Home to Southeast Asia’s oldest and most culturally sophisticated civilization, Myanmar formerly known as Burma is crammed with wondrous historic monuments – from gigantic gilded stupas to vast temple complexes sprawling over thousands of weed-infested acres. It also holds some enthralling landscapes: forested mountains in the north, huge river deltas in the middle and pristine tropical islands in the far south.

Recently emerged from decades of enforced isolation by an oppressive Junta, Myanmar's patient, pious and infinitely tolerant Buddhist population evidently delighted to be in touch with the outside world and share their culture with visitors. A perfect blend of old-world charm and rapidly evolving modernity, this is one country where travel still feels like a discovery. 

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