Head to head with Myanmar’s intellectuals
Khiri Travel Myanmar ramps up tour options for visitors to the country, inviting them to get up close and personal with thought leaders from across Burmese society.
“Personal Stories and Encounters – Meet the Leading Minds of Myanmar” can be added to any tour of the country arranged by Khiri Travel.
Each expert has been an eyewitness to turbulent Burmese history over the last 60 years or so. The transformation of the country since 2011 has been rapid –most of it good, some of it less so. Leaders in their fields have many stories to tell.
Visitors can pick an expert or an area of interest that appeals to them. For example, U Soe Win, a descendent of the last King Thipaw of Myanmar, talks about the fate of Burmese royalty. Art gallery owner Aung Soe Min gives insights on the reawakened art scene. Academic Aphwar Nyein reminisces on the days when Myanmar had some of the best universities and highest literacy rates in Southeast Asia.
Daw Dewi Thant describes the environmental challenges confronting the country now that the “Burmese Road to Socialism” has been abandoned in favour of Western-style economic development.
There are also revealing insights from a lethwei boxer, a puppet master, an author, a food connoisseur, a former political prisoner, a tattoo artist, and various craftsmen and women.
Edwin Briels, the managing director of Khiri Travel Myanmar, says the encounters are unlike anything else tour operators in the country currently provide.
“These meetings with remarkable people add a rewarding new element to tourists’ understanding of Myanmar, past and present,” says Briels. “The personal sacrifices, insights and anecdotes they share are both humbling and inspiring.”
Most of the encounters take place in Yangon, others in Mandalay, Bagan and Inle Lake. In all, Khiri Travel Myanmar can facilitate meaningful meetings with around 20 experts throughout the country.
Since 1993, Khiri Travel has won awards and earned a reputation as a destination management company dedicated to working with select tour operators to provide quality leisure travel experiences across Asia. With 16 offices in Thailand, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Khiri Travel’s entrepreneurial associates craft innovative itineraries that reflect their passion for authentic, local and sustainable experiences. Visit Khiri.com.
