Many of us had wanted to visit Burma/ Myanmar at some stage but because of the political situation were deterred. Following the released of pro-democratic leader Aung San Suu Ky in 2009, her party is asking ethical tourists to visit. Burma is where it neighbour Thailand was before mass tourism - many areas are in their natural state waiting to be explored.
Burma is bordered by China, Laos, Thailand, India and Bangladesh and it is the second largest country in Southeast Asia. Visitor to the country is relatively low (less than 1 million) capered to Thailand (over 15 million).
There are many areas to visit in Burma; the former colonial city of Yongon (Rongoon) is home to the 2,500-year-old shwedagon Pagoda along with its Victorian and Edwardians buildings. Take a river cruise up the ayeyardwady (Irrawaddy) river to Mandalay, the jewel city, with its gold-leaf-covered Buddha. See the neighbouring cities of Sagaing, Ava and Amarapura.
A holiday in Burma is not complete until you take a hot air balloon flight over Bagan. The lovers of history would relish this opportunity; Bagan has over 2,000 temple ruins, built in the 11th and 12th centuries. A balloon trip at dawn over Bagan’s temples is an unforgettable sight – reminiscent of a scene from the movies, except its real.
If Bagan is for temples and history enthusiasts, the Inle Lake is for R&R and shopping. At 13 miles long and more than seven miles wide it is the ideal place to be at peace and relax as you take in the scenery. Inle is also one of the places to take part in the annual Tawthalin Boat Races (during the month of September) – see it at the Phaung Daw Oo pagoda.