How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Our tour leader Nicholas, was very knowledgeable, hard working and dedicated. This is a new relatively tour and Nicholas made every effort to ensure everything ran smoothly. We were a large group of 16, and for a young man he dealt with the responsibility very well.

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

If you want a great holiday with fantastic memories, Book this trip.

Do you have anything else to add?

Burma is a fascinating country, the people are wonderfully friendly and welcoming. This tour will give you so many memories, from fast boats up Inle lake, Pergoda's of gold, and smiles that melt your heart.

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Very good.  He adapted the programme to take account of the adverse weather conditions that we were encountering (heat!) and the needs of individuals in the group.  Hotel and airport check-ins were handled efficiently.  He and the support team worked well together, and seemed to be enjoying the tour as much as the customers.  Our group was only 10 people and the staff:customer ratio was excellent.  

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

There are hills in the first few days - they're long rather than particularly steep - and so you need to prepare for this.  Our tour was the last of the season - spreading into March - and it was very, very hot in Mandalay and Bagan.  The cycling here is easier as far as topography is concerned, but the heat was a real problem for some.  My perception was that there was a greater proportion of off-road cycling than the trip notes suggest.  The bikes are mountain bikes and don't have panniers/baskets.  Suggest you bring something small that you can fasten to the frame to carry sunscreen/camera etc.  There are visits to a lot of pagodas and I wish I'd a better grasp of basic Buddhist beliefs before I set off.  

Do you have anything else to add?

This is a tour which covers the standard touristic sites of Burma but which also takes in places unseen by most visitors and allows much greater interaction with Burmese people.  ATMs are starting to appear in the larger towns but I can't vouch for their reliability.  

How was your Explore Tour Leader?

Mark Steadman was a brilliant tor leader, a credit to Explore.

What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?

Make sure you put some miles in on the bike before you go the first two days have some interesting hills. After that its down hill most of the way.

Do you have anything else to add?

no just do it - don't die wondering.