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Rangoon (or Yangon as it is called today) is a curious town, the very modern and ancient combined, with a decaying colonial charm infiltrating its streets. Lying on the banks of the Rangoon River and until recently the Burmese capital, Rangoon is developing a fair rate, despite international trade embargoes and boycotts from many countries. New hotels and commercial buildings nestle - sometimes somewhat uncomfortably - side-by-side with traditional temples, pagodas and monasteries.

Once the capital city of Burma before British colonial rule, Mandalay enjoys a rich cultural past. Unfortunately, much of the evidence of the city's past glories have been destroyed, some by time, most by the ravages of the second world war. A major attraction in the city is the Two Snake Pagoda situated at the top of Mandalay Hill and reached by climbing 1,729 steps to the summit. From here, spectacular views can be had of the city and surrounding countryside, the Irrawaddy plain and the Shan hills delicately shrouded in mist.

The sweeping plains of Bagan stretch for several miles from the banks of the Irrawaddy River, dotted with thousands of temples, stupas and other structures - some ruins, many surprisingly well preserved. These monuments can be toured on foot, by bicycle, on horseback, by cart or by car, and the sights are a highlight of many trips to Burma.

The huge - and hugely beautiful - Inle Lake is located in the heart of Shan State which borders Thailand and Laos. The region climbs up to over 900 metres above sea level. Major attractions of Inle include more than 30 ethnic minority hill tribes, and the lake itself - a vast body of water that is home the very photogenic leg-rowing fishermen (and women).

Once known as the "Naples of the East", Ngapali is rated the top beach destination in Burma. Located in Rakhaing State, Ngapali beach lies on the tranquil azure waters of the Bay of Bengal, with three kilometres of find white sand backed with gently swaying palm trees. At just 35 minutes by air from Rangoon, Ngapali is an ideal destination for those seeking blue seas, white sands, great seafood, peace and tranquility, and stunning sunset views.