Myanmar

1. Yangon (Rangoon)

The former capital and the country’s largest city is a bustling introduction to Myanmar.

· Shwedagon Pagoda: The crown jewel of Myanmar. This 2,600-year-old pagoda, adorned with thousands of diamonds and tons of gold leaf, is the most sacred Buddhist site in the country. Visit at sunset to see it glow against the darkening sky.

· Circular Train: Take a three-hour ride on this local commuter train that loops around the city and into the countryside. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of Burmese people.

· Downtown Architecture: Stroll through the grid of streets south of Sule Pagoda to see beautiful, albeit often decaying, colonial-era buildings.

2. Bagan

An absolute highlight and a rival to Angkor Wat in its scale and awe. This vast archaeological plain, dotted with over 2,000 ancient temples and pagodas, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

· Hot Air Balloon Ride: For a truly unforgettable experience, take a sunrise balloon flight over the temples (seasonal, Oct-Apr).

· E-Bike Exploration: Rent an electric scooter and spend days getting lost among the temples. Climb a few (where permitted) for spectacular sunrise and sunset views.

· Key Temples: Don’t miss Ananda Pahto, Dhammayangyi Pahto, and Shwesandaw Paya.

3. Mandalay & Surroundings

The cultural heartland of Myanmar and its last royal capital.

· Mandalay Hill: climb (or take a taxi up) for panoramic views of the city and the Irrawaddy River.

· U Bein Bridge: The world’s longest teak footbridge, stretching across Taungthaman Lake near Amarapura. Sunset here is a iconic photographic moment.

· Mingun: A short boat ride up the river takes you to the massive, cracked Mingun Pahtodawgyi (an unfinished pagoda), the beautiful white Hsinbyume Pagoda, and the Mingun Bell, one of the largest functioning bells in the world.

· Inwa (Ava): Explore the ancient capital by horse cart, visiting crumbling temples and a beautiful teak monastery.

4. Inle Lake

A vast, serene highland lake known for its unique leg-rowing fishermen, floating gardens, and stilt-house villages.

· Boat Tour: Hire a long-tail boat for a day to explore the lake. You’ll see the famous fishermen, floating tomato gardens, silk weaving workshops, blacksmiths, and a jumping cat monastery.

· Indein Village: At the southwestern end of the lake, a creek leads to the beautiful and complex Indein Pagoda, with hundreds of ancient stupas.

5. Golden Rock (Kyaiktiyo)

One of Buddhism’s most sacred pilgrimage sites. A gigantic granite boulder covered in gold leaf and precariously balanced on the edge of a cliff. It’s a mesmerizing sight, especially at sunrise or sunset when the rock seems to glow.