Staff Picks
Tin Phone Wai - Myanmar French Speaking Sales Department
The Shwedagon Pagoda (Yangon) is not only sublime but also the Landmark of Myanmar. It inspires awe in any visitors, foreign or local. As Myanmar saying goes, religious (Buddha) shade is the coolest among the three shades of parents, teachers and Buddha. One can experience how true this saying is by sitting one corner of the pagoda platform. If one sits there from morn to evening, one can feel no greed, no fury or no malice.
I use to go to Shwedagon in the evening when I am tired or suffer some stress. I feel coolness to see pilgrims worship the Buddha or offer flowers, candles and water. I enjoy sweet ring of the bells on the umbrella. It is also a haven for those who suffer some stress and strain in their workaday life as it soothes their suffering.
If you want to know whether it is true or not, visit Shwedagon Pagoda where worries and woes can be driven away.
Traveler's Review
Carla
Dear Laneya and Lee,
I'm delighted to report that our trip to Burma was just fantastic.
Your hotels, guides, itinerary suggestions and arrangements were truly wonderful. Of course, I fell in love with the gracious people and the traditional culture where religion, superstition and mythology blend into one.
Kenneth was the perfect guide, so erudite, humorous, kind, patient and professional. Everyone just loved him! In addition, he is a gourmand so his restaurant suggestions and menu ordering were first rate; a banquet every day.
Everyone enjoyed the varied experiences but the luxurious Pandaw boat cruise with fascinating village trips and an amazing guide in Mr. "Go To", idyllic Inle Lake and the resort (unbelievably gorgeous) and the hikes to the ethnic minority villages were the definite highlights. Oh, and did I mention the shopping? Wow!
I felt so bad for the people involved in the tourism industry in Burma as very few tourists have come this year, as you know. We all tried to do our best to tip as we went along. Everyone brought supplies and we bought supplies in the market along the way. We also gave money to the local guide in Kentung (charming, enthusiastic and absolutely fabulous with the tribal people) to buy medicines, which we delivered on our hikes.
Given the drama at the Bangkok Airport, it was greatly reassuring to learn in Mandalay that the Yangon Exotissimo office worked on an alternative plan B for us. We really appreciated their efforts.
In conclusion, then, I can truthfully say that all of us have become enthusiastic ambassadors for Burma and will spread the word!
Looking forward to traveling with Exotissimo again!
Best,
Carla
November 08
