In Myanmar, there is more magic and mystery in the air than in any other Asian country. The world's largest and most impressive Buddhist pagoda - the Shwedagon Pagoda - is as much one of the sights of Asia as the more than 5000 pagodas and temples in the archaeological zone of Bagan and the famous Kuthodaw Pagoda in Mandalay. There is a whole lot more to be discovered in Myanmar: the mighty Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River, the Inle Lake in the Shan State with its peculiar fishermen, the extensive coastline with stretches of white beaches, and the snow-capped mountains of the Himalayas in the north of the country, perfect for some breathtaking trekking tours up to an altitude of almost 20,000ft/6,000m. Travelling in Myanmar is a journey to the past, discovering the strong influences of the Indo-Chinese civilization. Yangon: Myanmar's capital has a very special charm. The many shady parks and beautiful lakes have earned it a reputation as the garden city of the East. Its unmistakably colonial style buildings, open markets and wide tree-lined avenues endow it with a strange mix of old world charm and modern vitality. The highlight of the cityscape is the famous Shwedagon Pagoda - especially near sunset. It towers above the Yangon landscape with a serenity so unique that it is often considered as one of the wonders of the world. According to legend, this glistening gold covered pagoda was built over two and a half thousand years ago as a place of Buddhist worship. Other sights of Yangon are the 2200-year-old Sule Pagoda (containing one of Buddha's hairs), the Botataung Pagoda and the Kyauk Htat Gyi Pagoda with the 233 ft/71m long Reclining Buddha. After Mandalay, Yangon became the capital of Burma in 1755. Bagan: The birthplace of Myanmar civilization. This is a city beyond description: more than 5000 pagodas (although some of them were damaged by several earthquakes) make for an overwhelming view. Bagan is the largest archaeological site in Asia: most of the red and white pagodas were built in the 11th and 12th centuries. In modern Bagan, bullock carts dictate the pace of the day as the master tradesmen produce Myanmar's finest lacquer ware with painstaking patience. Kengtung: Kengtung (Chiang Tung) has recently opened to foreigners and the Burmese Government has officially sanctioned the border crossing to Tachilek. The town is a treasure trove of traditional architecture with old-style houses with the intricately designed wooden balconies that are so characteristic of Shan architecture. Mount Popa: A day trip from Bagan, set amid lovely hill and forest scenery, Mount Popa is a steep sided volcanic peak dedicated to the legendary nat spirits of Myanmar. A shrine to these feared and respected traditional characters lies at the top of over 700 steps. Mandalay: Mandalay was Burma's capital for only 28 years but still it appears more distinguished and self-confident than other cities in Myanmar. Maybe the reason is Mandalay Hill from where you have a marvellous view of the city and the Ayeyarwady River, and where the temple that allegedly enshrines three of Buddha's bones is located, or maybe it is because of the ‘largest book of the world’, the Kuthodaw Pagoda. Mandalay provides a unique mixture of old and new, and is a spiritual centre boasting numerous old wooden monasteries and unique pagodas that date back to life as it was under the reign of Myanmar's last King.

Pyin Oo Lwin/ Maymyo: A cool hill station, over 3047 ft./1,000 m above sea level, founded during colonial times and a worthwhile 2 hour trip from Mandalay. You can enjoy beautiful scenery, a cool climate, and an atmosphere of former days with its old buildings and botanical gardens. Inle Lake: The centre of Myanmar will captivate you very quickly: once you get used to the sight of the fishermen's peculiar ‘leg-rowing-technique’, you can enjoy the ‘floating flower beds’ and the pile dwellings on the shore. A boat trip on the lake is recommended. Here, villages are built on stilts over the lake and boats are the sole means of transport. Pindaya: Situated on the shore of a picturesque little lake Pindaya is famous for its cave, where you can see about 6000 Buddha statues of various sizes and materials. This small town in Central Myanmar is ideal for an excursion on the way from Bagan/Mandalay to Taunggyi/Inle Lake. Taunggyi: The capital of the Shan minority is always worth an excursion. The marketplace with its colourfully dressed ethnic groups is a walking museum of the glory that was Shan. It is home to some of Myanmar's finest cheroot factories and boasts an impressive local market. Kalaw: This once popular British hill station provided welcome relief during hot summers. Its cool climate, colourful markets, charming churches, and natural surrounds have preserved its appeal to this day. Pyay: The former Sri Ksetra is the capital of the Pyu minority. The ruins nearby are very well maintained and belong to the well-explored archaeological sights of Myanmar. Ngapali: Ngapali Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Myanmar. Here you find peace and quiet, with isolated beaches for relaxing, or you go on trips to islands and fishing villages. Ngapali is easily and quickly accessible by plane to Thandwe and then a car transfer of about 30 minutes. Bago: Bago was founded by Thamala and Wimala, two Mon brothers of noble birth in 573 AD. According to legend, the Buddha rested on a small hillock and two Hintha birds came before him in obeisance. He prophesied that 1,660 years after his death, a city would be established on that spot which would be a capital but it was destroyed in 1757 by King Alaungpaya (the founder of the Third Burmese Empire). Kyaiktiyo: The Golden Rock (Kyaiktiyo) Pagoda is in a spectacular location, perched on a huge, seemingly precarious boulder on the edge of a cliff. A hair of the Buddha is enshrined in the pagoda, which was supposed to have been given to a hermit monk who kept it in his topknot. His last request was that the hair should be enshrined in a pagoda built on a rock, resembling his head. There is a popular belief that those who reach the top will grow rich, and the views are magnificent. Kyaiktiyo is only accessible in the dry season (Oct-Apr).