Guides/agents

Advice re guides to use to organise train tickets hotels etc once in myanmar?

Guides/agents

If you only want someone to arrange for tickets, hotels, etc., then you do not need a guide. There are plenty of travel agents. My advice is to go to a local travel agent.

If you need recommendations, I am happy to give those to you. Or you can search online. As with other people on this forum, if you use a foreign based travel agency (Exotissimo or Diethelm) you are literallyNOT putting money into the hands of the people who need it. The government gets a big chunk AND the foreign operator gets a big chunk - i.e. - less money for the Burmese people.)

If you want a guide, I have used many, and have LOVED one. But she does tours in addition to managing for travel and hotels. If you already know someone through a recommendation, that is fine. If not, email me and I%26#39;ll give you the info.

careers@rcn.com

Cheers!

Guides/agents

Can you clarify what you mean by giving money to the military government? You mean these companies are owned by the government?

The ownerships in Myanmar are not really transparent at all. Some hotels and lots of other things are directly owned by the government. Some more indirectly... like partnerships with private individuals or overseas companies. It%26#39;s probably safe to say that no matter who you do business with, unless it%26#39;s the very small tour operators, agencies or guesthouses, that some money will filter back to the government via licences and or taxes as everywhere else in the world.

You have to admit that it is difficult to visit Myanmar and choose only those suppliers who do not pay taxes

A reliable and friendly local and small travel agency in Yangon (private company).

Peacehouse Travel - see peacehousetravel.com

We have used this travel agency twice since 2004. Understand they are privately owned (according to Lonely Planet Guide). But as a previous response on the forum, guess some of the money filters through to the Govt.

Columbus Travel 586 Strand Road, Ianmadaw Township, Yangon.

T +95 1 229245

columbus@mptmail.net.mm

www.travelmyanmar.com

They arranged hotels/flights/guides for us - Yangon/Mandaly/Inle Lake/Kyiang Tong/Yangon at reasonable price.