Myanmar

Myanmar is a mysterious and beautiful land of ancient temples, secret beaches, and spiritual people. Nestled between China, Laos, Thailand, Bangladesh, India, and the Andaman Sea, Myanmar offers a fascinating fusion of culture, history, and natural beauty. Due to its long period of inaccessibility, visiting Myanmar is like stepping back in time, although economic and social change is a slow but steady work in progress.

Yangon is Myanmar’s biggest city and home to the impressive 2,500-year-old gilded stupa, Shwedagon Paya. This towering 110-meter golden monument is a testament to the faith of the Burmese Buddhists, who visit the holy site in a steady stream to offer flowers, worship, and meditate.

The ancient Bagan temples are a sight to behold – take an early morning hot air balloon ride for extraordinary views over the ruins of hundreds of Angkor temples, which emerge from the thick jungle. Back on solid ground explore the temples by horseback.

Inle Lake‘s peaceful canals and tributaries stretch for 35 kilometers, fringed by floating gardens and traditional stilt villages. Stay in a luxury lodge in the remote state of Kachin and meander up the river on a luxury craft.

Complete your journey in the southern beach getaway of Ngapali for a string of white sands. For the ultimate in lost-world adventure, take a liveaboard to the Mergui archipelago where crowds are scarce but marine life teems under the surface.