Tours

Myanmar is perfectly friendly to independent travelers, and there’s enough infrastructure for tourists that you’ll get where you want to go, one way or another. That said, a trip to Myanmar during peak season requires serious advance research and planning. The agencies listed here cater to those wishing to join a guided tour, or have a tour arranged.

Exotic Myanmar Travels and Tours. This agency is particularly helpful when it comes to arranging plane, train, and bus tickets. #225, 15th fl., Olympic Tower, Aung Kyaw St., 09/392778; www.exoticmyanmartravel.com.

Kengtung Trekking Guide - Sai Sam Tip. Local guide Sai Sam Tip leads treks to ethnic villages and elsewhere. Yangon (Rangoon), 09/4100--6263.

Myanmar Travel and Tours. MTT is the government-run agency you need to see if you want permits for traveling to restricted areas. If you plan to cross from Tachileik into Mae Sai, Thailand, you'll need a permit. MTT runs its own tours and manages state-owned hotels. 118 Mahabandoola Garden St., Yangon (Rangoon), 095/371286; 095/378376.

One Stop Travel and Tours. This highly rated agency organizes a variety of cultural tours, as well as hotels, plane tickets, and everything in between. 160/3C Kyuntaw St., Yangon (Rangoon), 01/523486; www.onestop-myanmar.com.

Shan Yoma Travel and Tours. Established in 1996, this company organizes multiday itineraries, river cruises, bike tours, diving and more. 124-126 50th St., Yangon (Rangoon), 01/295510; 01/299389; 01/204152; www.exploremyanmar.com.

Sun Far Travels and Tours. This reliable ticketing agency can also help with visas and arranging tours. 27-31 38th St., Yangon (Rangoon), 01/380211; www.sunfartravels.com.

Tour Mandalay. This family-owned business is by far the best tour and travel company in Myanmar, for everything from day trips to complete trip itineraries and planning. #02/03, 2nd fl., Pearl Condominium A, Kaba Aye Pagoda Rd., 09/5154--0475; www.tourmandalay.travel.