Jenny Lane from Blue Eye Travel shares where best to send clients for an authentic taste of Asia.
Having lived in for two-and-a-half years, I had the fantastic opportunity to travel throughout Asia, during which time one of my favourite places was .
If you have clients looking for a real and authentic taste of Asia, Myanmar has to be my number one choice. Having remained in relative isolation for a long period, the country is rather unspoilt and allows you access to little known villages and countryside alongside bustling historic cities.
For clients wanting a highlights trip, these can easily be seen within a 10-12 day period; or if they have more time, there is plenty to keep them occupied. Clients can start their trip in the buzzing city of with its shining Shwedagon Pagoda, which dominates the city skyline. One tip for your clients is women must cover their shoulders and be prepared to leave your shoes at the front door as you are not allowed to enter with shoes on. has fantastic colonial architecture and markets to explore so it?s a great place to start.
Bagan has more than 2,000 temples and pagodas in all shapes and sizes. I would recommend either hiring an e-scooter (there are no petrol scooters) or a driver to get around as the temples and pagodas are quite spread out. Advise clients to catch either sunrise or sunset at one of the bigger temples for a magical experience.
From Bagan clients can either head directly overland to Mandalay, known for relics of its regal heritage, or they can take a mini cruise down the Ayeyarwaddy to Mandalay. The cruise is a good way to view different parts of the country from the water and provides you with an opportunity to disembark at local villages. After Mandalay, a nice option is to take the train to Pyin Oo Lwin, which was used by the British as a retreat from the soaring temperatures, so it retains much of its colonial architecture and, as a centre for flower production, there are blooms everywhere!
Inle Lake is one of the most recognised places in Myanmar, with the iconic images of the fisherman standing on one leg. Clients can explore the lake itself via boat or water taxi allowing them to view the stilt-house villages, take some time to relax in one of the hotels that flank the lake or interact with the locals who live in the surrounding villages.
