Review: Luxury Southeast Asia Tour, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Yangon, Bagan Hot Air Balloon Ride, Chiang Mai Elephant Experience

Review by traveler

Alberto K.

11.21.2015

General Info

Traveler Review

Which Country (Countries) did you visit on this trip?

Myanmar (Burma)

Cambodia

Thailand

Your overall comments on the trip and the travel company:

We had an excellent experience but there are some observations worth mentioning.

The agency should take more attention to the client's profile when suggesting the itineraries.

Experiences like the meal at the archaeologist home in Siam Reap had a nice purpose to it, but it did not work for us because even though they were very welcoming, the place and the environment were very uncomfortable for us making this an unpleasant time.

Also, the dinner cruise at Yangon was really bad because it was not AT ALL how they described it. The "port" was very dirty and in very bad condition, there are no nice views and when the highlight is the view of the golden temple from the river it is very disappointing to reach that point after 45min and only to be able to see it form afar. And to finish the experience, all the food was fried, it was cold and not appealing at all. We asked for wine and it was not included. In a few words... a big mess and a huge disappointment.

The guides were ok, but it is important to mention the excellent attitude, personality and willingness to please the clients of the guide in Bagan. Kudos to him!!

About the itineraries, when offering this trip, the #1 highlight should be balloon ride over Bagan and sunset at the sunset Temple.

Yangon should only be an overnight stop (if there are Jewish clients, a stop and visit to the synagogue should be a must).

When in Siam Reap there should be time to visit the central market (we had to ask the guide to give us time to do this after some friend's suggested to do so).

The elephant experience in Chiang Mai was great but a bit long. The agency should suggest the clients to give themselves a day off the itinerary if staying at the Four Seasons hotel to enjoy the facilities.

What were the most enjoyable or memorable parts of your trip?

As mentioned before, our most enjoyable and memorable part was the sunrise balloon ride over Bagan.

Also, sunrise at Angkor What and sunset in Bagan Temple were amazing.

The four temples we visited at Siam Reap were great and very different.

The chanting of the monks on the hills of Chiang Mai was very special.

Riding, feeding and learning about elephants was very unique.

If you could take your trip again, what would you do differently?

If taking this trip again or recommending it to friends, we would definitely tell them NOT to take the sunset diner cruise in Yangon, to turn down the invitation to eat at local houses, to spend only a day in Yangon.

Travel Company's Comment

In regards to the meal at the archaeologist's home in Siam Reap...

Per the client's request for unique experiences, food, romance and adventure, we suggested the special activities like Home Hosted Meals at the archaeologist home in Siam Reap so the clients may experience the local life and culture in Cambodia. We have used this host for many years and the comments have been very positive most of the time for our clients that have dined with this family in the past. We are very so sorry that this special activity made the clients feel unhappy and unpleasant due to the place and the environment.

In regards to the cruise in Yangon...

Myanmar is a developing country and have just reopened so it is something that has to be worked on by the authorities. Whilst it may not be anywhere near the standards of Singapore for example, it is unlikely to change in the next 3-5 years. Myanmar is in a transition period right now and this is one of many things in the pipeline. Yes the ports in Myanmar are not really in a nice, developed area unlike other countries and the views are never good plus they are 1 – 2 hours from downtown and this may have made the clients feel uncomfortable.

In regards to the elephant experience in Chiang Mai...

This is highlight tour in Chiang Mai and most of the clients loved and enjoyed with this activities. This tour was also confirmed to book by the clients.

In regards to a free day at Four Seasons Hotel...

A free day was planned in Chiang Mai for the clients to enjoy the facilities at Four Seasons.

Photos

Review: Luxury Southeast Asia Tour, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Yangon, Bagan Hot Air Balloon Ride, Chiang Mai Elephant Experience

General Info

Which Country (Countries) did you visit on this trip?

Your overall comments on the trip and the travel company:

What were the most enjoyable or memorable parts of your trip?

If you could take your trip again, what would you do differently?

Real Customer Reviews

Other Reviews for Travel Agency 263927

Small Footer