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Days like theseOur recommendations for the perfect holiday in MyanmarBalloons over BaganPerhaps the best time to visitBagan is between October andMarch, when it’s possible to taketo the skies on a hot air balloon ride.Soaring high over Bagan at sunrise,with the thousands of stupas,pagodas and temples sprawling outbeneath you, is a unique and trulyunforgettable experience.Echoes of an EmpireBritain’s 120-year rule over Burmaended in 1948 but, the countryretains a strong sense of itscolonial heritage. Yangon, formerlyRangoon, contains hundreds ofwell-preserved Victorian andEdwardian buildings, including thefamous teak Pegu Club, providing aglimpse into a long-gone era.Say a little prayerMyanmar is an intensely spiritualplace and visitors often findthemselves leaving with their eyesopened and horizons broadened.To experience Buddhism at itsmost powerful head to the formercapital, Amarapura, which is hometo the massive Mahagandayonmonastery. There, you will have thechance to attend the daily meal ofover a thousand monks and witnesstheir peaceful and sacred routines.Life on the lakeAn undoubted highlight of any tourto Myanmar is a boat trip on theserene Inle Lake. Sail past stiltedvillages delicately perched abovethe water, observe the lake’s uniqueleg-rowing fishermen tending totheir floating gardens and join thelocals shopping for fresh produceat bustling water markets.CelebrationsMyanmar overflows with colourfulpageantry during the autumnmonths. Make sure to catch thePhaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festivalat Inle Lake, where you will seea flotilla of specially decorated,traditional leg-rowing Yar Kyawboats transporting holy Buddhaimages to the pagoda backed bya cacophony of sound and dance.NAYPYIDAWBANGLA-DESHINDIAMinbuSittweRamree I.Cheduba I.SandowayChin HillsChindwinHakhaSagaingArakan YomaHinthadaKalay-waPatheinPhyarponIrrawaddyMyitkyinaMYANMARPyePeguMouths of tjeIrrawaddyYangonMandalayMyingyanNaypyidawAndaman SeaSittrongKumon RangeYaoTaunggyiTHAILANDThatonHpa-anYeLoikawTaungooGulf ofMartabanSalweenTavoyGaoligong ShanMonghpyakMawlamyaingMekongCHINALAOSBilauktaung RangeMyeikMerguiArchipelagoGulf ofThailandMyanmar - Perfect ForFor travellers looking to experience Southeast Asia as it was before masstourism, Myanmar promises to deliver with an intoxicating combination ofancient culture and timeless landscapes. Fans of religious architecture willfall in love with the abundance of ancient temples, pagodas and stupas, whilethose with a penchant for heights can enjoy an unforgettable hot air balloonride over Bagan.1962Government overthrownin a military coup by thesocialist junta1989Aung San SuuKyi placed underhouse arrest2007Government cracks downon mass demonstrationsled by Buddhist monks2012NLD win many parliamentaryseats in landmark byelections;The EU suspendsall non-military sanctions1948Brief period of democracyafter gaining independencefrom British1988Thousands lose their lives in antigovernmentriots; Aung San SuuKyi becomes leader of NLD1990NLD wins in nationalelection but junta refuseto cede power2010Aung San Suu Kyi releasedfrom house arrest141Call 020 7666 1244 | www.regentholidays.co.uk | visit your local travel agent