Travel Review: Myanmar Tour, Mandalay, Yangon, Inle Lake, Bagan Hot Air Balloon Ride, Kalaw Elephant Camp, Local Food & Culture

I would have paid more for a hotel room with a view in Yangon.  The room we were allocated on the first night overlooked the roof tiles and nothing else.  Very disappointing, especially as I stipulated that I wanted a view.  However, they redeemed themselves on our last night when we returned to Yangon as they upgraded us to a room with a view of the lake.  Honestly, I would have paid more $$ for a room with a view and, at the end of the day, I think a few extra $$ for a wonderful view won't matter to clients who have already paid a lot of money for their trip.

The hotel in Mandalay was nice but it was quite isolated.  You can't simply walk out of your hotel and go for a wander.  You need to get a taxi to wherever you want to go.  It was the least favourite hotel of the trip. The bar wasn't very inviting - we looked in once and decided not to stay for a drink.  Also, just for your information, there are currently roadworks along that stretch of road and I don't know how long they will continue.  It might be worth reviewing this until the hotel is more ready for guests.

Parts of Inle Lake were really touristy and I personally would have preferred to have visited the lesser know temples and workshops.  Some of the places on the itinerary were overrun with tourists and I couldn't wait to get out.  But I admit that I am particularly angsty about hoardes of tourists and most people won't mind them so that's not really a problem.

We didn't realise that the visit to the Tea House in Yangon included lunch, otherwise we would have skipped breakfast on the plane!  The Tea House was great, if only I wasn't so full.  The tasty morsels looked delicious and I'm just sorry I wasn't able to try more of them!