Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is one of the least known countries in Asia. Long deemed inaccessible to tourists, Myanmar remains relatively untainted by contact with the modern world. As a destination, Myanmar offers great natural scenery, magnificent archaeological sites, stunning Buddhist architecture, colourful bustling markets, impressive colonial buildings and very friendly, hospitable people.

The landscape of Myanmar is dominated by mountains and jungle surrounding a vast central plain. The southern coast borders the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. Yangon, the capital, is a city of charming colonial architecture and wide tree-lined streets. The royal city Mandalay is a cultural and spiritual centre. Bagan, a magnificent archaeological site graced by the ruins of over 3000 temples, used to be one of the great Buddhist centres of South-East Asia. Serene Inle Lake is inhabited by a multitude of colourful hill-tribes.