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My Reviews

thomas-colombo-tour-guide

Thomas Sam Samarakoon

I had a series of correspondences with this guide, culminating with me sending him USD 260 via Western Union. He acknowledged receipt of the funds, and reiterated that he would be meeting me at the Colombo Airport January 2. On January 2 he was a "no show." I called him, waking him out of bed (I had a 5 AM flight). He already booked himself with another client, but assured me he would find a replacement. After two, three hours, he called the tourism booth at the airport, not talking to me directly, and said that he was dispatching someone. Someone indeed did show up, but on the road I discovered that he was no guide, only a driver with limited knowledge of English. The driver would ask me for all road tolls. Later, for a river boat cruise that I paid the guide for in advance, I was told to pay again ($70). The guide never offered an apology, but blamed me for "not reminding him" of his commitment. I also had to argue with him that I paid him in advance, jogging his memory only by sending him his own email to me acknowledging payment and pickup date. Had I known that he would only offer me a driver, with very limited knowledge of English and that I would be responsible for all fees, I would have asked for my money back, as there was a tourism booth at the airport where a manager could have immediately offered me a guide. I wasted at least two or three hours at the airport, and my so-called excursion services omitted any tour of Colombo due to time restraints. I have sent emails to the guide, asking for 50% of the amount I paid him as a refund, but he refuses even to acknowledge my emails (in sharp contrast when I first booked with him). I am now endeavoring to contact the Ceylon Tourist Board to have the guide's license revoked!

minsoe-yangon-tour-guide

Min Soe Wai

I once worked as a tour guide myself, and I know good guides, and Min Soe is one of them. He was professional, touching base with me by email before the day that we were to meet. Like clockwork, he was waiting for us at the hotel lobby at the appointed time. His English pronunciation is good -- unlike the pronunciation of Asiatic guides in other countries that I have experienced. Unlike other guides in Yangon, he graduated from Yangon University with a specialty in English and history (which is not a requirement to be a licensed guide in Myanmar). He started our tour by asking what, if any, sights we had already seen, to maximize the efficiency of our tour. We alternated between riding in his car (that had a separate driver), or walking, depending on the sights. We covered the main buildings near City Hall, and stopped at the delightful Tea House. We stopped at an Armenian Church (that seemed closed, but Min still managed our access). We visited some shops and a marketplace -- but there was no pressure by Min for us to purchase anything (usually guides get some kickback benefit when they steer there tourists to certain shops, but it was clear that Min had no financial stake in our purchases). For lunch, Min asked our preference, and we asked for a typical place that locals would eat at. His selection was fantastic, and there were no other tourists around. He took us on a ride on a commuter train, for us to get a feel of typical Yangon life. The highlight was showing us the Schwedagon Pagoda, a massive complex oozing with Buudhas, gold-plating and jewelry.