Prabang to get there.
Take a look at our photos from 2009 which covers the places I recommend for a first trip: http://www.marlandc.com/myanmar-2009.html
http://www.marlandc.com/myanmar-2011.html the second trip covers some different destinations.
The "wow" places in Burma are Inle Lake and Bagan. You will want some time in Yangon to see Shwedagon Pagoda and perhaps some other sites. We loved Mrauk U, but it takes time to get to/from and isn't practical if you only have 10 days.
If it were me - and it isn't - I'd divide my time 4 nights (three full days) at Inle, 4 nights in Bagan and 2 nights in Yangon. I'd fly into Yangon on the earliest flight out of Bangkok, and have the agent book me on the first flight I could make out of Yangon and on to Inle Lake. I'd next go to Bagan and finish in Yangon for 2 nights.
There are non-stop flights from Yangon to Chiang Mai(but not every day of the week), but none to Luang Prabang. I much prefer Luang Prabang over Chiang Mai, and would gladly take a connecting flight through Bangkok to Luang Prabang to get there.
Take a look at our photos from 2009 which covers the places I recommend for a first trip: http://www.marlandc.com/myanmar-2009.html
http://www.marlandc.com/myanmar-2011.html the second trip covers some different destinations.
May 29th, 2014, 11:15 AM
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10 nights is probably good for Yangon, Bagan (minimum 2 full days/3 nights) and Inle Lake (3 or 4 full days/4 or 5 nights) in that order. You will likely fly to Yangon via Bangkok and return there before continuing on to LP. There is a 1-1/2 hour non-stop flight on Bangkok Airways between Yangon and CM, but I don't know how often it operates. You will need to work with a Yangon-based agent for internal flights and hotel reservations. We used Santa Maria with much success, as have many others on this board.
May 29th, 2014, 06:59 PM
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Thank you very much, Kathie and Craig! I enjoyed reading your TR's and viewing Cheryl's absolutely beautiful photos. Your info is of course very helpful and much appreciated.
Am I correct in understanding that you don't recommend we visit Mandalay?
Are there flights from Newark to Myanmar, or do we need to go through BKK? If so, I guess that we'll need to stay 1 night in a BKK (airport) hotel upon arrival, prior to flying to Yangon the next morning? And Kathie, you suggest that we then fly from Yangon to Inle Lake, instead of just staying the 2 nights in Yangon then?
Craig, I see that you suggest a different order for the itinerary?
If we opt to visit Luang Prabang afterwards for a few days, are there flights from there back to Newark? Or do we need to fly back to BKK (to return home)?
BTW, are their direct flights from Chiang Mai to LP?
I like elephants, thus Chaing Mai; however, I've been wanting to visit Luang Prabang - a difficult choice....
I will contact Santa Maria and/or Myanmar Shalom, as soon as we decide upon our itinerary.
Again, many thanks for all your help and expertise!
Am I correct in understanding that you don't recommend we visit Mandalay?
Are there flights from Newark to Myanmar, or do we need to go through BKK? If so, I guess that we'll need to stay 1 night in a BKK (airport) hotel upon arrival, prior to flying to Yangon the next morning? And Kathie, you suggest that we then fly from Yangon to Inle Lake, instead of just staying the 2 nights in Yangon then?
Craig, I see that you suggest a different order for the itinerary?
If we opt to visit Luang Prabang afterwards for a few days, are there flights from there back to Newark? Or do we need to fly back to BKK (to return home)?
BTW, are their direct flights from Chiang Mai to LP?
I like elephants, thus Chaing Mai; however, I've been wanting to visit Luang Prabang - a difficult choice....
I will contact Santa Maria and/or Myanmar Shalom, as soon as we decide upon our itinerary.
Again, many thanks for all your help and expertise!
May 29th, 2014, 07:19 PM
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I think Mandalay is worth a couple of days, U Bein bridge at sunset, Sagaing, and Ava are some of many sights. Can you squeeze some extra days ?
You will need to use a hub in SE Asia, I think Bangkok would be easiest.
My natural progression would go: Yangon (from BKK, use as a hub), Bagan, Inle Lake, Mandalay. You might be able to fly Mandalay - CM, check Skyscanner for flights. Maybe Mandalay -BKK, then connection to either CM or LP, both flights easy and frequent from BKK.
I love both Chiang Mai and Luang Prabang, difficult call there. Narrow down what you want to see in both, then eliminate (or find extra days and do both).
Enjoy the planning....
You will need to use a hub in SE Asia, I think Bangkok would be easiest.
My natural progression would go: Yangon (from BKK, use as a hub), Bagan, Inle Lake, Mandalay. You might be able to fly Mandalay - CM, check Skyscanner for flights. Maybe Mandalay -BKK, then connection to either CM or LP, both flights easy and frequent from BKK.
I love both Chiang Mai and Luang Prabang, difficult call there. Narrow down what you want to see in both, then eliminate (or find extra days and do both).
Enjoy the planning....
May 30th, 2014, 01:49 AM
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You really don't have enough time for Mandalay.
You will need to fly to Bangkok and then to Yangon. Flights to Bangkok from EWR will likely go through Europe. It really depends on when you arrive in both Bangkok and Yangon whether you will spend nights in either. I highly recommend using kayak.com or other website to look at flight times. You may have to look at individual sites (Air Bagan, Mandalay Air etc.) for the internal flights. Your agent should make the reservations, however.
We did the itinerary in the order listed and it worked out well for us.
Use Bangkok as your base. I think you will find that the direct flights you suggest are either limited or non-existent. I would choose LP over CM. 2 full days is enough for CM while LP requires 3 or 4, at least.
You will need to fly to Bangkok and then to Yangon. Flights to Bangkok from EWR will likely go through Europe. It really depends on when you arrive in both Bangkok and Yangon whether you will spend nights in either. I highly recommend using kayak.com or other website to look at flight times. You may have to look at individual sites (Air Bagan, Mandalay Air etc.) for the internal flights. Your agent should make the reservations, however.
We did the itinerary in the order listed and it worked out well for us.
Use Bangkok as your base. I think you will find that the direct flights you suggest are either limited or non-existent. I would choose LP over CM. 2 full days is enough for CM while LP requires 3 or 4, at least.
May 30th, 2014, 06:27 AM
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No direct flights in Myanmar. There are some exceptions developing - one of the Middle Eastern Airlines now has (seasonally) a flight from their hub into Yangon on some days of the week. But the easiest/cheapest way is via Bangkok or KL.
I was not charmed by Mandalay. Yes, there are some interesting things to see, but you would need more time. If you decide to add time, it would take three additional nights to have two days in the Mandalay area.
You can do your itinerary either as Yangon (stop only, no overnight) - Inle - Bagan - Yangon or as Craig suggests, Yangon (stop only) - Bagan - Inle - Yangon. I liked going to Inle before Bgan, as it was a more relaxing place, and we we to Myanmar from Bangkok after our overseas flight. With some jet lag, it was better for us to do Inle first, but your choice.
If you really want to visit Mandalay, add days, don't subtract from Bagan and Inle.
Another option would be to add days and spend your whole trip in Myanmar. You could see Mandalay by adding three nights and if you added another, say, four nights, you could go to the beach in Mayanmar. See Chris' report for how much they loved the beach there.
I was not charmed by Mandalay. Yes, there are some interesting things to see, but you would need more time. If you decide to add time, it would take three additional nights to have two days in the Mandalay area.
You can do your itinerary either as Yangon (stop only, no overnight) - Inle - Bagan - Yangon or as Craig suggests, Yangon (stop only) - Bagan - Inle - Yangon. I liked going to Inle before Bgan, as it was a more relaxing place, and we we to Myanmar from Bangkok after our overseas flight. With some jet lag, it was better for us to do Inle first, but your choice.
If you really want to visit Mandalay, add days, don't subtract from Bagan and Inle.
Another option would be to add days and spend your whole trip in Myanmar. You could see Mandalay by adding three nights and if you added another, say, four nights, you could go to the beach in Mayanmar. See Chris' report for how much they loved the beach there.
May 30th, 2014, 03:54 PM
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Again, many thanks! We are considering adding a couple of extra days (if possible) in order to visit Mandalay also. Should that city be visited at the end, (before Yangon)? Maybe we can fly from there to LP? Otherwise from Yangon to LP?
We are leaning toward a stop in LP (as opposed to CM) for 4 nights, prior to our flight back to the U.S.
You suggest that we do our sightseeing in Yangon at the end of our time in Myanmar, as opposed to upon our arrival in Myanmar. Why?
Thank you all so much for your excellent advice!
We are leaning toward a stop in LP (as opposed to CM) for 4 nights, prior to our flight back to the U.S.
You suggest that we do our sightseeing in Yangon at the end of our time in Myanmar, as opposed to upon our arrival in Myanmar. Why?
Thank you all so much for your excellent advice!
May 30th, 2014, 04:09 PM
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If it were me, I'd save the highlights - Bagan and Inle Lake for last. But it is really up to you to do your research on the flights as I advised previously and make your decisions based on that. We really can't advise on flights as they are constantly changing.
May 30th, 2014, 04:11 PM
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I don't think you'll get any direct flights from Myanmar to LP. You will probably need to transit via BKK, but there should be several daily flights BKK to LP, so maybe you can line up a relatively short connection. It's a pretty short flight, 1.20 hours.
Seeing Yangon last puts you in the city with the most international flight connections. There are few from Mandalay. I would use Skyscanner and Oway to check what's available, then work from there.
We did get a flight Mandalay - Singapore, but it landed in Yangon to offload passengers, although we didn't deplane.
Seeing Yangon last puts you in the city with the most international flight connections. There are few from Mandalay. I would use Skyscanner and Oway to check what's available, then work from there.
We did get a flight Mandalay - Singapore, but it landed in Yangon to offload passengers, although we didn't deplane.
May 30th, 2014, 06:09 PM
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There are no direct flights to Laos from Myanmar. You will have to connect through Bangkok, likely on Bangkok AIr. Take a look at the Discovery Pass and see if it will help you - you must fly three legs on Bangkok Air (they do fly into/out of Yangon from Bangkok).
I recommend doing your sightseeing in Yangon at the end, as you will want to be in your departure city the day (at least) before your flight in case there are flight delays or cancellations.
I don't think it much matters where you put Mandalay in your itinerary other than for flight convenience. The airlines fly in a circular pattern. Consult with an agent in Yangon about your flights, they can help you do this efficiently. The flights are mostly "milk runs" where you stop at Bagan on your way to Mandalay or vice versa. Agents will know (in general) the likely schedules.
I recommend doing your sightseeing in Yangon at the end, as you will want to be in your departure city the day (at least) before your flight in case there are flight delays or cancellations.
I don't think it much matters where you put Mandalay in your itinerary other than for flight convenience. The airlines fly in a circular pattern. Consult with an agent in Yangon about your flights, they can help you do this efficiently. The flights are mostly "milk runs" where you stop at Bagan on your way to Mandalay or vice versa. Agents will know (in general) the likely schedules.
Jun 5th, 2014, 10:43 AM
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Thank you very much for all your valuable advice! We have been been reading TR's and thinking about our preferences.
We are now seriously considering the following. We will use BKK as our hub. (We were there a couple of years ago, and we enjoyed it). We will fly from EWR to BKK, and then stay there for 4 nights. Then early morning flights to:
Yangon - 2 nights (or 1 nt. at beginning, & 1 nt. at end)
Don't know which hotel there? Suggestions?
Bagan - 2 nights
Tharabar Gate Hotel
Inle Lake - 3 nights
Villa Inle Resort & Spa
(Is it the same hotel as Inle Resort)?
Mandalay - 2 nights
Rupar Mandalar
We decided to go to Chiang Mai afterwards; so we'll end our tour of Myanmar either in Yangon or Mandalay, depending on where we can schedule a direct flight to CM. We plan a 3 night stay in CM, prior to our return flight home.
My husband would like to spend this number of days in Myanmar. This itinerary was suggested by Shalom Myanmar, as a good private tour for a first-timer. We are interested in very nice hotels there. We're still selecting a hotel for Yangon. Are the other hotels good, recommended ones?
I will check Bangkok Air, Discovery Pass. I think that we will fly 3 legs - into and out of Myanmar, and CM to BKK at the end.
I plan on contacting Santa Maria also.
Again, many thanks to all of you for your expert advice.
We are now seriously considering the following. We will use BKK as our hub. (We were there a couple of years ago, and we enjoyed it). We will fly from EWR to BKK, and then stay there for 4 nights. Then early morning flights to:
Yangon - 2 nights (or 1 nt. at beginning, & 1 nt. at end)
Don't know which hotel there? Suggestions?
Bagan - 2 nights
Tharabar Gate Hotel
Inle Lake - 3 nights
Villa Inle Resort & Spa
(Is it the same hotel as Inle Resort)?
Mandalay - 2 nights
Rupar Mandalar
We decided to go to Chiang Mai afterwards; so we'll end our tour of Myanmar either in Yangon or Mandalay, depending on where we can schedule a direct flight to CM. We plan a 3 night stay in CM, prior to our return flight home.
My husband would like to spend this number of days in Myanmar. This itinerary was suggested by Shalom Myanmar, as a good private tour for a first-timer. We are interested in very nice hotels there. We're still selecting a hotel for Yangon. Are the other hotels good, recommended ones?
I will check Bangkok Air, Discovery Pass. I think that we will fly 3 legs - into and out of Myanmar, and CM to BKK at the end.
I plan on contacting Santa Maria also.
Again, many thanks to all of you for your expert advice.
Jun 5th, 2014, 11:01 AM
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I think you should cut Mandalay and use the extra two nights (one each) at Bagan and Inle Lake.
At Inle Lake, there is the Inle Lake View Resort (where we stayed), the Inle Resort and the Villa Inle Resort. The Villa Inle Resort looks very nice on its website and gets good reviews on TA. I don't know if any of the other posters on this forum have stayed here...
At Inle Lake, there is the Inle Lake View Resort (where we stayed), the Inle Resort and the Villa Inle Resort. The Villa Inle Resort looks very nice on its website and gets good reviews on TA. I don't know if any of the other posters on this forum have stayed here...
Jun 5th, 2014, 12:18 PM
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You now have just one day at Bagan and just two at Inle. (3 nights = 2 days, 2 nights = 1 day) Expect it to use up most of a day getting from one place to another with transport, airport time, checking in & out. Given that, I'd highly recommend that you cut Mandalay, as per Craig's suggestion.
I'd suggest you have your two nights (one day) in Yangon at the end, as you will want to be there to take your flight out of the country.
My favorite at Inle is, as Craig mentions, the Inle Lake View Resort. This is different from the others you mention. In Yangon, I love the Strand. But other options include the Savoy (if you like lovely old, colonial hotels) and the Governor's Residence.
As much as Bangkok is my favorite city in the wold, I'd cut down on Bangkok time to have more time in Myanmar. If you really want to go to Mandalay, then cut at least two nights from your Bangkok time to add to Bagan and Inle, which still only gives you a minimum amount of time in both locations. Or cut out CM.
I'd suggest you have your two nights (one day) in Yangon at the end, as you will want to be there to take your flight out of the country.
My favorite at Inle is, as Craig mentions, the Inle Lake View Resort. This is different from the others you mention. In Yangon, I love the Strand. But other options include the Savoy (if you like lovely old, colonial hotels) and the Governor's Residence.
As much as Bangkok is my favorite city in the wold, I'd cut down on Bangkok time to have more time in Myanmar. If you really want to go to Mandalay, then cut at least two nights from your Bangkok time to add to Bagan and Inle, which still only gives you a minimum amount of time in both locations. Or cut out CM.
Jun 5th, 2014, 06:56 PM
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Thank you again, Kathie and Craig. I understand your point, and as much as it pains me to do it, I think that we'll cut 2 days from BKK. I think we'll add 1 night to Bagan (making a total of 3 nights) and 1 night to Inle Lake (making a total of 4 nights). This is not too much time in Inle Lake? And is 2 nights in each of Yangon and Mandalay enough?
Are any of those Inle Lake hotels mentioned above luxurious - 4 stars or 5 stars? It seems that you both recommend Inle Lake View Resort. Does one arrive there by boat?
You suggest that we stay the 2 nights in Yangon at the end. So upon arrival in Myanmar, you think that we should immediately fly to Mandalay? I will check to see if one can fly direct from Yangon to Chaing Mai at the end.
Thanks so very much.
Are any of those Inle Lake hotels mentioned above luxurious - 4 stars or 5 stars? It seems that you both recommend Inle Lake View Resort. Does one arrive there by boat?
You suggest that we stay the 2 nights in Yangon at the end. So upon arrival in Myanmar, you think that we should immediately fly to Mandalay? I will check to see if one can fly direct from Yangon to Chaing Mai at the end.
Thanks so very much.
Jun 5th, 2014, 07:48 PM
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For Inle Lake, consider Viewpoint Lodge and Fine Cuisines. It's in Nyaung Shwe on the main canal to the lake, and a road, so you have walking options too. The overwater bungalows were spacious, clean and Eco friendly. A small sitting room with flat screen TV, comfy large bedroom, modern bathroom and balcony with a lovely over water view to the distant mountains. Also easy access to many restaurants in town.
The hotel had a fabulous restaurant with great and reasonably priced food, and a covered rooftop sunset bar. I would call the food Burmese fusion, it was the best breakfast I've ever had. Staff were all great, including the Public Relations Manager, a golden retriever named Mitsu.
The hotel had a fabulous restaurant with great and reasonably priced food, and a covered rooftop sunset bar. I would call the food Burmese fusion, it was the best breakfast I've ever had. Staff were all great, including the Public Relations Manager, a golden retriever named Mitsu.
Jun 5th, 2014, 08:54 PM
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You asked: Villa Inle Resort & Spa (Is it the same hotel as Inle Resort)?
They aren't. There are so many resorts on the lake with similar names it's almost impossible to tell them apart.
For what it's worth, I booked the Inle Resort for July. http://www.inleresort.com/
The Villa Inle Resort and Spa is here :http://www.hotelininle.com/index.htm
And the Inle Lake View is here : http://www.inlelakeview.com/index.htm
They all look nice. The reason I booked the Inle Resort out of those three was because it seemed to offer the best value for my desires; rooms right on the water, location midway down the lake, great reviews, and a good price.
They aren't. There are so many resorts on the lake with similar names it's almost impossible to tell them apart.
For what it's worth, I booked the Inle Resort for July. http://www.inleresort.com/
The Villa Inle Resort and Spa is here :http://www.hotelininle.com/index.htm
And the Inle Lake View is here : http://www.inlelakeview.com/index.htm
They all look nice. The reason I booked the Inle Resort out of those three was because it seemed to offer the best value for my desires; rooms right on the water, location midway down the lake, great reviews, and a good price.
Jun 5th, 2014, 11:47 PM
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We were in Burma two years ago and did the usual circuit: Bagan(4 nites), Mandalay (2 nites), Inle lake (4 nites) with one nite in Yangon at the front end and two nites at the back end. If I could redo the trip, I would skip Mandalay and definitely add the time back to BKK or maybe add two nites to Chiang Rai after visiting Chiang Mai. Although we filled the time in Mandalay, it was not noteworthy.
Jun 6th, 2014, 06:26 AM
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The Inle Lake View is 4 stars and really lovely. It is difficult to get reservations, as it is much in demand. You don't need to get in/out via boat, but it is a long drive around the lake to get there from the airport and to get to the airport from there.
If you opt to go to Mandalay, do your research ahead of time and decide exactly what you want to see. There are a lot of places people are routinely taken to that I wouldn't choose. This would allow you to see the highlights in one day. Mostly, there isn't much to see in town - The Palace, for instance, is totally re-created and has little (if any) relation to the original palace which was burned to the ground. The pleas I thought were worthwhile were the Mahamuni Buddha, Sagaing, and the U Bien Bridge. That would pretty much take a whole day.
If you opt to go to Mandalay, do your research ahead of time and decide exactly what you want to see. There are a lot of places people are routinely taken to that I wouldn't choose. This would allow you to see the highlights in one day. Mostly, there isn't much to see in town - The Palace, for instance, is totally re-created and has little (if any) relation to the original palace which was burned to the ground. The pleas I thought were worthwhile were the Mahamuni Buddha, Sagaing, and the U Bien Bridge. That would pretty much take a whole day.
Jun 6th, 2014, 06:28 AM
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wkwb -
We had 4 nights at Inle Lake and it was perfect. We had 2 full days on the lake (including Samka in the south and time to wander on our own in the small village near our hotel) and a full day tour to Taungyi and Kakku.
2 days is plenty for Yangon, IMO.
I don't necessarily recommend the Inle Lake View Resort over the other 2. It is definitely a 4-star rather than a 5-star property and it appears that the other 2 may be a step up from that. The Villa Inle Resort had not been built when we went - otherwise I would have given it serious consideration. The nice thing about the Inle Lake View resort is that it is one of the closest to the Heho airport. Also, arrival is by car, not by boat, which just takes more time.
We had 4 nights at Inle Lake and it was perfect. We had 2 full days on the lake (including Samka in the south and time to wander on our own in the small village near our hotel) and a full day tour to Taungyi and Kakku.
2 days is plenty for Yangon, IMO.
I don't necessarily recommend the Inle Lake View Resort over the other 2. It is definitely a 4-star rather than a 5-star property and it appears that the other 2 may be a step up from that. The Villa Inle Resort had not been built when we went - otherwise I would have given it serious consideration. The nice thing about the Inle Lake View resort is that it is one of the closest to the Heho airport. Also, arrival is by car, not by boat, which just takes more time.
