Opportunity to experience Myanmar and its unique culture before the onset of heavy tourist traffic. Great start in Bangkok with a stay at the outstanding Shangdi-La hotel on the river. Flight to Yangon and another fantastic Shangdi-La hotel. Great excursions and time to explore the area. Flight to Inle Lake to relax at a beautiful resort facility while exploring the unique stilt structures and life on the lake. Flight to Mandalay and local excursions before boarding our ship, a very unique and charming teak vessel with the appropriate asian atmosphere. The social area/sun deck was a lovely environment with very comfortable accommodations and pleasant atmosphere enhanced by a wonderful canopy and well placed fans. Ship's staff among the most attentive and caring that I have experienced. Attention to every detail. Food quality, variety and preparation was five star. Catered to al tastes with choices of western, asian and vegetarian at every meal. Crew was on hand to tend to every need. Ship staff to passenger ratio was nearly one to one. There were two Tour Directors who also served as local guides. The group was split between the two and stayed together for the duration of the trip which fostered a very cohesive group. Our Tour Director, Nanda, was a very well educated local with a significant diversification of talent and knowledge which provided significant enrichment and enjoyment to our experience. One of the best I have had in my cruising experience. Very relaxed atmosphere. Great excursions that brought you to the people and the environment. All transfers and logistics went off without a hitch.