I "thought I posted this on Friday but can't find it$%^&*(

Craig I tried using your travel agency but they didn't get back to me. Someone I know personally used another agency, so I emailed them. This is what they said to me about the places I "stole" from your report. What do you think? Is it BS? Once I have the trip "in order" I will use all the email addresses that you Fodorites supplied. I am not necessarily looking for the best price, but a reliable agent.

Thanks,
Bette [email protected]">[email protected]


Pindaya is for 50 km from Inle lake. It is very nice place but it takes time to go there. One full day is needed.
Day 5 Inle Lake (day trip to Taungyi and Kakku)
Day trip to taunggyi and Kakku is neither recommanded for its long drive (about 5 hours up-&-down) from Inle Lake. And especially not for its cultural importances. there will only be recently renovated pagodas in Kakku and Taunggyi is administrative capital for all Shan state where motor bikes and relatively modern features on daily lives of people around city. No monuments at all to see apart from old state-cultural museum of socialists time.

Bette,

Taunggyi/Kakku is an all-day trip. I think you need one or two days on Inle Lake to fully appreciate it and then if you have time you can do Kakku.

The main feature of Taunggyi is the central market which was very interesting. Our guide lives in Taunggyi so we were able to visit her home there. Taunggyi is a "modern" city.

It is about an hour or so each way from Taunggyi to Kakku and an hour or so each way from the lake to Taunggyi, depending on where you go from. Both rides are quite rural and scenic.

It depends if you are interested in people or monuments. It's true that there are no monuments but these are the areas where you can really connect to the people. I'm someone who thought bagan was by far the least interesting part of my trip and avoided most temples etc but I lOVED the shaN STATES. But that's me. You need to decide what interests you.

One more thing, Bette - although it is not directly on the way, it makes more sense to visit Pindaya Caves after you arrive at Heho Airport and before you head to Inle Lake - otherwise it is a waste of a day.

Thanks Guys ... I really like people more than monuments ....... and Craig I will keep that note on Pindaya. Hopefully I will hear from your agents ... I did email them at all three places.......

If you don't hear from Santa Maria within 2-3 days, send a polite follow-up e-mail to the three addresses.

I can also recommend a guide if you want or if you don't get a response from the people you are contacting.