+ So, really, what’s included?

-> All accommodation in Myanmar for the duration of the tour (13 nights).

-> Airport pickup when you arrive in Yangon, and we'll get you back to the airport if you fly out on our final day.

-> Most meals are included – every breakfast, and either lunch or dinner every day.

-> All entrance fees to sites, museums, parks, and more.

-> All forms of transport necessary to complete our itinerary.

-> Personal assistance and travel guidance from myself and my team of Myanmar guides.

-> Assistance for obtaining your Myanmar tourist visa (it's pretty easy).

-> All tips for all of our drivers, guides, guesthouses, etc. We believe in paying a fair wage to our team, rather than having them rely on tips from guests to make ends meet.

-> And of course, all of the unplanned magic you can expect visiting The Golden Land with an expert & photographer with more than a dozen trips to the country in the past 7 years.

+ And what’s not included?

-> Airfares to and from Yangon are not included, but we will assist you with booking your flight if you require assistance. You will need to arrive on (or before) the starting date.

-> Travel insurance is not included, and is mandatory. We require proof of insurance.

-> Some meals – Generally you'll be on the hook for one / day.

-> Extra activities – Fancy a hot air balloon flight over Bagan or Inle? We'll help you make it happen.

-> Drinks. Be it freshly squeezed juice, Myanmar beer, or a glass of Myanmar vino... those are on you.

-> Any fees or charges that you incur as a result of you canceling this trip once you have made a booking with us, we are not responsible for – including any charges your airline or transport provider charges you.

-> If you arrive on a different day from the start of the tour, and you don't stay at our partner guesthouse, you'll need to get your way from the airport.

-> If you arrive early or depart late, you will be liable for all expenses not included in our itinerary. We'll be happy to book reserve accommodation with our guesthouses for any extra days you need.

+ Anything else?

-> You will need to sign a waiver releasing us from any self-imposed craziness that you get up to.

-> You are responsible for obtaining any additional travel visas you may require – but of course, we will assist if you need (it's easy).

-> For those who wish to arrive early or stay longer in Myanmar, we would be more than happy to assist with some ideas and plans.

-> Travel can be unpredictable. I like to freestyle it a bit. So, some of the itinerary may be subject to change. In the unlikely event that any major changes are required, we will discuss and keep you in the loop at all times. Our goal is to make any changes for the best. In the unlikely event that the tour is cancelled by us, you will always receive a full 100% refund – unless the trip cancellation is due to a “force majeure” event – something beyond our control (such as a natural disaster). However – we will always strive to provide you a full refund – we will go to all lengths to protect my stellar reputation.

+ How do I get a Visa?

For most western countries, you can now apply right online, and in ~96 hours you'll be set. Just print that sheet of paper and bring it with you when you travel, and present it on arrival in Yangon. It's simple and we'll help you make it happen.

+ What kind of people come on the trip?

We've had folks join us from USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Switzerland, France, Ukraine and more.

We've also had people from all walks of life, from those who are on their first big trip, to those with 80+ countries under their belt. Many share an interest in going deeper into a culture, and many share a love for photography, be it enthusiasts and pros packing a bunch of gear, or those taking snaps in the street with their mobile phone. Those who are curious about life are always welcome.

+ How does COVID-19 affect my trip and the policies around it?

Due to the uncertainty around the COVID-19, guests are entitled to have their trip balance moved to another trip if we decide to cancel the tour due to logistical, safety, and/or travel complications related to Covid-19. We’ll only run our trips if we deem that it’s safe to do so for both our guests and our communities on the ground in Myanmar.

A full refund will be offered if we must cancel the entire trip due to COVID-19, or travel logistics become impossible (ie: government travel bans)

+ What if I have paid, and then I change my mind. Can I get a refund?

Sometimes the best-made plans need to be put on hold, or cancelled. Unfortunately, we will incur costs from the moment your seat is reserved. However, we don’t want to act all big and corporate, so this our promise to you:

-> If you cancel, $500 USD of any ticket price is non-refundable.

-> If you cancel within 60 days of the tour start date, you will lose 100% of your ticket price (this is due to the difficulties in finding a replacement for you at such short notice).

-> If you cancel between 60 and 90 days before the tour start date you will lose 50% of your ticket price.

BUT – we will always do the right thing, so, if we fill your seat after you cancel, we will refund at least 80% of your full ticket price.

+ Is Myanmar Safe?

You'll see the sign "Warmly Welcome and Take Care of Tourists" just like I did the first time I arrived to Myanmar. At the time, I thought it was hilarious. But now I know it's true! There are few places in the world I feel more comfortable walking around at night with my camera at my side than this country. The citizens of Myanmar are wonderful people who you'll find are keen to share an afternoon tea and chat with you on the streets. Tourists are treated with respect by the citizens and the authorities.

When it comes to the local customs, we'll assist you all the way. Essentially, it means that we have covered shoulders and knees, particularly when visiting religious sites. No biggie.

The areas in which we will be traveling together are safe and stable.

+ Is it ethical to travel to Myanmar right now? Should travel to Myanmar be boycotted?

Given the situation with the Rohingya in the western part of the country, I think this is a valid question.

Historically, boycotts have shown only to harm the people who make their living through tourism, as well as further isolate a country and its population.

It's my mission to support local people and locally owned businesses. This means avoiding government / crony-owned and affiliated businesses and services whenever possible.

The Un-Tour to Myanmar specifically supports guides and people from marginalized groups as well as social enterprises who do the same. Unfortunately, when thoughtful and responsible tourists decide to not come to Myanmar, it's these same locals who lose out, and they are the best hope that the country has to enact change.

I don't believe that punishing the many superb and remarkable people who benefit from tourism helps them or their country do better.

+ Is this an adventure tour, or a photography tour?

I am all about adventure, and this trip will be one to remember. Everyday will be exciting, but there won't be any mountains to climb or cliffs to jump off of. This is adventure that everyone can take part in. Folks on my tours have ranged in age from the 20's, to mid-70's. My wonderful mother joined on a trip very similar to this for her 60th birthday, and it was no problem for her. Everyday we'll do some walking, riding e-bikes, maybe jumping on a horse cart or two. It's adventure for everyone.

That said, you should be able to walk for a few hours and up/down stairs without much problem. The e-bikes we'll ride in Bagan are like electric scooters, but if you would rather not ride one, we'll sort you out with a tuk-tuk. And of course, everything is optional, so if you need a break or don't feel up for something, no big deal at all.

Also while I am a professional photographer, this isn't a typical photo tour where all we do is go and take photos. There is a focus on it though and I'm here to assist and level up your photography game, whatever level it may be, be it with a smartphone or a full set of gear. There will be plenty of opportunities to capture the magic of this country in photos, and it just so happens that I know the best spots to help you along.

+ I'm travelling solo. Do I need to pay extra?

I travel solo much of the time so I know what you mean. We'll match you up with another solo traveler and you can share a twin room. You had better believe that there is no extra charge for solo travelers on the trip, unless...

+ What if I’m travelling solo and I would like my own room?

No problem! If you're solo and you'd prefer your own private space to wind down at the end of the day, don't sweat it. For $390USD we'll get you your own room for the entire trip together. Just let me know and we'll make it happen.

+ Speaking of rooms, where are we staying?

We'll be skipping out on the shady government-owned accommodation to stay in family / privately owned hotels and guesthouses. These are places I've stayed at many times in the past and are well taken care of, and run and staffed by wonderful people. That said, this is Myanmar, where power outages are still common, and water is heated by the sun on the roof, and that might mean your iPad doesn't get to charge fully everyday.

About those iPads (and all that technology): while we will have access to WiFi in most of the places we lay our heads at night, it's important to know that Myanmar is a decade (or two) behind in terms of internet access. So don't worry if you can't share that epic selfie right away.

+ Can I go off on my own? Will there be free time?

Yes! While we'll have activities planned for many of the days, I've baked plenty of "free time" right into our itinerary so you can explore on your own after you've gotten your feet wet. Go off on your own adventure, or ask for some ideas and we'll make sure to send you on the right path.