Why Take A Tour With Me?
Traveling independently in Myanmar can be great if you have the time and the patience, but decoding the beautiful puzzle of this country takes time... time that most just don't have to unlock the secrets.
Years... that's the time I've put in to get under the skin of this place to find out just how it ticks. It's my passion.
I want you to experience the Myanmar that I know and love. The one where we don't just watch from afar, but we learn and participate (if you like) to deepen your understanding of this land. We'll do that by picking up a bit of the local language, maybe throwing on a traditional longyi to wear around town while we wander (seriously comfortable), and hearing the stories of the country from the Myanmar people themselves.
The tour is purposefully small, with a maximum of 8 people. In addition to myself, we'll have my team of Myanmar guides and contacts at our disposal. Yes, 2-3 guides for 8 people (!!) means that questions get answered, different perspectives shared, and the opportunity to split off into even smaller groups instead of crowding around like most tours. (And as it should be, half of our guides are women.)
Totally photogenic. I've been photographing around the world for the past 10 years, and the past 7 in Myanmar. My work in Myanmar has been displayed in print, galleries, and licensed commercially around the world. I know the great spots (I’m even writing a book about it), so don't forget your camera. This isn't a typical "photo tour," but photographer or not, I'm confident that you'll come home with some of the best photos from a trip you have ever had.
Local, local, local. We'll be staying in nice accommodation that is locally owned by families, and not the government. We'll be eating in local spots that make fresh, delicious food. We’ll be learning about and supporting social enterprises to help leave a lasting impact beyond our time here. And we'll be meeting the local people, including some from my documentary project “This Myanmar Life.” So when you leave the country, you won't have just "seen" but you will understand what makes this place so amazing.
I LOVE food. For years, guidebooks and authors have been complaining about Myanmar cuisine. Obviously, they didn't know where to look. I absolutely love Myanmar food, and I'm sure you will too... and we'll dive deep into traditional cuisine from a host of different ethnic groups including Shan, Intha, Palong, Bamar, Wa and Mon including some home-cooked and farm-to-table meals.
I've been told over and over again by our guests to market this as a food tour, and I'm sure you'll agree that it is indeed that good. Make sure you have an extra notch available in your belt.
We know how to plan Myanmar right. Travel in Myanmar can be exhausting, and I'm a big fan of spending more time in less places. So instead of trying to hitting every city or town, we'll be spending more time in a few really remarkable places instead. This will allow us to go deeper into each location, not spending all of our time sitting in a bus or a plane going from place to place.
My Team
I couldn't be more proud of my team of licensed guides from around the country. Each brings their own perspective and specialty to our journey.
Han Ni Soe
Hailing from Kyaukme, high up in the Shan Hills, Han Ni Soe dishes out skills and knowledge as quickly as the mountains around the village of their youth.
Aung Ko
Growing up playing in the temples of Bagan as a child, it's no wonder Aung Ko knows them like the back of his hand.
Laminn
Having lived in Kaung Daing on the edge of Inle Lake for more than a decade, Laminn knows (and cooks!) Intha and Shan cuisine with love.
Aye
With family spread all over the country, Aye has extensive knowledge of Myanmar's traditions.
“The Un-Tour to Myanmar strikes an incredible and unexpected balance. I was well fed and well rested. And yet, we moved through experiences and settings at a brisk pace.”