Testimonials

SST Tours has served a wide range of clients over our years of operation, including many academics and esteemed visitors. Here are some comments from our clients from around the world.

Testimonials
Wildlife Watching Trip to Meinmahlakyun

Die von SST-Tourism sehr präzise kommunizierte und geplante dreitägige Tour ins Ayarwaddy-Delta mit dem Naturreservat Meinmahla war ein eindrucksvolles Erlebnis für uns alle. Dies war nicht nur der faszinierenden Landschaft, Natur und sehr traditionellen Kultur zu verdanken, sondern auch der gut organisierten Führung durch unseren Tourguide Soe. Er und der Ortsguide Hla waren beide außerordentlich hilfsbereit, kenntnisreich und von großem Ehrgeiz erfüllt, uns alles Sehenswerte vor Augen zu führen und zu erläutern: Die Tierwelt mit Salzwasserkrokodilen, vielen Vogelarten, Affen und Leopardkatzen, die Mangroven, das einfache Leben der Fischer auf ihren Booten und ein großes Fischerdorf. Die Unterbringung in einem ehemaligen NGO-Camp in der Obhut einer einheimischen, ebenso freundlichen wie aufmerksamen Familie war sehr authentisch wie auch die reichhaltige landestypische Verpflegung. Für uns war es eine sehr ursprüngliche Erfahrung mit Abenteuercharakter und auch von vier „Golden Agern“ dank der Unterstützung unserer Guides sehr gut zu bewältigen.

The three-day tour into the Ayarwaddy Delta with the Meinmahla nature reserve, which was very precisely communicated and planned by SST-Tourism, was an impressive experience for all of us. This was not only thanks to the fascinating landscape, nature and very traditional culture, but also to the well-organized tour by our tour guide Soe. He and the local guide Hla were both extremely helpful, knowledgeable and full of ambition to show and explain to us everything worth seeing: the wildlife with saltwater crocodiles, many species of birds, monkeys and leopard cats, the mangroves, the simple life of the fishermen on their boats and a large fishing village practically untouched by tourism. The accommodation in a former NGO camp in the care of a local, friendly and attentive family was very authentic, as was the rich, typical food. For us it was a very genuine experience with an adventure character to be mastered very well by four “golden agers” thanks to the support of our guides.

Thank you again say

February,10 -12, 2020

Helga, Cornelia, Volkmar and Matthias From Berlin, Germany

Testimonials
Testimonials
Professor Lindsay Bremner

11 October 2019

To whom it may concern,

I was recently in Myanmar on a research trip with a colleague and we contacted SST tours to arrange visits to a number of sites around the country that we wanted to visit that fell outside their normal tour packages. I had taken one of their day tours on a previous visit. The response was warm, friendly and cooperative and within a day we were sent an itinerary and a quote that matched our needs. We spent a day visiting sites in the Twante area and another visiting Let Kouk Kone with the very knowledgeable general manager of SST tours, Mr Soe Min Aye as our guide. In addition, Mr Aye put us in touch with a colleague in Bagan who accompanied us on a walk to the top of Mount Popa. All three of these day-long activities were thoroughly enjoyable and professionally organised and managed.

I cannot recommend this SST tours highly enough. Their services are professional and affordable and our time spent with them visiting sites and finding out more about Myanmar was very enjoyable. If asked to do something that falls outside their normal tourist services, where feasible, they do so. They work with local artisans and community groups to ensure that the benefits of tourism reach local people. They are an ethical, professional company whom I would recommend to anyone visiting Myanmar.

Professor Lindsay Bremner, UK
Testimonials

Testimonials
Mr. Shayne Alan

In January, 2019 I enlisted the services of SST Tourism for a wildlife focused trip in Myanmar. The guide and translator assigned to me was Soe Min Aye. He stayed with me throughout the 16 day excursion and saw to my every need. He was always punctual, professional and attentive and displayed a great sense of humor. Additionally, we shared an interest in birding and he did an outstanding job of getting me to locations where we could get good views of many species of birds. He also did a good job of pointing out key field marks and behavior to allow for good identification.
As a professional in the wildlife conservation field in the U.S., I also have a keen interest in wildlife conservation throughout the world. Soe was able to introduce me to several wildlife professionals in Myanmar and also serve as an interpreter during some very complex discussions of management techniques and wildlife conservation policy. Certainly if I would have tried to carry out my inquiries on my own, my experience would not have been nearly as fruitful. Instead, with Soe’s assistance, I had a very informative and bonding experience, and felt that I was able to share a kinship with people with similar aspirations and passions.
I also was interested in a more private experience and not being around lots of other tourists. SST accommodated that very well. From beginning to end, SST took care of all of the logistical details and helped insure an outstanding experience. Soe was able to quickly determine my interests and tailor the trip to satisfy my objectives. I also appreciated that he made many of his purchases from local vendors and communities to help support their economies. SST Tourism has a good grasp of their role and responsibilities to their clients as well as the welfare of Myanmar and its people. I highly recommend their services.

Mr. Shayne Hoachlander, U.S.A.

Experience on the Selecting Stones
Experience on the Selecting Stones

I without reservation recommend Saw as a tourist guide. He strongly leans toward eco-tourism and has a wide knowledge of the remoter areas of the countryside and national parks as well as the popular tourist destinations.
He has a background of vetinerary practice, has been a monk and run a souvenier shop so is well informed with a multitude of contacts. He is an officially qualified tour guide. He is thoughtful, generous with information and his time. He is always prompt at meeting places and days are well planned.

Saw has run specialised tours (birds, elephants, museums, specialised crafts) as well as introductory and business tours for the first time traveller. He is thoughtful about needs and quickly responds to requests that may be made during the tour.

SST tourism always responds quickly to e-mails – it is wise to discuss your tour before arriving and explain clearly what speed and level of comfort you require so that the necessary arrangements may be made. With SST Tourism your money goes to real citizens of Myanmar and is spread around the country, rather than being diverted to an international organisation.

Dr.Harald Schillhammer,Austria

In the course of the last twelve years I have done six trips in Myanmar. Some of them to remote places far from the usual tourist paths. On all of these trips logistics were handled by SST. I highly recommend them for there excellent service, knowledgable and friendly staff and their years of experience in organising tours throughout the country. Apart from doing a great job providing all the assistance you will need, they are also on the forefront of a movement that tries to establish sustainable tourism in a country that faces major political and environmental challenges in the near future. For years now they have been involved in nature conservation and educational programs. So you can be sure that you will travel not only with a professional partner, but also with a responsible one. Visit Myanmar, one of the most fascinating counties in Asia, and do it with SST!

Aaron Ofner, Tour Guide for BirdLife Austria (Austria)

Taron Dawee & Brenda

It is my pleasure to recommend Saw Hla Chit and the team at SST as a top tourism service in Myanmar.

I was a first client of SST in the late 1990s and have used them annually (sometimes more than once a year) since that time. They have always provided the utmost attention, handling all aspects of travel within their country. In addition to the usual travel necessities such as lodging, meals and drivers, they have arranged special services that allowed me best use of my time while in their country.

They have a deep knowledge of the various ethnic cultures and are involved in promoting respect and support for the diversity of their citizens. They were instrumental in the development of a sound environmental program and voluntarily began environmental education in the public schools. (It is an on-going process, which they continue to encourage.) They are familiar with the art and handicrafts of Myanmar and how to directly contact talented artists and craftsmen. They will gently guide visitors in the proper behavior at stupas, with monks, and when interacting with the general public.

Since I often travel into remote regions, they have obtained permits for limited access areas prior to my arrival in their country, saving time and additional expense for me. They are familiar with areas far beyond the normal tourist routes and have contacts throughout the country, enabling them to stay abreast of conditions affecting comfort and safety. They have arranged local guides and translators, bearers when necessary, even cooks and food supplies when required.

They have staff and advisors versed in the flora and fauna of Myanmar, with special access to scientists educated in specialties such as ornithology and marine biology. Experts on bats, orchids, elephants, turtles, tea plants, butterflies, and the beloved Ayeyarwady dolphins are at their disposal.

Whether one’s interest lies in religion, nature, festivals, hiking, shopping, beaches, or simply sightseeing, the guides, drivers, and management at SST work to protect the dignity and unique individuality of the people of Myanmar while striving to give a visitor a memorable experience.

Brenda Davidson-Shaddox

I have been cooperating with SST since 2004 on a regular basis, mostly for planning scientic excursions to remote areas such as Mt. Victoria or Mogok, but also purely touristic trips for family members. So far, I have never been disappointed and special requests were handled reliably and in a most and responsive way.

When dealing with travel agencies in developing countries one always has to be prepared for misconceptions, either due to language problems or sloppiness, nothing of which is the case with SST, though. Even when there were minor misconceptions they were solved quickly and satisfactorily.


After ten successful years of fruitful cooperation I can highly recommend the friendly people of SST to anyone planning scientific or eco-touristic (or just plain touristic) trips, also because they can rely on the expertise of former Forest Department rangers as knowledgeable guides.
So, for my part, I regard it as a very fortunate coincidence that one of my friends from the Nature and Wildlife Conservation Division introduced me to SST many years ago. It has made my work in this exciting country so much easier.

Dr.Harald Schillhammer,Austria

Bob Hargis from America

SST guides, tours and locations are the best to see all the endemic and near endemic regional birds, and some wonderful locations culturally in the nation Htay was wonderful and and the care of clients was incredible. They were a wonderful company to bird with and made us feel welcome comfortable in Myanmar. We were well cared for sure.

Bob’s from “America” August 1, 2018,

December 21, 2017
Service of Guide and operation
S.S.T. Tourism Co., Ltd.


Mingalarbar,
We visited Meinmahlakyune Wildlife Sanctuary on 15 to 17 November 2017 with Mr. Soe Min Aye and his team.


It has been a great experience well organized. Transport, meals, accommodation, exploration of the delta with a specialist of marine crocodiles, visit of villages, everything was perfect.


We have discovered a beautiful aera and their nice locals. The members of all the team have been very kind and helpful.
We keep good memories of this expedition. We would recommend it to our friends anytime.


We wish you good luck with your company.
Have a nice touristic season,

Nicole Deslongchamps
Gérard Poirier
Québec, Canada
[email protected]

SST Mr. Soe Min Aye February 15, 2015
To Whom It May Concern:
I would like to highly recommend the services of SST and in particular Mr. Soe Min Aye. We have had the delightful experience of spending eight days with him and have developed a real fondness for his special skills and warm and jolly personality.


Firstly, he is completely professional. He is always immaculately groomed and takes care to wear the native longyi of the area we are visiting. Even if we arrive early for our appointments, he is always waiting for us with a broad smile. He informs us carefully of the details of each excursion and looks after us to make sure we don’t forget or leave anything behind. He has a great store of history, geography, mythology and general information about the country and its
people. And If we manage to stump him with a question, he always gets back to us with the answer the next day.


Secondly, Mr. Soe has an amazing intuitive personality. He very quickly knew us and exactly what we liked, and he organized the trip accordingly. I’m 68 but very active and don’t always like to be in the car so he would often have the driver pick us up in a different spot and we would walk to the car. In certain towns he added into the schedule a short nature walk. He quickly knew just how I liked my tea, when I needed the toilet, that my husband didn’t really appreciate
him always running around to open the car door for him.

Thirdly, Mr. Soe spoke to everyone he saw along the way with respect and kindness and always made an effort to support local businesses even if only in some small way. People were drawn to his open and friendly nature just as we were. We learned so many things about Myanmar, the Buddhist religion and life in general from our dear guide that it was difficult to part from him. He will remain in our hearts and memories
always. I hope you will have the opportunity to know him and his business.

Dana Luedtke, USA

We booked a 16 days birding/cultural trip with SST Tourism and Travel.
Except visits to some cultural highlights of Myanmar we wanted to see the nature.
Especially for us SST organized a lovely nature trip between our desired sights. Our guide had extensive knowledge of birds and their habitats. We came in pristine areas with much species. In the evenings we ticked off the bird counting lists he provided us.
All accommodations, transport and meals were well organized. The drivers were skilled and taking good care of us and our luggage.
But there was more; during the trip there were a lot of surprising moments like visiting markets along the road, drinking tea on very special spots, tasting local products in authentic restaurants , and when our guide found out we love wine so much he even took us to a wine tasting!

SST is a fine travel organization; good communication by email before and after the tour (helping to identify the birds on the pictures), all elements of the tour professionally organized, and guides and drivers flexible and attentive!

Thank you very much!

Dirk and Sylvia Wahl
The Netherlands

Jenny Craddock, United Kingdom

I would like to highly recommend the services of S.S.T. Tourism
In November 2014 my friend and I travelled to Myanmar, and decided we’d like two days of bird watching. I found S.S.T Tourism on the Internet and booked their services through the manager Mr Soe Min Aye. He proposed a schedule that was exactly as I required. Two days of birding on the dates that I chose, with an overnight stay at a nature reserve.
Mr Soe Min Aye’s services were to prove even more helpful than that. When we arrived in Yangon and rang to say we were ready to start our tour, Mr Soe Min Aye came to meet us at hour hotel and pointed out that we had arrived a day earlier than scheduled! We therefore realised we had a day with nothing to do and no hotel room booked. Mr Soe Min Aye immediately proposed to book us into a reasonably-priced hotel for the extra night and said he would put himself at our disposal, with a chauffeured car, to take us on an extra day’s birding on the unscheduled day. We did this and had a very enjoyable and profitable day on a nature reserve just outside Yangon.
After that, we began the two days birding that had originally been planned. Once again a chauffeur driven car was provided along with the services of a professional bird watcher Mr Ko Ye. He and the driver picked us up from our hotel early in the morning and took us to the Hlawgar Park nature reserve, then onto Moenyungyi Wetland about four hours drive north of Yangon.
Everything was taken care of. Our meals, our accommodation, park entrance fees and boat fees. We had a fabulous two days and, due to the expert bird spotting skills of Mr Ko Ye, I was able to see dozens of birds that I had never seen before.
I would like to thoroughly recommend the professional and friendly services of S.S.T. Tourism for anyone looking to have an enjoyable time watching wildlife in Myanmar.

Jenny Craddock’s from United Kingdom
Naga Traveler Thomas
Naga Traveler Thomas

Dr. Thomas Jentsch

Soe Min Aye
SST Tourism

26 May 2020

Dear Soe,

I would like to thank you for the wonderful trip you organized for me to Nagaland over Christmas 2019, and on which you accompanied me in person as guide. I keep fond memories of this trip which brought me in contact with these remote people, and had me enjoy their culture, villages, and the beautiful hilly landscape.

The trip was perfectly organized, even though I had contacted you only a few weeks before the travel. In spite of lacking infrastructure, you made the travel as comfortable as possible, with nice hot breakfasts and dinners, prepared by your companion or sometimes in restaurants or in the house of a local teacher, hot water for washing in the cold mountains (winter and high altitude combined), thick blankets for the nights, and an excellent driver who mastered the sometimes slippery roads with a 4-wheel-drive.

What I appreciated mots during this travel was the contact with people, in their houses, sitting together and talking, with you as interpreter. Thus I could learn a lot about the traditions and the way they are changing with novel challenges and, after all, inevitable globalization. It was great to sit together around the fireplace in their traditional houses, to chat and soak up the atmosphere, ask them about their work, families, and problems, and also to talk to the young teachers who were sent by the government to these remote places and to see (an sleep in) the small Buddhist monasteries the government has put up in this largely Christian area. It was an unexpected experience to see how they come together to celebrate Christmas!

I very much appreciated that you were on very friendly terms with the Nagas, having met some of them previously, giving them photographs you have taken from them on previous trips, and even give them as gift a book on Naga culture your company has prepared (and which I, unfortunately, cannot read).  All in all, it was a unique experience which I won’t forget, and I can highly recommend your company and you as guide.

I wish you all the best, in particular stay healthy during the pandemic which shortly after my trip. I hope that you will soon be able to guide international tourists again!

Dr. Thomas Jentsch , Germany