We have a selection of guidebooks to some of our most popular countries in Asia. Written by our specialists, they detail destination information, a wildlife guide, some suggested itineraries and plenty more to inspire your holiday. Fill in the form below and if you live in UK, your guidebook will arrive by post within the next couple of days. For those who live abroad, we will send this via a PDF to your email.
Magnificent temples abound in Burma, dotting the horizons of its verdant landscapes up and down the country. From the temple studded lands of Bagan to the glittering pagodas of Yangon, the holy sites of Burma are simply mind boggling both in size and beauty. Whilst stupas are solid temples, said to house remains of Buddhas or monks, Pagodas are open to enter for worship. Having evolved from the shape of a stupa, the two often look similar yet their significance is marked by their history.
Once off limits to visitors, Myanmar has recently dusted off the cobwebs of its hidden past, opening its doors to reveal a country steeped in cultural splendour, natural wonder and historical intrigue. For us, Burma is the land of lotus flowers, horse drawn carts, traditional tea houses and an exquisitely leisurely pace of life; Burma is a land where a traditional way of life prevails. The landscape is a glittering exhibition of gilded pagodas, the culture is an intoxicating blend of influences from across Asia and its cities are abuzz with spiritualism.
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It is impossible to discuss Burma and not mention Bagan, Burma’s ancient capital city and today one of the major draws for the increasing numbers of visitors travelling to the country each year.
Many of its iconic temples were built during the 11th and 13th centuries when the Pagan Empire was at its height under the rule of Bamar King Anawrahta. After an earthquake in 1975, around 2,200 temples remain today (although locals argue the figure is closer to 4,000), each offering something completely unique in terms of architecture, design and history.
With so many, it is common to visit just a few of the larger temples, with some popular ones including the beautiful Ananda Temple, the towering Thatbyinnyu Temple and the redbrick Sulamani Temple. It can also be just as pleasurable to break things down a little, pick a particular area to focus on and rent a bicycle for a more leisurely tour.
A hot air balloon ride at dawn is perhaps the best way to fully comprehend the enormity of the collection, however ascending one of the taller temples also allows a similar sense of scale, both conjuring a sight you will not forget in a hurry.
Beyond the temples, a number of lacquerware workshops, traditional pottery villages and quaint riverside towns are waiting to be explored, with the striking Mount Popa also within easy reach. Bagan is often the starting or finishing point for many of the cruises down the Irrawaddy River, whilst the close by Nyaung U Airport offers convenient access to the rest of the country.