Myanmar remains a land cloaked in mystery, where the path less travelled yields memories that linger for a lifetime. From the endless temple plains of Bagan, to the floating gardens and graceful fishermen of Inle Lake, to the pristine stretches of powdery sand along Ngapali, the country is a visual and cultural feast. Vast and diverse, roughly the size of France and England combined, Myanmar is home to more than 130 ethnic groups, each contributing to its extraordinary cultural mosaic. Stretching from snow-capped Himalayan peaks in the north to coral-fringed islands of the Andaman Sea in the south, Myanmar’s landscapes offer dramatic contrasts: fertile valleys, forested hills, serene rivers, and unspoilt coastlines. Ancient pagodas, royal palaces, and traditional villages pepper the terrain, offering a sense of timelessness and discovery. Whether seeking secluded beaches, cultural immersion, jungle adventures, or contemplative retreats among sacred temples, Myanmar presents an unrivalled opportunity to experience Southeast Asia in its purest and most authentic form—a country both enchanting and remarkably untouched.
Wedged between a number of larger neighbouring countries, Laos is often overlooked in favour of tourism giants such as Thailand and Vietnam. But these travellers are missing out on an extraordinarily scenic and culturally rich destination. Laos boasts a reputation as the least visited, least Westernised, and most untouched of all Indochinese nations. Only time will tell how long this will last, but while it does, visitors who choose to explore this nation’s remote areas will be richly rewarded. Laos’ primary drawcard is undoubtedly the mighty Mekong River which traverses the length of the country and is considered the second most biodiverse river in the world. In the north, the landscape is characterised by little-explored jungle-clad mountainous areas where visitors can witness the intriguing cultures of the various hill tribes that populate this region. Travellers on the hunt for cultural interest should head for the bustling capital of Vientiane, with its innumerable temples and Buddhist monuments. It is this variety of exotic wildlife, remote wilderness and remarkable cultural treasures that make Laos a truly unique and unforgettable holiday destination.
