With a population of over 5 million, Yangon, also known as Rangoon, was the capital of Myanmar up until the end of 2005. It remains the largest city, and is still the pivotal commercial hub of the country today. A visit to this magnificent city will allow you to take in the interesting mix of British, Burmese, Chinese and Indian cultures that mingle there. The skyline is an interesting contrast of decaying colonial architecture and modern high-rises, dominated by the golden glow of the Shwedagon Pagoda, an exquisite Buddhist temple that draws pilgrims from across the globe. Your time here would be well spent visiting the impressive array of temples, museums, and markets that the city has to offer.
Resting on the banks of the mighty Irrawaddy River, Old Bagan is both a wondrous UNESCO World Heritage Site and the core of the Bagan Archeological Zone. This charming destination is home to lovely museums, several magnificent temples, enticing shops, and mouth-watering cuisine. Must-see attractions include the famous Shwesandaw Pagoda; the exquisite red-brick facade of the Htilominlo Temple; the interesting exhibitions at the Bagan Archaeological Museum; and the panoramic views from the Atwin Zigon Pagoda. Enjoy a leisurely round of golf at the spectacular 18-hole Bagan Nyaung Oo Golf Club, or wander down to the waterfront and admire the spectacular views and bustling riverside trade.
Set on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, Mandalay is Myanmar’s second-largest city. The combination of crumbling colonial charm, elegant Buddhist temples, and lush hilly surrounds have rendered many a traveller hopelessly intoxicated. Visiting here is like stepping back 50 years in time: beat-up buses trundle along wide avenues, men in longyis cycle serenely around the moat, and monks pad silently through dusty temple courtyards. Don’t miss a trip up Mandalay Hill to take in panoramic city views; sunset at Ubein Bridge (the longest teakwood bridge in the world); the Buddhist Mecca of Sagaing, encompassing scores of temples and the Buddhist University; and a mellow boat trip down the Irrawaddy River to see the colossal stupa base at Mingun.
Resting in the Shan Hills’ Nyaungshwe Township, beautiful Inle Lake is a world unto itself and one of Myanmar’s most alluring destinations. The local people have integrated their lives fully with their watery surrounds, building entire villages on stilts, buoying up their crop fields with floating devices, and even learning an ingenious method of fishing from their long-tail boats – balancing on one leg and using the other to clasp the paddle and row, which leaves their hands free to cast a net. Here visitors can enjoy delicious Myanmar cuisine and exquisite sunsets from alfresco decks, or take a boat trip to the floating markets and the handicrafts centres, watch silver makers, silk-weavers, and lacquer artists at work, and purchase exquisitely made gifts and souvenirs.
Situated in Myanmar's Rakhine State on the Bay of Bengal, Ngapali Beach is the country's number one beach destination. However, it has managed to retain its traditional culture and old-world charm, with its quaint fishing villages, ox-drawn carts providing the local taxi service, and little nightlife to speak of. If its rest and relaxation you’re looking for, this is the place to be – the typical order of the day involves kicking back on palm-lined sand beaches, swimming in the temperate, crystal clear bays, taking mellow boat cruises and snorkelling expeditions, and dining at the seafood restaurants dotted along the beachfront.
