I requested specific hotels, destinations and sites and I am grateful for your input.
the organisation you provided since landed in Yangon and until departure was perfect
our guides:
Soe in mandalay was a very knowledgeable chap with a great sense of humour and understanding.
we enjoyed his company and explanations / views of the country past and now.
definitely will keep in touch with him.
Kinsoe in Bagan proved to be very aware of history facts and dates and made our discovery of the Bagan site very interesting as well.
As for the chap in Yangon, I feel he has a lot to learn; his tour of the city was boring and apart from some historical facts, he was more interested in talking to the mates he met along the way and shopping for his kids than taking us around.
we had to wait for him several times which is not acceptable.
his suggestion of a restaurant for lunch was very very bad (and I mean bad) and his ' the company reserved you a special surprise in the afternoon not part of the tour' was part of the agenda anyway ! I did not even tell him I already knew; I dont think he would understand !
hotels:
Belmond governor house was perfect; room, location, style, food, service...as expected
By the red canal in mandalay is really a 3 stars disguised into a higher level.
indian food very good, service slow and amenities were very basic for a hotel of this category.
also very steep access to rooms , no handrails; very dangerous. very basic bathroom facilities.
breakfast a disaster.
The boat trip was superb; boat, accomodation, service, food, the crew and organisation were top.
unfortunately the guide was very unprepared, his explanations disjointed and comments (when available)basic and very boring.
everyone on board complained about his knowledge and communication skills)
Hotel in Bagan was just above basic: had to complain on arrival: dirty room, internet not functionning, room door lock brocken, dirty bathroom. the grounds and steps leading to our room were not clean and unswept during the whole of our stay !
food very average, nylon table cloth with holes... not a 5 stars.
service staff very friendly and wanting to please though.
the hotel in Nagpali was excellent, both in location and service and hopefully will be preserved as is.
food a bit expensive considering the quality and choice.
summary:
very enjoyable journey discovering Myanmar and thank you for the organisation.
hope the demand and development dont ruin the landscape of the country in the years to come.
found that the level of service demanding western prices was not always met, specially for the quality of food in some location.
it was pleasing to get to know the locals, their views and aspirations and to witness the happiness of the people.
discovering this wonderful country and its people
the cost and prices hotels demand for basic service and accomodation claiming to be 5 stars. ( although aware as has travelled many times to south east asia)