I have come to the stadium thanks to Max Horsley, a British travel specialist who has been living in Rangoon since 2005. We are accompanied by Horsley’s kickboxing instructor, a young champion… But in conversations with Horsley, a fundraiser, adventurer and travel fixer operating in one of the world’s most contentious regions, I am persuaded I can judge. Horsley himself has driven across Burma, walked across its snow-capped mountains and been diving off its southern reefs.
FT Travel
Behind closed doors
The reason I even entertained the idea of an alternative Burma itinerary—pushing toward the little-visited hill tribes on the border territory—was because I thought originally that by going deeper into the country, I would reduce any potential contribution to the junta, which is deeply tied to the country’s mainstream tourism industry via taxes and joint ventures. But, says Horsley, exploring upcountry Burma “is like heli-skiing. Once you’ve been dropped into powder on top of a mountain, it’s very difficult to feel passionate about a piste ever again.” Horsley was right. On our ten-day itinerary, he and I traced the Golden Triangle region, which borders northern Thailand and Laos and is known for the ethnic Ang, Wa and Akha villages.
Departures Magazine
Burma Rising
We have traveled the world for over 35 years and I want you to know that our trip to Myanmar was the best ever. We study up ahead of time and consult with agents about the countries we will be visiting, but your knowledge and insights far exceeded any of our past experiences. We went to places and did things that we would never have found or been able to do on our own. Your attention to detail and choices of accommodations and local travel guides were extraordinary.
All of your efforts were greatly appreciated and made our trip one of lasting memories. Thanks for everything.
Sandi & Mark Rosenbaum
Short Hills, New Jersey
I have been a world traveler to distant and exotic places for most of my life, many of them prior to their popularity and commercialisation. I have trekked with various outfitters in Nepal, Ethiopia, Egypt, Bhutan, Patagonia, India and the Galapagos to name a few. I can tell you, without reservation, that our time travelling throughout Burma (as I continue to refer to it) with Max Horsley was one of our best trips. It was right after Burma was opened up, maybe 7 years ago. Max arranged a wonderful trip and was more fun than any of the other trip leaders I have ever had. We then brought him with us to dive on remote islands off of Thailand just to continue in his company.
Ken & Jill Iscol
Manhattan, New York
Max Horsley is one of those rare professionals in travel who has kept to his roots. Rather than try and take on the world, he has kept to the place he knows and loves. I travelled with him in the back country long before the country opened up to tourism. He got me into the nooks and crannies, into permit-controlled areas where I felt like I was the first outsider to arrive. I trust him, his knowledge and his access to exceptional guides. More than anything, I adore his passion and compassion for this beautiful and difficult land.