Regions in Burma (Myanmar)

Bagan in central Burma is one of the world’s most magnificent archaeological sites, located on the banks of the legendary Irrawaddy River. Once described by Marco Polo as a 'gilded city alive with tinkling bells and the swishing sounds of monks' robes', it is estimated that as many as 13,000 temples and stupas once stood here.

Bisecting Burma, the Irrawaddy River begins in the melting glaciers of the Himalayan Mountains and flows for 1,350 miles before reaching the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Navigable for most of its length, the Irrawaddy is a crucial component in Burma’s transport artery. Taking a luxury cruise along the river is a must while in Burma. 

The second largest city and a former capital, Mandalay was established in 1857 and is the religious and economic hub of upper Burma. Though centred around the Royal Palace, Mandalay is a modern city, with dusty streets and busy roads filled with bicycles and scooters.

Burma may be full of cultural gems and historic treasures, but you can also escape to the beach and islands here – and Ngapali, with its beautiful palm-lined beaches of white sand fringing the pristine waters of the Bay of Bengal, alongside spectacular sunsets and luxurious hotels with stunning views, is one of our favourite spots.

Take a puff from a hand-rolled cheroot, walk along red-earth dirt tracks and come nose-to-nose with the most incredible wildlife species. Rural Burma, still for the most part terra incognito to many travelers, is an off-the-beaten-track that boasts unspoilt natural beauty and unrivalled hospitality.

Yangon (Rangoon) is Burma's largest city and former capital, but still remains one of the most exotic cities of South East Asia. It has hardly changed over the years; you'll quickly discover the glistening gilded pagodas that are so important to the country's Buddhist traditions, standing alongside the crumbling colonial buildings that are reminders of its British colonial past.

Unlike elsewhere in Burma, where the main (but not the only) attractions are temples, monasteries and buildings of historical significance, Inle Lake is all about the people. The shallow lake is populated by people from a number of ethnic groups, such as the Intha people, known for their unusual leg rowing technique, and the Pa-O tribe, identified by the brightly-coloured headscarves they wear.