Burma is a breathtaking country—golden temples, snow-capped mountains, emerald green rice fields, white sand beaches and, in Rangoon, the largest city, incredible architecture frozen in time. After decades of isolation under a repressive regime, a democratically elected government is now steering the nation and progression seems promising.
Temples, Beaches, Culture
The best time to visit is from November to February. March to May is extremely hot throughout the country. Rains come in June and last until September, which offers cool respites.
Twenty places to visit this year, including the majestic Hunza Valley, Bangkok for those with an appetite, and a new-look Kyoto.
Lined with crumbling fin-de-siècle buildings, Rangoon’s Pansodan Road transports visitors back to the former capital’s colonial yesteryears. But now, on-trend restaurants are breathing new life into the heritage edifices that once housed government offices and banks.
This luxury outpost in the heart of Burma’s commercial capital has all the trimmings. Oversized rooms have Wi-Fi, large desk space and a Bluetooth-supported speaker telephone, on top of comforts like coffeemakers and marble bathrooms.
Traveling on the job doesn’t have to be boxy and boring. These upscale hotels do the hard work for you, leaving more time to enjoy your surroundings.
Off the south coast of Burma, the barely touched, largely uninhabited Mergui Archipelago beckons the intrepid sailor. Joe Cummings checks his phone at the cabin door for an exploration of the new eco-resorts in one of the least touristed places in Southeast Asia.
Channel your inner Buddha on a Belmond cruise through Burma.
Whether they’re served in a bar, a humble street restaurant or a Michelin-worthy gastronomic temple, some specialties are worth seeking out no matter where in the world they may be.
Built in 1920, Belmond Governor’s Residence emanates style and history in a delightful setting. It is a beautiful, imposing Burmese two-story mansion built as the official home of one of the governor’s from the southern states of the country.
Originally built in 1901, The Strand Hotel stands for all that were wondrous and opulent in a bygone era. Restored to its former glory, the Victorian-styled Strand combines the charms of the 1920s and 1930s with modern-day amenities.
