Myanmar

Myanmar’s fascinating and tumultuous history belies its serene setting. Located on the most westerly point of Southeast Asia, this is a country of panoramas, and misty mountains, patchwork rice paddies, remote temples and pretty pagodas. The locals are renowned for their gentle, considerate manner and best of all is the warm hospitality you will receive on any visit.

Myanmar is a biodiverse country with some of the largest intact natural ecosystems which means plenty of playgrounds for the adventurous, from the tropical forests in the north to the archipelago of islands off the southwest coast, best explored by boat.  A highlight for any visitor is Bagan in the Mandalay Region, where 4000 sacred stupas scatter the plains.  These beautiful shrines can be explored by bicycle, but are better seen from the air in a hot air balloon at dawn or dusk.  

It would be remiss not to touch on the conflicts that have ravaged this beautiful land, where large swathes remain off-limits due to ongoing ethnic conflict, but when the doors are open, any visit to Myanmar is worth it.  Simple pleasures such as taking a traditional boat out onto Inle Lake, exploring the vibrant markets in any city or town or just drifting down the Irrawaddy River in a luxury cruiser, and you’d be bringing much-needed revenue to the local economy.

WHEN TO GO

The best time to visit Australia depends on the area you plan to see. A country of two climates, Australia’s northern half is driest and most accessible between April and September. Warm, sunny days show the national parks and beaches at their very best, providing opportunities for swimming and barbecues. The north is humid from October to March, with more rainfall, but this is offset by the active wildlife, and reinvigorated rainforests and wetlands.

In the southern half of Australia, the summer months (December to February) bring hot weather. Autumn (March to May) is also a lovely time, with numerous festivals and the busy grape harvest. Winter (June to August) is less busy and generally attracts a temperate climate that’s ideal for hiking, while spring (September to November) often sees more wildlife activity.

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