Three treasures was recommended by a friend as a great way to really experience Bagan and see beyond the Tourism. We went on a boat ride with his team. A lovely group of guides in training from the local area who have great english skills and lots of character. They are more like a family and thats what my day felt like. A day out with family which as a solo traveller is a beautiful experience. We went to a quiet strip of the river away from the crowds and had tea as i got to know everyone. Uthaung ("the old man") describes himself as a guide in training but his english skills and wealth of knowledge of Bagan makes him more of a zen master in my eyes. He knows everything about every pagoda down to the tiniest detail.

After tea we went down the river. Providing an amazing view of bagans pagodas and land scape as well as letting you see life on the other side of the river which is true local life a complete opposite to the tourism orientated life im old bagan. They took me to some hidden temple caves rarely see by visitors. I was also invited by local monks to eat with them and have tea.

The best part might have been the boat ride home seeing Bagan by sunset from the river then watching sunset from the best view and being treated to a local dance by Thantar and the boat mans children.

I have even been invited to have dinner with Uthaung and his family. Score!

Don't miss out.

I was originally looking for just a food tour of Bagan, and stumbled across Three Treasures. I booked a day long photography and walking tour, which turned out to be one of the most amazing tourism experiences I've ever had! Ian was very responsive beforehand to make sure and tailor my tour to see/do exactly what I wanted, and was flexible for detours on the day of. We ended up going for both sunrise and sunset, as well as taking a very nice walk through a small nearby village and meeting the locals and observing their daily life. He took me to some of the more special pagodas and temples, with unique exterior architecture and interior paintings. He also goes through a lot of effort to ensure the people we came across or helped during the tour were fairly treated and well compensated. Truly, sustainable tourism at its finest.

All in all, it was literally EVERYTHING I ever wanted out of a tour.

We were fortunate enough to book not only one, but two days with Ian, and were blown away by his sheer generosity, kindness and knowledge of Bagan. Ian made a personal effort to ensure that we had, on both days, a unique experience.

We attended a secluded sunrise, a personal meditation experience and bamboo weaving class on our first day. Our second day was an incredibly knowledgeable tour of numerous pagodas and a horsecart tour to a very secluded sunset pagoda.

But the beauty of the experience was what was not mentioned in any pamphlet; we visited locals preparing for a local festivals, had tea with local caretakers of pagodas, and were lucky enough to meet Ian's adorable puppy, Scooby (very efficient at chasing goats and riding motorcycles).

From the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank Ian for showing us Bagan and how responsible tourism should be done all over the world: giving back to help the community. We wish you and your dedicated team all the best, Ian.

Duy & Annie