Burma and Cambodia

Burma’s (Myanmar) self-imposed isolation over the past three decades has paradoxically made this land a more desirable destination for Westerners. This is a pristine, native Buddhist culture that is not yet tainted with the gaudy expressions of commercialism and globalization – a stark contrast with its rapidly modernizing neighbor, Thailand. We found life in Burma undisturbed by many of the excesses of the West. Burma is populated by an enthusiastically friendly people; sincere, kind-hearted, and devoutly Buddhist. Perhaps the fundamental Buddhist belief of self-denial converges naturally with the economic backwardness of this land. My wife Beverly, our three-year old daughter Zennia, and I were simply overwhelmed by the genuine hospitality and friendliness extended to us as well as to all visitors to Burma. This truly is a land of times past. In this place you fully realize that you do not need conventional wealth to attain happiness. Most Burmese we met lived a very simple life compared to the West –very few TVs, autos, or household appliances. However, everyone seems well-fed and happy – completely enmeshed in their Buddhist culture. Burma, in fact, is by far the most Buddhist of all Southeast Asian countries we have visited.

*Following are some of our observations while traveling for three weeks in Burma:

The Burmese and Family Travel in Burma

The Burmese are among the most handsome people of Asia – lean, big-eyed, and full of smiling faces, particularly the wonderful children! Our spontaneous visits to primary schools and orphanages were spellbinding. Our daughter Zennia performed an impromptu "ABC" recital at the small orphanage in Maing Thuke village near Inle Lake.
Two orphans followed with local Burmese songs and introductions. Although it was gut wrenching to see so many disadvantaged orphans, this brief one-hour visit was one of the most rewarding experiences of our trip.

Especially when traveling with a family in Burma, we recommend using a "throughout" guide/escort. As we did during our trip, we provide you with one guide to travel with your family throughout your itinerary, including all of the domestic flights (using Air Mandalay). The "throughout" guide gives you continuity and companionship with your family, as well as saving you a lot of time at the airports and connecting points.

Rest assured that traveling with children in Burma is an easy, positive experience. Because of the Burmese heartfelt love for children, our daughter Zennia was showered with attention and found impromptu playmates in the villages and towns throughout our journeys. As with adults, it is imperative that you safeguard your children with all the necessary vaccinations and malaria pills before embarking on a trip to Burma.

Bev and I firmly believe that traveling with Zennia actually enriched and enhanced our overall travel experience – do not hesitate to bring the kids!

Cruising the Irawaddy River!

The journey on Burma’s Irawaddy River was one of our great travel experiences. Revived from its British colonial heyday in the 1920’s, the PANDAW is a restored teak and brass river steamer made in Scotland with luxury amenities. One of the features that make the PANDAW unique is that it’s built with a shallow draft frame which allows stopovers all along the river to visit local villages and stupas. We utilized a two-night cruise on the PANDAW from Bagan to Mandalay. Our boat had 24 state cabins. Because of the PANDAW’s small size, we had a close intimate look at Burma through the Irawaddy, while also meeting some interesting and fascinating shipmates. The facilities are world class and so is the food!

Cash – Cash – Cash! $$$

Since August of 2003, neither credit cards nor travelers checks are accepted in Burma.
Although your hotel/ground arrangements are pre-paid before arriving in Burma, you will still need lots of USD$ for tipping, incidentals, and shopping. We recommend bringing extra USD$ to take advantage of the shopping in Burma, especially precious stones!

Tree Bark Sunscreen

You will quickly notice many Burmese, particularly children, wearing a mud-like paste over their faces. Grounded with water, this tree-bark light brown substance is used as sunscreen/make-up for protection against the burning Burmese sun. This is unique to Burma.

Very Limited Internet Access

Although you are allowed to send out e-mail and receive e-mail, the current government allows no access to Internet search engines.

Our Favorite Luxury Hotels in Burma and Cambodia

Burma

Pansea Hotel (Yangon)

Although frequently overlooked because of the more famous STRAND, we feel the 40-room PANSEA is a luxury gem! Located in a beautiful, quiet diplomatic area of Yangon, the Pansea is a beautifully restored colonial Burmese teak mansion. The private lotus gardens and free form pool only add to the uniqueness of this property.

The Strand Hotel (Yangon)

Originally built in 1901 and completely refurbished in the 1990’s, the five-star STRAND is truly the luxury colonial landmark in Yangon. The 23 deluxe suites are beautifully decorated in a updated post-colonial style. Traditionalists may enjoy the old world colonial atmosphere of the Strand, which preserves such customs as "dressing for dinner", where gentlemen are required to wear a jacket while dining in the evening. Please note that the Strand has a somewhat nondescript and isolated location for taking an evening walk.

Thiripitsaya Sakura Hotel (Bagan)

Located in Old Bagan on the banks of the Irawaddy River, the Thispitsaya demands at least a two-night stay in Bagan! You will feel at once pampered and also at home in this very friendly property. The eights suites are a special treat. Also noteworthy are the tropical gardens, the largest swimming pool in Bagan, and the spa – perhaps my most relaxing massage in all of Burma! The Thiripitsaya is a perfect resting place after touring the temples and stupas of Bagan.

Inle Princess Hotel (Inle Lake)

This is the most luxurious resort in the Inle Lake area. Surrounded by lush marsh and by the Inle Lake itself, the 28 wooden chalets that make up the Princess have a distinctive Burmese tropical flavor. Only approachable by boat, we felt the overall service level at the Princess was excellent – Beverly thought her facial at the Princess was the best she has had anywhere in Asia! The place is full of smiling staff!

The Sedona Hotel (Mandalay)

We consider this to be the best hotel in Mandalay. Outwardly the Sedona seems like a typical large resort hotel with all the deluxe facilities. Beneath all this, however, is a staff that we felt were among the most friendly, genuine, and helpful that we have encountered anywhere – you will really feel at home here!

Cambodia

The Grand Hotel D’Ankgkor Raffles(Siem Reap/Angkor Wat)
The Raffles Hotel Le Royal (Phnom Penh)

There is no question that these are the two premium luxury hotel properties in Cambodia. Both Raffles properties in Angkor Wat and Phnom Penh boast rich colonial histories dating back to the early 1900’s. Designed in Khmer and French colonial styles, both hotels have been completely refurbished to world-class standards. We particularly enjoyed the breakfast and dinner buffets at the Grand Hotel D’Angkor - dinner and breakfast are included in your room rate at this property. Try out the Elephant Bar at the Raffles Hotel Le Royal. If you are traveling with kids, both Raffles hotels have very nice "kiddy pools!" Upgrades to "Landmark" rooms are a great value and well worth it.

The Amansara (Siem Reap)

The Amansara, the former guesthouse of King Sihanouk, is situated in the center of Siem Reap and is an ideal elite property for privacy and extreme luxury. If you desire pampered isolation, this is your place. The resort, which has only 12 suites, is arranged around a central garden courtyard. The intimate scale of this exclusive resort provides a perfect base for travelers to relax after exploring the Temple of Angkor. The library has an extensive library of books on Khmer culture and we can arrange for talks given by visiting scholars.

Randy & Beverly Lynch,
Founders of K&C