you really only have 1.5 days in sin... you could use another day or two.. there is plenty to keep you busy..

in thailand, HH is always a good option for a few days and easy to get to... hyatt is fantastic there..

Looks good the way it is BIlly. 10 nights in Myanmar, not including the beach time, can be split up into something like this:

3 nights Yangon
3 nights Inle
3 or 4 nights Bagan

I've heard from friends that the beaches in Myanmar are nice but very quiet with not much choice for dining. I've "Tagged" some of my friends picture from Ngapali and they were there in December 2011.

Once you have your dates set DO BOOKED the Balloon ride in Bagan, I know you don't like height but it was great.

Some of our pictures from 2006 - 7 (password = Fodors): http://khun-pook.smugmug.com/Travel/Myanmar/4034196_5jSCfF#!i=234875798&k=hLvnn

Forgot about this - I am hearing that the recently opened resort in Inle, The Aureum Palace Inle, is beautiful. Just opened but by the time you guys visit they should have ironed out all the wrinkles. The Aureum in Bagan is nice too and soon there will be a Water Library restaurant, think of it as the French Laundry of Asia, in Bagan as well.

http://www.aureumpalacehotel.com/inle-about.htm

Thanks Bob and Pook!

Bob, I figure we'll get to the hotel by 10 AM so that would really give us almost 2 full days. I'd rather tag an extra day at the beach if we can swing it (and I figure it may be a whole day of transit to get to one.)

Hua Hin? Hmm...don't know anything about that place. Thanks to our friend, I've had quite a wonderful time there. Thinking of going somewhere more south on this trip though. Koh Pha Ngan and Langkawi both have registered on the radar but not sure.

Pook, thanks for the links! BTW, where is that hotel in the gallery titled 'Putao Part 2'? The one with the fireplace, etc? That looks beautiful!

And, yes, my worry about Ngapali is that there really won't be *anything* to do but sit on the beach since it's so remote. And, BTW, I'm fine with heights...it's David that I'll have to hit over the head with a hammer or drug first. But don't worry: we'll get him up there!

I am so glad you have decided to go to Burma (even without Cheryl's persuasion). Ten days in Burma will certianly give you a good sample.

As I'm sure you know, Silk Air flies from Singapore to Yangon. I'm not sure what time the flight arrives, but I'd suggest you immediately fly to either Inle or Bagan. I'd spend 4 nights at each Inle and Bangan and two nights at the end in Yangon.

I'm not a fan of the Aureum Hotels. They are owned by Tay Za. I'd suggest at Inle either the Inle Lake View or the Inle Princess. In Bagan, you can't beat the location of the Tharbar Gate. The Aureum is way out in New Bagan, you'd need to have a car and driver to visit most of the temples (I prefer the horsecart). On our second visit we stayed at the Tryptisaya in one of the fabulous river front suites. The problem at that hotel is the food is pretty mediocre.

Of course, in Yangon, I recomend the Strand.

Let me know if Cheryl and I can be of help in your planning!

Kathie, I think there are two Silk Air flights: one gets in at 9:30 AM and one gets in at 3:45pm. Is the later one too late to catch a flight to Inle or Bagan? I'm guessing it's pushing it.

Also--do you recommended an order (Bagan then Inle or vice versa?) or is it really just about the flight schedules?

Pook, how long do you think it might take to get to Koh Pha Ngan from Yangon? I assume 1.5 hours to Bangkok, then 1 hour to Koh Samui, then however long to car/ferry/etc to the island?

Is it me or are hotel prices generally higher in Burma than other SE Asian destinations? Not that it's a problem, but I was a little surprised just from looking at a few places (not just Aureum) about the prices.

I think you could have a few days in SP and not get bored. The silk air flight in the a.m is the one I took and I know it's early ish but it's SO easy to get the the airport from the centre of Singapore ( 20 minutes max) I have a few restaurant places for you if you want( planning on going back to SP in September for my 8th visit to see my pal)
I would DEFINITELY contact Santa Maria as they can get REALLY good rates for hotels and flights in Burma
Book the silk air flights yourself much easier.
Check out the Fullerton Bay hotel in SP gorgeous and a fabulous rooftop bar (make sure you go to that bar even if you don't stay there)
We stayed at the Strand and the Savoy in Yangon, the former is very nice but the surrounding area is a dump, the Savoy had a bit more atmosphere in the bar etc but is not as luxe, liked them both though.

BTW I went Singapore this Christmas (again rainy season) and we had one day of torrential rain, the rest of the time it was gorgeous. Don't sweat it about the weather and any way there is plenty to keep you occupied if it does rain!

(ps check out my FB pics of SP you can see the bar I am talking about on there)

Billy your estimate is correct and from Samui it's about a 30 minutes boat ride to Phanga. The Anantara Rasananda is suppose to be nice and directly on the beach yet a fair distant away from the "crazy" crowds. Check out the link below and they have a page with all the travel data.

http://phangan-rasananda.anantara.com/

Putao is way up North of Myanmar and my friend said that it's good trekking country around there and it's a 4 hours hike on foot to the snow capped mountains on the borderline with China. Just wanted to show you the accommodation but if you like trekking then Air Bagan flies there as well.

Hi Billy - I would like to cast another vote for a longer stay in Singapore as there is lots to do there. The 3 nights we had last July were not enough. We stayed on the Club
floor at the Intercontinental - if you get the "Friends and Family" rate, it is quite reasonable for Singapore. The hotel is well situated and the Club Floor makes it as nice a place as any on the planet.

If you have 10 days in Myanmar, that is enough to do Yangon, Bagan and Inle Lake. We loved the Aureum Palace in Bagan and as long as you have access to transportation the location is no problem. You need a minimum of 2 full days in Bagan and 3 or 4 full days at Inle Lake. Interior flights are relatively short and most leave early am, allowing for a full day of touring. We didn't really care for Yangon but it is worth a day at each end of your trip - flights in and out are tricky to coordinate so you will likely be stuck there anyway. Click on my name for my trip report if you haven't read it.

Glad you have finally decided to take the plunge - Myanmar is rapidly changing.

You are right, hotel prices in Burma are higher than much of ES Asia, and are going up rapidly with the huge influx of visitors. In comparison to other SE Asian countries, the numbers are still miniscule, but the tourist infrastructure in Burma is severaly limited.

I'd take the early flight to Yangon and choose Inle first or Bagan first depending on the flight schedules.

I'd make the Bagan hotel decision in light of how you want to see the temples. As you know, our trip to Bagan was the fulfillment of a childhood dream. Seeing the temples in the traditional way, via horsecart, was a necessary condition for seeing the temples. Obviously, not everyone feels that way. We started out via horsecart, but I knew we could switch to car and driver later if we wanted to - we never wanted to. There are thousands of temples, so you'll never run out of new temples to visit. We visited quite a few places that didn't seem to be accessible by car. But we did not visit some of the more distant temples that would have required a car. Even on our second visit we opted for the horsecart.

Personally I think a mixture of both, I tired of the horse and cart ( maybe because it made me feel slightly sick) both could be a great option. We stayed at the Aureum, and didn't find it's location troublesome ( again check out my FB pics) wonderful location. The food was average but then I didn't find the food that great anywhere in Burma.

Did you all read those stories on TA about 2 families being electrocuted in the Aureum's showers (happened again recently and one of the people died, supposedly.) I try not to buy into TA hoopla, but I did think it was interesting--perhaps more damning--that the hotel didn't respond to either instance on TA, lending more credence to the stories.

OMG really, I didn't hear about that! I hope it's not true, what an awful thing to happen.

Just found the review you are referring to Billy and it does read like an authentic, real, experience. However, a few of us here have stayed there without any problem so I hope it's just a freak accident that will not occur again. We didn't see any other hotel or resort in the same league while in Bagan but that was a few years ago.

>>>We fly into Singapore and fly out of Bangkok<<<


Greetings Billy and early congratulations on forthcoming initial visit to our fine home of Singapore. (And am confident you are going to appreciate certain aspects of Changi, my favourite airport.)

Would love to see you spend more time (and money...) in SIN. To date, the city-state has far exceeded my expectations for a place to maintain a personal residence and conduct business.

Not certain of your ultimate budget, but can assure from more than a few business travel stays, the Four Seasons Singapore is a rather fine property. Before purchasing a home in SIN, the 4S was my main work abode. Have remained friends with some great management and staff. Not too many evenings back, the 4S lobby and bar venues were as elegant and festive as ever.

Can't help you with Burma; not on my current Asia business travel circuit (hope springs eternal) and have yet to find time for holiday in that part of the world.

As for beach time - and another potential budget buster - will give a promotion to the Amanpuri and a couple of great Thai Aman staff we've gotten to know over the years. Mind you, almost all of our visits have been low season for long weekends. Last visit was last October via SilkAir business class. As you probably know, various airline lounge access rules are rather fluid; for our Oct. SilkAir flights, the SQ PPS status (some years, more lowly than others) was more than sufficient for SIA's SilverKris lounges at Changi. Love those lounges, particularly the SKL in Terminal 3.

As for Bangkok, suspect you know the scene. As of last month's Valentine's Day (and a memorable King celebration last December), the Peninsula remains quite the sanctuary.

Last - and most certainly not least - any chance Singapore Airlines figures with your current (and future) long-haul plans? That SQ 37/38 all-business class, non-stop service, LAX-SIN-LAX is quite the efficient ride. Have flown her for work on only a few occasions, but such efficient, well-tended flights. And don't forget SQ 11/12 with those A380s; suspect you would like those suites.

(And if you detect a touch of SQ bias, well, I am writing this post from my main N. America business travel port of San Francisco. Arrived earlier today from Incheon (and SIN) via SQ16; great crews and some special friends. Week of meetings, then back to Asia this weekend.)

I am very happy for you; sounds like the making of a special time. Savour your planning; as a cherished mountaineering buddy would say, 'honour the process'.

Enjoy,

macintosh (robert)


... Singapore Airlines, You're a Great Way to Fly ...

While I am naturally suspicious of TA reviews, I do remember that as we were planning our first trip and thought we'd stay at the Aureum, the reports of both Craig and Hanuman about the electrical wiring gave me pause. So I would give the reviews more credence than I would otherwise.

The Tharbar Gate isn't as glitzy as the Aureum, but the suite we had was huge, and the little walled garden was the best feature (we had lunch in the garden every day). The riverfront suite at the Triptisaya was fabulous, and the terrace overlooking the river was just great. We had afternoon tea there one day, and our neighbors had lunch on theirs. We didn't see any new upscale places being built, but do ask Zaw at Santa Maria about any new places.

I actually posted the very first review of this hotel on TA after petitioning them to list it on their site. At the time I complained about some its dicey electrical connections. Obviously these have extended to the shower and its water heater. I am amused that the person whose auntie was electrocuted rated the hotel "poor" rather than "terrible"...

All, do check the 'Poor' review if you haven't (Craig, I agree, it was a bit odd that they wouldn't give it the lowest rating) but more importantly check the 'Terrible' review...which is another story--considerably earlier than this one--where almost the exact same thing happened to another family. Luckily they didn't die.

What gives me pause is that any decent business (especially a higher-end one as this one) would absolutely respond to those posts especially when such outrageous and incendiary claims are made (i.e., I almost died, or died, in your hotel.)

Will talk more to Zaw, but honing in on Thiripyitsaya as of now.

Kathie, et al,

What is the verdict on guides? I'm leaning towards NOT using one comprehensive guide with Santa Maria...and just figuring things out as we go from destination to destination in Burma.

I'm trying to save on costs and definitely don't want to pay to have a guide follow us around the entire trip. Plus, given the experience we had with extended-period 'guided tours' in China last April I'm sort of generally opposed to guides who spend too much time with you in a given set time period. It got old very fast.

BUT, that said, I still do want to get guides where we *need* them. We're fairly self-sufficient but where history is imperative I feel like you can't skimp. For example, I never would have wanted to tour Angkor without the history and background we got from our guide, Dara.

So, at the very least, I have a feeling in Bagan we'd want one. Although, I hear in places like Inle you don't really need a guide if you have a boat driver. They kind of are one in the same.

Any guidance in this department would be useful. Thanks!

Ok, I'm like you and don't want a guide following me (or worse yet, trying to lead me!) around all the time.

At Inle, your boatman is unlikely to speak much English, and certainly isn't a guide. When you go to Sankar (and you should) and Kakku, you'll automatically get a Pa-O guide. Otherwise, there is no need for a guide at Inle. At Bagan, of course, I recommend Min Thu who is incredible - best guide we've had anywhere. He can take you by horsecart (highly recommended) and can take you by car as needed to remote places.

Did you arrange him through SM or independently?

I would also suggest one for Yangon, you only need them for 1 day ( or maybe half) but we did go to some interesting places and was a much more efficient way to see the city. When we got back to Yangon a week later we just mooched around on our own (BTW for me Shwedagon is a must visit in the day and at night!) I also have to say when we landed in Yangon from Bagan seeing the familiar face of the SM driver was a welcome relief in the crazy scrum of porters!

Sounds like part-time guides would work for you - someone to help you navigate the 3 or 4 major sites in Yangon and someone (like Min Thu) to give you the history of the temples in Bagan. You don't need a guide at Inle Lake but our time there was greatly enhanced because we had one (see my TR). Guides in Yangon or Inle can be arranged through SM. Min Thu can be contacted directly. SM will do whatever you want so if you only want a guide part-time, that's okay. I highly recommend arranging transport from the airports with SM.

I recently returned from a three week trip to Myanmar. Based on my experience, you do not need to pay SM for a taxi transfer from Yangon airport. It is 3 times more expensive than going to the taxi desk in the airport and getting a taxi. It is fast, easy, and inexpensive. As far as guides go, we used them for the ancient cities in Mandalay, Kakku and Sankar. If you can't book Min Thu, then you probably need a guide in Bagan, as well. You can get a guide on site at Schwedegon Pagoda if you do not want a guide for all of Yangon, which I do not think you need. If you want more details on navigating Myanmar, click on my name for my recent TR.

No, we did not arrange Min Thu through Santa Maria. We found him in Bagan and have since recommended him to many.

We used a driver (but not a guide) in the Ancient Cities areas around Mandalay.

We opted for airport transfers only at Mandalay and HeHo (for Inle).

We did not use a guide in Yangon - it's really easy to get around on your own.

Kathie, unfortunately Mandalay is not on the itinerary. The other two places you mentioned, though...Sankar I know is near Inle but not familiar with Kakku. Another day trip from Inle?

BTW, thanks EVERYONE for such good advice so far. Already contacted and reserved Min Thu (!) for December. Kathie, you mentioned something about a car for "further afield" sights in Bagan. Can Min Thu arrange that as well?

Plan to get airport transfers in Inle and Bagan. Still on the fence about a guide in Yangon. May follow Nicky's suggestion and just get one for a few hours.

FW if your time is short ( and I suspect it will be in Yangon ) I know you can do it on your own but you will get to see so much more, more efficiently. Yep it's a bit of a luxury but I found it easier to get them to whizz me round in a day and then look at other stuff at my leisure when we got back. We didnt have a guide at Shwedagon when we went back at night ( although that didn't stop some old guy walking round with us and showing us all the great photo spots.., )

When are you going? Will you be in LA end Nov/ beginning Dec?

Mandalay is the least compelling of the "big four." You have chosen your places to visit wisely, IMO.

Sankar is the southern part of Lake Inle. I wrote a post on my long-neglected travel blog about what to see at Inle: http://www.travelindependently.com/recommendations-for-inle-lake

Kakku is near Inle. If you go back to my 2009 trip report, you'll see that we visited Kakku on our way from the airport to the hotel.

Min Thu's brother drives a taxi, so Min Thu can arrange airport transfers for you for the standard rate of 6000 kyat. He can also arrange a car for any of the farther away temples you might want to visit. I have to admit, we didn't do that, but Robbietravels did.

Wow - you are moving right along on your trip planning!

Back to the guide question. Sometimes they can make things happen you couldn't on your own. As I wrote in my report, one of our quieter guides still made extra arrangements including special permission, for us to find and visit a Myanmar artist in his home! That was a highlight for us!

Have you all had trouble getting through to Santa Maria via email in the past? I've emailed them 3 times now (once through the website and twice directly) and haven't heard a peep back.

Better to Skype them?

FW - they can be a bit slow , as I believe the email connection can be intermittent. have you made contact at all?

No contact at all, Smeagol. That's why I'm starting to get a little concerned.

Keep trying, using all email addresses you have. I once had to resend my email 4 times before I heard from them.

Internet is not exceptionally reliable in Burma. (now there is an understatement!) While I was there, their internet went down for several days, and I called them for Shelly. I have two email addresses for them, and they said I should always send to both. Also, at their recommendation, I opened a gmail acccount. They sometimes have problems with email to/from aol accounts. I'm still on Kauai, so I don't have all my notes from my planning, but I'll see if I can find the two addresses I used. Also, Zaw said if I didn't hear from them in a couple of days to re-send the emails. I only had to do that a couple of times in our long correspondence.

Bill, I will forward one of the emails I used , which almost always got a response within 24 hours, see if that helps. X

Is it best to book Balloons Over Bagan through SM or independently?

Through Santa Maria was less expensive. And dont book it for your last day in Bagan in case the weather is bad, leave time to reschedule if necessary.

Definitely book Balloons through SM.

FW can you FB msg me your email address ( I have mislaid it) I will send u the Santa Maria email i used.

Okay, so a few more questions. Finally got in touch with Zaw and already have a tentative itinerary from SM that I can work with (wow--that was fast!)

*Difference between Tharabar and Thiripyitsaya? What are the pros and cons of each?

*Zaw has us with a guide basically the whole time we're in Inle. That's fine with me if that's "normal." I'm assuming it'd be hard for us to do much of anything outside the hotel without one? But do we want some "down" time at the Inle Princess too?

*Right now, they have us doing 3 nights in Yangon which honestly seems WAY too much to me (1 on arrival and 2 at the end.) Thinking of requesting dropping the last day in Yangon for an extra night in Inle (right now they have us: 1 night Yangon, 4 nights Bagan, 3 nights Inle, 2 nights Yangon)

*Kathie, he is including airport pickup at Bagan airport through SM but I remember you mentioning that Min Thu had a means to do this. I'm wondering if the difference in cost is trivial and perhaps it's better to stick with SM for this given the ever-changing flight schedules and their ability to really stay on top of that (pick-up time wise)?

Oh I'll definitely have more questions--now I really have some meat to dig into here. This is my favorite part!

1. The Tharbar Gate is ideally located right at the entry to the main concentration of temples. We had a suite - huge - the good part was the little terrace in back where we had lunch each day. The food at the Tharbar Gate was ok to good Avoid the European set dinners and order a la carte from the menu.

The Thiripyitsaya is located on the river in Old Bagan. The regular rooms are apparently very small, but the riverfront suites are huge and have a great view of the river, especially from the porch/terrace. The suite was well-appointed with a huge bathroom. We loved the suite. The food there, however, I woould term barely edible. The breakfast buffet has virtually nothing I woould eat, and the one thig I found on the menu that I could eat was a club sandwich.

2-3. You don't need a guide at all at Inle. Your hotel will get you a boatman, and the boatman will take you where you want to go. At the Lakeview, they had a map, and we went over our itinerary each day with someone from the hotel, who then told the boatman. We could make changes by saying no to a destination or pointing to a different place on the map where we want to go. If you go to Sankar (and you should), you'll be required to ppick up a Pa-O guide on the way. Likewise, if you go to Kakku, your driver will pick up a required Pa-O guide on the way. No need at all for a SM guide at Inle. And you may want a half a day down time at the Princess. I agree, make it four nights at the Princess.

4. SM charges (I believe) $30 for an airprot ick up at Bagan or Yangon. The cost for Min Thu's brother or any local driver from the airport is 6000 kyat. Even if you weren't using Min Thu's brother, the airport transfer is cheap and easy to arrange when you arrive. I just emailed Min Thu any flight time changes, but I swear everyone knows when the flights are going to land. Likewise in Yangon, the taxi drivers charge US$10 and there is a stand inside where you pay your taxi fare. For Inle, you really want Santa Maria to take care of the transfer.

You've got a great start!

I was in Myanmar for 20 days in Jan of this year on a trip arranged by SM. You do not need a guide with you every day, although we did see many others being led around by "companion/guides". It would have been too much for me to be accompanied everwhere with a guide. Pick where you need/want one and tell SM.

I stayed at the Tharbar Gate Hotel for 4 nights in a deluxe room, It was fine, although lacked in some areas. I have included details regarding the hotel and the many food options around it in my TR. From what Kathy says about the food at the other hotel you are considering, I would go with the Hotel at Tharbar Gate.

We spent 4 nights at Inle Lake and thought this was the right amount of time for us.

I would definitely drop one of the days in Yangon, you really don't need 2 at the end, save it for somewhere else.

we loved yango and its outskirts and would spend 3 days there again.. i can only see sooooo many temples in the countryside..

SM has proposed the following during Inle. Given that we're not probably going to use their guide there now, the point is probably moot, but I'm still curious about the suggestions they are making. I had specifically asked about Sankar and Kakku per Kathie's suggestion but they came back with this:

-Morning visit to traditional five‐day market and half day trip to Inn Dein village
-A day trip to Sagar, seldom‐visited village near Inle lake

Any info would be appreciated...

I'd assume Sagar = Sankar. There are more alternate spellings for this place! This trip is a full day.

I recommend a stop at one of the 5 day markets - as long as it isn't the floating market, which is a zoo. Don't even go to the floating market on a non-5 day market day.

InDien (also spelled InnDien, InThien, etc) is a must-see. We went first thing in the morining, and were back down at the foot of the stairway before the first boatloads of tourists arrived.

You can likely do both the 5 day market and In Dien in one morning.

We did Sankar one day and Indien the next, but could be done in one day. Both were highlights.
When we went to Sankar it was market day there, a Wednesday, so if it works out with your schedule plan a trip to Sankar for Wednesday and go early enough to see the local market. We were the only tourists there.

ALso, I got a quote from SM for a trip to Sankar and then a quote from the hotel we stayed at and SM was at least double the price for exactly the same thing. Some things are best done on your own.

Kathie, 6000 kyat for an airport transfer? Isn't that like $900?

Unless I'm mistaken, isn't it like 6 kyat to the dollar?

lol, no, the 6 kyats to the dollar was the old "offical" exchange rate - a fiction no one believed. The current exchange rate is in the range of 800 kyats to the dollar. And there are now bank exchanges in Yangon and upon arrival at the airport that give you the real exchange rate, no messing with the black market. But for $900 I'd be glad to arrrnage an airport transfer for you...

The markets around Inle rotate on a five-day basis, so it changes days of the week, it's not always on a Wednesday at Sankar. But the hotel and boatman will know where the 5 day market is each day.

Thanks Kathie, I didnt know how that worked. Going on a market day is a bonus if you can.

Sorry about the change of subject, but can't contact you directly and I was just wondering what kind of volunteer work you did for the PLF? I am thinking of a return trip to SR and would like to volunteer again but am interested in what other options there are other than teaching English. I enjoyed the teaching and children but not sure if I was all that effective! Thanks.

You will LOVE Burma.

Just looked up airfares from Singapore to Yangon for December. It shows it at about at $317 ONE WAY PER PERSON!

And I though the tickets to Siem Reap were bad.

Could it possibly be that this flight is so booked up in late December already that the fare is that high -- or could it just be that I'm trying to book it so far out?

Wondering if it's better to try and go through Eddie @ Amex in Bangkok (is he even still around?) or possibly even Santa Maria in Burma....

moremiles, sorry--didn't see your post til just now. Not to get too off-topic, but you can pretty much do anything you want at the PLF. I was teaching high school kids some documentary filmmaking skills. I went to film school, so that's my background--and what's so great about the PLF is that they really are looking for people with specialized skill sets to come in and teach. So whatever random talent you may have is something that might make a unique lesson for the kids. Even if you don't feel you have something "special" to bring to the table, you can pretty much propose anything you'd like and run it through Lori. While I was there, these fab British ladies (who have since become friends) were creating a mural on one of the school walls with all the kids. I don't know if that qualifies as "teaching" in the typical sense, but let me tell you: they did an amazing job and the kids were thrilled to participate. I'd talk to Lori directly if I were you (email her) and just start brainstorming some ideas. And one final thought: I'm sure Lori has told you already -- and as much as it's normal to think 'I didn't do that much" -- you HAVE made a difference. Just showing up and being there is difference enough.

Silk Air, is, I believe, the only airline that flies from SIN to RGN. And Silk Air is typically expensive. When I last communicated with Eddie, he said that for airlines you can book online you get a better price than he can.

I'm looking at my flights to/from Java, and if I can't get them to do an openjaw, the flights will be something like $1200 per person each way (when booked at one-ways).

FW - when I booked my flight with SA last year to RGN from Sin it was about £340 round trip for both of us. I don't think that was the saver fare as they had sold out but I remember when I was watching the fares there wasn't a massive difference. They do do specials every now and then ( or try and snag a "saver" one - although I suspect you won't get bargain flights. I just remembered Jetstar Asia fly to RGN direct from Singapore and they have a morning flight but i am not sure if they are much cheaper than Silk Air. I have flown Jetstar but when we were in Australia, they were as good as any other budget airline. Hope that helps...

Ok just checked Jetstar and the have direct flights available In December ( Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday) running at about $148 ( Australian) with one checked bag..... So what that about £75 or $115(usd) each? One way. Flight is 09:10am.

Oh my god, Nicky. You just saved me a fortune. I had no idea Jetstar flew there and it's half the price. $150/each all-in. Thing I liked about the SilkAir flight is that it gets in really early giving us that day to tour Yangon. But, for the cost savings this would be worth it.

I owe you big-time!

My pleasure, I just suddenly remembered them as I considered them last time but we couldn't make the flights works ( I think) and I occasionally check them out when Air Asia fails me. think the trick is book early though and I do believe they are strict re the baggage thing. As I said we used them in Australia a few years ago and they were fine.
Anyway, you KNOW I will be needing loads of details from you ref my trip to California.

FW you could still do that day tour of Yangon, get the guide to pick you up from the airport, have a very quick pitstop at the hotel and you're good to go, that way you can finish at Sunset at Shwedagon......

Hi Bill, I didn't read through this whole thing, but I did notice the question about guides. I was pretty disappointed in general with the guides and drivers in Yangon and Mandalay (Inle was excellent) that SM provided. We ditched them and hired a taxi outside the hotel and then finally got to get off the cow path a bit. Highly recommend you do the same. The SM drivers/guides we had just WOULD NOT veer from their itinerary, no matter what, it was super frustrating. The dudes in the little blue trucks are like the tuktuk drivers in Siem Reap, all of them friendly, speaking great english and ready to jump through a hoop for you.

moremiles give me a shout~!

Lori

I have via the website and thanks filmwill! Good luck with your planning.

Have a follow-up question regarding travel insurance. Normally we just insure the non-refundable portion of our trip (so anything that we'd lose if we canceled up to the day before our trip.) But I've never paid upfront for complete service like we are with Santa Maria.

With SM, as many of you know, you have to pay half the cost (or a portion of the cost) upfront as a deposit and the rest when you arrive.

In keeping, I was planning on only insuring the non-refundable portion of that deposit. For those that have used them before, I assume we're not obligated to the 2nd payment due to cancellation (in the VERY unlikely chance of that happening)--that the down payment is essentially a non-refundable security deposit to cover that exact scenario?

I don't know the answer to that question, but expect that if for some reason you had to cancel, SM could resell those rooms in a New York minute. Ask Santa Maria.