Burma

I have to disagree with Mr Harper regarding Bagan hotels - the best in my opinion is the Aureum Palace; far and away the best class of hotel in the region. HOWEVER, it is another Tay Za property, and should be approached with caution. We stayed having booked prior to our knowledge of the connection, and came away with the opinion shared by Kathryn Morris, which was that our money was finding its way into the hands of the local staff, all of whom were exceptional in their attentiveness.We drove past the Thripitsaya hotel to drop off other passengers after our "Balloons over Bagan" trip, and it looked average but reasonable. It seems to have a preferred location on the water.

I almost forgot about this!
 
Fabulous trip to Burma.  We worried about it at the last minutes as our dates were 10/24-11/2, right before the election.  Sadly, a non-event in the everyday lives of the citizens, so there was nothing for us to worry about.
 
Malikha Lodge was spectacular.  Impeccably furnished and the service so very gracious.  Truly 5 star.  The river rafting was enjoyable (more like a float) and the highlight was an all-day 8 mile "hike" we enjoyed through surrounding villages.  Fascinating to meet the people of so many different indigenous tribes, each with their own unique clothing, home building style, etc.  I cannot say enough about our guides.  It was probably the highlight of our trip.  The new owner/government connection is a huge disappointment.  Having said that, we would recommend others stay there based on the many (200) people employed by the lodge.  There is no doubt the impact in terms of training and job skills as well as employment in this rural part of the country.  We would do it again in a heartbeat.
 
Inle Princess was lovely, as was Thiripsaya.  Governor's Residence a "10" as well.  I did not expect the standard of tourist infrastructure to be so sophisticated ~ a pleasant and delightful surprise.  We did not have enough time, and could easily have spent three weeks in Burma.
 
Regards.

Thank you, thank you.
I am aiming for Balloons over Bagan for the sunset day we arrive, so that if weather or something else prevents us from going we will try of another am/or pm opportunity.
I would be glad to share about the trip upon my return!  So very excited to go to Burma, as I love the Buddhist countries and have not had the opportunity.  My daughter will be on UVa's Semester at Sea, so I am meeting her in Vietnam after Burma.  I am actually repeating places I have been in Vietnam because I want to take her there, but it's been a fun trip to plan.
Cheers!

Hello,

I haven't stayed there, so I can't officially recommend it, but I've also heard that the Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort is the best hotel in Bagan.

As mentioned in the newsletter, do not repeat my grievous mistake of missing out on Balloons Over Bagan!

Regards,
Andrew Harper

P.S. Looking forward to hearing about your trip on the forum!

Thank you...very helpful on the Lodge.  I'd deduced that there was a sale of the property, but sorry to hear it was Tay Za.  Still, I think it is not "government owned" and that we are leaning towards doing it.  The other downside I understand is that cancellations can occur "at whim," especially since he owns the only airline that flies there!  Yes, had chosen two nights at Inle Princess but was not sure where to stay in Bagan.  Old Bagan, New Bagan?  Thiripyitsaya Hotel's name has come up several times and nothing else sounds particularly intriguing.
 
Thanks again.

Hello,

Malikha Lodge was initially on my list, but it was recently bought by Tay Za, one of Burma's most notorious tycoons (I saw his driveway full of Lamborghinis in Rangoon — very impressive). Some expat friends told me that the purchase wasn't exactly a mutual agreement — the original owners are now developing a new property in Bhutan. Obviously, traveling in Burma is fraught with these kinds of concerns, but owing to this news and some timing issues, I decided to give it a pass.

That said, the place and the surroundings look gorgeous. You can find a shameless puff piece about it in this issue of the in-flight magazine of Air Bagan (which Tay Za also owns!).

Regards,
Andrew Harper

P.S. Inle Lake is not to be missed. The best property there is Inle Princess. Two or three nights should suffice.

Has anyone been to Putao, in the far north of Burma?  I was surprised the Malikha Lodge, designed by Jean Michel Gathy, was not included in the March issue.  The one couple I have spoken to who has stayed their claimed it was the highlight of their trip to Burma.  I plan to travel there in late October '10 and would love any feedback.

Hello,
The Travel Office also recently sent two consultants on the Road To Mandalay, and they would be happy to talk about their experience with you. You can reach the Travel Office at (800) 375-4685, (630) 734-4610 or reservations@andrewharper.com. Ask to be connected with Ruth or Erica.
Best Regards,
The Travel Office

Hello,

Expect a full report in March!

Regards,

Andrew Harper