We are planning are trip for early February 2009. Having reviewed the very good information on the forum it would be great if we could get some feedback on a couple of topics.

Background. This is our second trip to Myanmar but our first was long ago - probably 20 years. We have traveled extensively in India, Bhutan, Laos, etc. Our interests is in markets, nature/wildlife, temples - but not to the point of exhaustion, and the outdoors - hikes of 2 to 3 hours.

Basic itinerary.

Yangon. Transit as quickly as possible but a revisit to the Shwedagon Pagoda. Overnight on day of arrival and probably on outbound subject to flight scheduling. Hotel: Probably the Savoy with Governors Residence as alternative.

Bagan. Two nights allowing 1+ days of temple visits. Question. Is a half day trip to Mount Popa worthwhile? What about morning balloon? Hotel: Aureum Palace.

Mandalay. Two/Three nights. Brief visit in main city. Excursion to Amarapura and Sangaing - but not rushed. Question. Mingun - worthwhile. The boat ride would be nice but is there anything at Mingun really worth visiting? Hotel: Considering Rupar Mandalar Resort since it is small (16 rooms) but we can't find any reviews.

Inle Lake. Two/Three nights. Excursions on lake and local day hikes. Hotel: Trying to decide between Inle Princess Resort, Inle Lake View Resort, and Inle Resort. Question. Inle Resort seems to be only one with A/C - would that be important? Have read mixed reviews on TripAdvisor.

We are going to look very hard at airline schedules and attempt to avoid the early morning flights. Our goal is to have a reasonably relaxing trip so and extra day or two is quite OK.

Any help or suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Yangon: Savoy was excellent in 2007.

Bagan: I think two full days is optimal. While Mount Popa is interesting, it is not worth it if time is in any way limited - the trip is really an all day affair. Absolutely do the morning balloon ride - it was the highlight of our trip. Aureum Palace is the best hotel in Myanmar but don't expect everything to be perfect - it is Myanmar after all.

Have not been to Mandalay.

Inle Lake: Day hikes? Don't know much about that - we would have done them if they existed - would be interested to know what you come up with. We stayed at the Inle Lake Resort - 4 star and OK - you can get to it without taking a boat, saving time - interesting village within walking distance. A/C totally not necessary in February.

Good luck on avoiding early morning flights - not going to happen. The plus is that if you adjust your sleeping schedule it works out fine and you can schedule a full day of touring on your arrival at each destination.

Please read my trip report which should give you some more ideas:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34957632

Post back if you have questions.

Craig,

Not pressed for time but don't need to haul out to Mt. Popa unless it is special.

We will certainly share what we learn on hiking in the Inle Lake area.

In your report it did not sound like the day trip to Taungyi and Kakku was all that compelling. Aside from a day on the lake - and the potential hikes - which I have yet to confirm - what would you do in the Inle Lake area?

Well I thought Kakku was magical but it takes a lot of time to get there - obviously we had that great experience going to our guide Joyce's family home that day also - if you could hook up with her, that would be a special experience. Taungyi has a great everyday central market - no tourists and very colorful. Here are photos of all of our trip:

http://craigandjeane.smugmug.com/gal...14672362_u7duz

I've stayed at the Rupar Mandalar Resort in Mandalay and thought that it was OK. The only thing I didn't like was that it was a bit out of town.

Mingun was OK and the marble temple next to that was worth a visit IF you do visit Mingun. The boat ride is probably nice but we took a car instead(quicker).

I felt that we would not have missed much if we hadn't visit Mandalay and in hindsight spend more time around Bagan and Inle.

As Craig have said DO the balloon ride, it's really worth it. Bagan was my favorite city in Myanmar and the Inle Lake area was second favorite.

We stayed at the Inle Princess and really like resort there. IMO the cheaper room/cabin are the best choice or value there. At night it can get very cold so be aware of that.

I have some more pictures to add to Craig's and you might find the pictures from the Inle Princess and Mingun interesting.

Forgot to post the link to my pictures: http://khun-pook.smugmug.com/gallery...34875798_hLvnn

Thanks for sharing your pics. I really enjoyed them. I grew up in Burma and think I went to school at the Savoy Hotel. I am told my old school was converted to a bed and breakfast or hotel and it looked like that. All your pictures are gorgeous.

Several of the posts are rather ambivalent about Mandalay. Why is that?

Mandalay just seemed like a crowded, noisy city. I enjoyed the visiting the teak bridge at amarapura but that was about it.

Forgot to add, I also wasn't that crazy about Mt. Popa, but enjoyed the drive and the stops along the way. One caveat, I am definitely NOT a temple person to begin with.

I am definitely not a city person. The teak bridge sounded OK - especially if you take the time to walk across.

What about Sangaing. It sounded like it might have some interesting paths and things to see. Anyone have any comments?

Oh, I can handle a two or three temples a day but I quickly zone out after that.

Mandalay was basically just a crowded city. However, I enjoyed visiting those making crafts - marble carvers, etc. Where else in the world can you see men pounding gold into gold leaf?

Mandalay is an entry point for going to Hsipaw and treks and exploring there.

I also had an excellent guide there (Sai Moon)which made it a memorable experience.

Stunning pictures, Craig and Hanuman. Wow. Thanks for sharing.

Sagaing looks much more interesting in pictures than it was in person. I'd actually forgotten I was there.

My fondest memories are of the wicked sense of humor of my British companions on the slog up the temple steps. The visit overall was just ok for me.

Femi, Thank you. It is often hard to judge the visit value from books and especially tour operators.

Wonderful photos! Looks like I am going to be there the first week of Feb. also tacked on to this last minute trip I'm taking-really looking forward to it!

How exciting for you, moremiles. I know what you're talking about from the other thread; and now you're visiting my homeland! Can't wait for the trip report.

Hey nc, and yes, I am SO excited about seeing your country and all the rest of my trip too!