Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is a fascinating treasure house of traditional culture and Buddhist art, virtually untouched by time and development. Despite recent changes, it has remained Asian, as it once was with quiet back streets and rural areas of compelling beauty.

Although Yangon (Rangoon), the capital, is undergoing transformation, it has a timeless quality. Its architecture blends Buddhist, British colonial and modern influences, but remains a city with a personality quintessentially Burmese. Its principal monument is the Shwedagon Pagoda standing like an eternal island amidst the commercial swirl.

Bagan is one of the world's architectural wonders with 5,000 beautiful temples on the Irrawaddy Plain, a testament to religious devotion and artistic creativity. Mandalay retains its antique air and ancient architecture. The quiet hill station of Taunggyi is the starting point for an exploration of Lake Inle with its intriguing "leg rowers". Discover them and much more on a tour that take you through Yangon's treasures or up the river on the luxury "The Road to Mandalay" ship to visit Bagan and Mandalay.