We recently spoke to a local trishaw driver that confirmed our suspicions: most visitors to Myanmar come on an organized tour.
The other night, we had the misfortune of having our cozy little temple-top sunset viewing session invaded by a bus full of Japanese tourists. They swarmed our magical and secluded spot, and we actually left some time before the sun dipped below the horizon. Each tourist had a loudspeaker hanging from around their necks, directly connected to their tour-guide, so that they could have a constant feed of information. Another nifty device played soft music (oboe and strings) while the sun slowly lowered itself behind Bagan’s ridiculously beautiful temples.
I guess it could have been a tour group from any country, Asian, European or American. The point is that I never see us travel in that style. What’s the charm in having it all served up on a tray?
You know the term, “fly by the seat of your pants?” Well, that's been our philosophy for most of our adult lives – before and after meeting, falling in love and marrying. We're now taking that idea on a 14 month round-the-world trip. Follow us as we share the good, the bad and the downright nasty of life on the road.
We were in Bagan in 2004, it was amazing. Didn’t see any of these package tours that you have run into. It is sad that so many people travel in packages in Myanmar. good for you for going independently. the less money to the government the better.
Been checking out your other posts as well. We saw the ruins the same way as you! Horseback one day and bikes the next. Things haven’t changed too much I see:)