Burma, Laos & Cambodia Private Tour

Similar to the other “luxury” hotels throughout Burma, the Governor’s Residence is in need of renovation from the many years of economic sanctions levied on the country. That being said, this Victorian (teak) boutique former mansion is our favorite hotel in Yangon. Located in the leafy embassy district of the city, the rooms have a nice aesthetic with local Burmese wares displayed throughout. The Governor’s Residence is a particularly special place in the evening, with the property and lush grounds illuminated.

Similar to the other “luxury” hotels throughout Burma, the Governor’s Residence is in need of renovation from the many years of economic sanctions levied on the country. That being said, this Victorian (teak) boutique former mansion is our favorite hotel in Yangon. Located in the leafy embassy district of the city, the rooms have a nice aesthetic with local Burmese wares displayed throughout. The Governor’s Residence is a particularly special place in the evening, with the property and lush grounds illuminated.

Located on a nicely landscaped hillside accessible only by longboat, the Pristine Lotus property is our #2 preferred Inle Lake resort, on the occasion that Princess is full. Although the 49 split-level chalets offer only partial lake views, the accommodations are spacious with updated amenities. Interestingly, a nearby hot spring provides hot water for all the chalets. Similar to the Inle Princess, Lotus has a very nice small spa and well-prepared restaurants. The Inle Princess is our favorite – that being said, there is not a big drop off when staying at the Lotus.

Located on a nicely landscaped hillside accessible only by longboat, the Pristine Lotus property is our #2 preferred Inle Lake resort, on the occasion that Princess is full. Although the 49 split-level chalets offer only partial lake views, the accommodations are spacious with updated amenities. Interestingly, a nearby hot spring provides hot water for all the chalets. Similar to the Inle Princess, Lotus has a very nice small spa and well-prepared restaurants. The Inle Princess is our favorite – that being said, there is not a big drop off when staying at the Lotus.

The Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort is located on the banks of the Irrawaddy River overlooking 800 years of history. Once a Government VIP guest hotel, the Thiripyitsaya is now a collection of 70 bungalow rooms amid a beautiful setting of tropical gardens. Although we feel this is the very best non-government hotel in Bagan, the rooms are dated and not really deserving of a 5-star status. Nevertheless, as with other hotels in Burma, the service here is heartfelt and sincere.

The Thiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort is located on the banks of the Irrawaddy River overlooking 800 years of history. Once a Government VIP guest hotel, the Thiripyitsaya is now a collection of 70 bungalow rooms amid a beautiful setting of tropical gardens. Although we feel this is the very best non-government hotel in Bagan, the rooms are dated and not really deserving of a 5-star status. Nevertheless, as with other hotels in Burma, the service here is heartfelt and sincere.

This is the largest hotel (over 240 rooms) you will experience during your Burma private tour. Although registered as a 5-star hotel, the amenities and service more closely resemble that of a 4-star property. That being said, we feel that the Sedona Hotel’s clean and comfortable atmosphere makes it the best hotel option in Mandalay.

This is the largest hotel (over 240 rooms) you will experience during your Burma private tour. Although registered as a 5-star hotel, the amenities and service more closely resemble that of a 4-star property. That being said, we feel that the Sedona Hotel’s clean and comfortable atmosphere makes it the best hotel option in Mandalay.

This beautiful 34-room luxury property has been among the top two or three hotels in Luang Prabang for quite some time. Though its hillside location overlooking the city is a bit far from the main Luang Prabang area, we feel the atmosphere here is quite special and reminiscent of the early 20th-century French-colonial era. Kudos to the very nice spa and the infinity pool. Bev and I feel the food here is simply outstanding — our meals at La Residence were perhaps our favorite in the city during our last stay here. As a reference point for the quality here, the Orient-Express folks operate and manage the hotel.

This beautiful 34-room luxury property has been among the top two or three hotels in Luang Prabang for quite some time. Though its hillside location overlooking the city is a bit far from the main Luang Prabang area, we feel the atmosphere here is quite special and reminiscent of the early 20th-century French-colonial era. Kudos to the very nice spa and the infinity pool. Bev and I feel the food here is simply outstanding — our meals at La Residence were perhaps our favorite in the city during our last stay here. As a reference point for the quality here, the Orient-Express folks operate and manage the hotel.

Located in the Mekong Valley on the grounds of a former French hospital in Luang Prabang, the 24-suite Amantaka is the perfect place from which to experience Lao’s spiritual capital. Simultaneously embracing the past through architecture and experiences alongside modern amenities such as private pools and state of the art spas is what Aman does best, perfectly embodied at the Amantaka. Amenities include three dining venues, swimming pool, Aman spa, and cultural activities such as walking tours of Luang Prabang and the Mekong River cruises.

Located in the Mekong Valley on the grounds of a former French hospital in Luang Prabang, the 24-suite Amantaka is the perfect place from which to experience Lao’s spiritual capital. Simultaneously embracing the past through architecture and experiences alongside modern amenities such as private pools and state of the art spas is what Aman does best, perfectly embodied at the Amantaka. Amenities include three dining venues, swimming pool, Aman spa, and cultural activities such as walking tours of Luang Prabang and the Mekong River cruises.

For the past several years Bev, Zen, and I have felt the Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor to be our favorite hotel in all of Cambodia. Built in the early 1930’s in the classic French-colonial style, the Raffles combines pampered and understated luxury with heartfelt Khmer service. You see very little staff turnover here as we see the same familiar smiling faces at each returning visit. Bev feels the string of shops at the hotel are most impressive in terms of quality and diversity of their Cambodian and Laotian silks and artifacts. Zen loves the antique elevator and expansive pool, while I enjoy morning walks along the Raffles’ 15-acre French Gardens. Please do not miss one of the evening Apsara Terrace buffet dinner and dance performances (every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday beginning at 7 p.m.) — as we feel this is an amazing experience!

For the past several years Bev, Zen, and I have felt the Raffles Grand Hotel D’Angkor to be our favorite hotel in all of Cambodia. Built in the early 1930’s in the classic French-colonial style, the Raffles combines pampered and understated luxury with heartfelt Khmer service. You see very little staff turnover here as we see the same familiar smiling faces at each returning visit. Bev feels the string of shops at the hotel are most impressive in terms of quality and diversity of their Cambodian and Laotian silks and artifacts. Zen loves the antique elevator and expansive pool, while I enjoy morning walks along the Raffles’ 15-acre French Gardens. Please do not miss one of the evening Apsara Terrace buffet dinner and dance performances (every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday beginning at 7 p.m.) — as we feel this is an amazing experience!

Built around the former guesthouse of King Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia, each of the villa’s 24 rooms come with a private driver, floor to ceiling windows, and furnished patios. The aesthetic is minimalist and classic with open floor plan rooms and secluded gardens for the courtyard suites. A short remork (Cambodian tuk tuk) ride away from the ruins of Angkor Wat, the Amansara has an indoor/outdoor dining pavilion serving both Khmer and Western dishes, a rooftop bar and lounge, spa, lap pool, yoga studio, and steam baths. In terms of luxury and location, the Amansara is simply unmatched in Cambodia and has been host to Jackie Kennedy and Angelina Jolie during their respective visits to Cambodia.

Built around the former guesthouse of King Norodom Sihanouk of Cambodia, each of the villa’s 24 rooms come with a private driver, floor to ceiling windows, and furnished patios. The aesthetic is minimalist and classic with open floor plan rooms and secluded gardens for the courtyard suites. A short remork (Cambodian tuk tuk) ride away from the ruins of Angkor Wat, the Amansara has an indoor/outdoor dining pavilion serving both Khmer and Western dishes, a rooftop bar and lounge, spa, lap pool, yoga studio, and steam baths. In terms of luxury and location, the Amansara is simply unmatched in Cambodia and has been host to Jackie Kennedy and Angelina Jolie during their respective visits to Cambodia.