Hello
Can anybody recommend a good tour company for a private (2 people ) 5 star myanmar tour.
I have noted that a couple of people have recommended odyssey...wondering if anyone else has other recommendations to compare.
Thanks to all replies!
ERB

I just received an email ad from Asia TransPacific for their Myanmar trips.

I'd recommend using a local agent in Yangon to arrange a private trip. We used Santa Maria and they were excellent, but there are many excellent agents in Yangon. I would not use any out-of-the-country agent, as they will not have the connections and the local knowledge to arrange the best trip for you.

Actually Asia TransPacific spent quite a bit of time In Burma last spring setting up its connections, and laying the groundwork for their tour operations there. They also have an excellent reputation and generally have very knowledgeable people in the field for any of the countries they operate in. That said, their tours will be much more expensive than working with a local agency, and you may not wind up with any better--or as good an experience as you would with a local agency. I believe ATP may join forces with some of the local agencies, but you're paying extra for that.

Goldenrock travel did a fabulous job for us!

We used Good News Travels and worked with William. Hotels, and guides were wonderful. We had travelled to Thailand and Vietnam Prior to arriving in Myanmar and DH was running a temperature a day or so after arriving in Yangon. William made an appointment for him with a French doctor and sent a guide and driver to take us there. He changed our flights and altered our itinerary, all with grace, caring and no additional charge. He was a pleasure to work with from planning to the end of our trip. I would highly recommend this company and William.

Myanmargoodnewstravel.com

520, I'm guessing at some point in the future the non-local agencies will establish themselves enough to be viable alternatives to local agents. That hasn't happened yet, and even when it does I expect these non-local agencies will be more expensive. There are some non-local agents who have been in Yangon for a number of years, and their price quotes are significantly higher than the local companies.

Kathie, the few times that we've used agents, we ALWAYS go local. We believe in giving them the business directly--and the cost of the trip is ALWAYS more reasonable. You may remember that we used Santa Maria, too, when we traveled in Burma last fall, and were very satisfied. I do know, however, that TransPacific Asia is highly regarded, and I've spoken to some of their agents at various times and have found them to be very knowledgeable and always helpful. No question in my mind that the non-locals are well on their way to establishing themselves as viable alternatives--but that they will be far more costly.

Hi 520, I do remember that you used Santa Maria.

There are a few non-local agents in Yangon that have been established in Yangon for a number of years, among them Exotissimo and Diethelm Travel. While both are excellent agencies with years of experience in-country, their prices are significantly more than the local agencies. And, as 520 mentioned, it is good to give your business to locals.

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions!

Goldenrock did an excellent job for us! Great guides and able to arrange excellent flight connections within Myanmar. They have a US Burmese contact also if there are problems that need extra attention beforehand.

I am using OWAY travel. I saw the report on NPR radio I Credit cardpaid in advance for the EAST hotel and r/t Air Began to Began. Anyone have an experience with them?

Ted, I hope you haven't given OWAY your credit card info. There are lots of warnings on Thorntree about this "agency" which seems to simply be a way to part travelers from their money. People get tempted by OWAY because it looks like you can book online using a credit card.

Use one of the many reputable local agents.

I have just returned from Burma last month and I was satisfied with Burma Senses (burmasenses.com). They made my trip unforgettable. All the services were excellent. Also, my friend did travel with One Stop in the past and they said that they did enjoy them.

I booked a tour to Bagan through www.visitmm.com last year. I read about them on Tech in Asia; http://www.techinasia.com/visitmm-my...nline-booking/ and seems pretty legit so I went with it. Plus I can pay for my flight online and they emailed me my e-tickets so it was pretty convenient.
I didn't have any problem at all. I had an amazing time in Myanmar.