The 'Millionaire's Tour' of Myanmar

As the reclusive country emerges from isolation, a private jet tour joins the growing list of options for luxury travelers

26 January, 2012

Inside the six-seat Cessna Citation CJ3 private jet used on Khiri Travel's Myanmar tour. Sure beats the bus.

As Myanmar continues to make moves to step out from international isolation, travel companies are fast lining up to snag their share of the expected increase in tourism cash.
Among these is Khiri Travel, which just launched a "Millionaire's Tour" of Central Myanmar. The four-day, three-night trip from Bangkok includes travel in a six-seat Cessna Citation CJ3 private jet.

"The trip is for high-end clients who want to be treated like millionaires and have an active holiday of cultural insights," a Khiri news release announced.

More on CNNGo: 5 signs Myanmar is getting easier for travelers

For a group of six, the trip costs US$8,500 per person. If four passengers travel, the fee is US$11,350 per head. If it's just two passengers, the fee is US$22,000 per person.

Those prices include visa on arrival, transfers, deluxe accommodation and most meals, according to Khiri. The trip itinerary features guided bike rides in Bagan, a trip to Inle Lake, and interactions with elephants.

Khiri isn't the first to cater to luxury travelers looking for adventure in Myanmar, and certainly won't be the last. Travel companies like Exotissimo and Abercrombie & Kent also offer unique high-end tours of Myanmar, including baloon safaris over Bagan and luxury river cruises on the Irawaddy.

Myanmar's tourism industry is definitely ripe for growth. The Pacific Asia Travel Association reported that the country attracted just 400,000 international visitors in 2011, despite being Southeast Asia's second largest country after Indonesia.

Compare this to neighboring Thailand, which brought in more than 16 million visitors in 2011.
Ref:cnngo