The country now known as Myanmar is the last frontier of discovery for cultural travellers in Southeast Asia. Towering, gilded pagodas, spectacular architectural sites, beautiful beaches and stunning mountains, and a fascinating traditional culture that is at the forefront of local life are among the reasons why record-breaking numbers of visitors have been beguiled by Myanmar since the easing of the tourism boycott in 2010. With Aung San Suu Kyi released from house arrest and a program of sweeping political reform now underway, the future finally looks bright for a country blighted for decades by civil war and economic stagnation.

Now is the moment to visit this extraordinary land, scattered with gilded pagodas, where the traditional ways of Asia endure and areas that were previously off-limits are opening up. Travelling to Myanmar is a chance to swap the electronic demands of modern life for the calm of gilded temples and ancient monasteries. Enjoy slowly unfolding journeys through serene landscapes including meandering rivers, lush jungles, ethnic minority villages and pristine palm-fringed beaches. The combination of Myanmar’s beauty and diversity, its rich culture and history, and its charming people make it one of Asia’s most rewarding and truly enchanting destinations.

Myanmar is country of zedis, often called ‘pagodas’ in English. Wherever you are – boating down the river, driving through the hills, even flying above the plains – there always seems to be a hilltop zedi in view. It is in Bagan that you will see the most dramatic results of this national enthusiasm for religious monuments. From the richly carved teak Shwenandaw Monastery in Mandalay and the crumbling stupa complexes of Inle Lake to the exceptional reclining Buddhas at Bago and Yangon, Myanmar is dotted with a vast array of Buddhist architecture waiting for you to explore.

Also worth inspecting are the buildings erected during the British colonial period which feature a variety of styles and materials, from the rustic wood-and-plaster Tudor villas of Pyin U Lwin to the thick-walled, brick-and-plaster, colonnaded mansions and shop houses of Yangon, Mawlamyine and Myeik.

Must-see archaeological wonders:

Best natural experiences you can’t afford to miss:

Two millennia after its waters nourished Myanmar’s first planned cities, the Ayeyarwady continues to serve as an essential artery for the millions who live and work in the settlements clustered along its banks. For visitors, the fleet of ferries and cruisers that ply the river offer a unique perspective on the country. Whether in the luxury of a teak-lined, five-star vessel, roughing it third classs on a government double-decker to distant Bhamo, or chugging gently upstream from Mandalay to Mingun, journeying on the silty blue-brown waterway is among the defining travel experiences of the country.

Best trips on the Ayeyarwady:

Years of isolation, lack of development and a strong sense of cultural identity have been favourable to Myanmar’s arts and crafts. Lifestyles and traditions which are fast disappearing elsewhere in the region are still alive and well in Myanmar. A storehouse of art and culture, Myanmar offers sights ranging from the ethereal ruins of Bagan to the faded structures of colonial Yangon, and rich traditions of music and dance nurtured in the conservatories and theatres of Mandalay. Many crafts, such as stone carving, bronze casting and the making of parasols, are inextricably linked to Buddhism as are the many colourful festivals and events held throughout the year.

Best places to experience traditional arts and culture:

Isolated from the rest of the world for centuries, Myanmar is made up of a large number of ethnic minority groups who have a strong sense of culture and identity.

Although subjugated and poor, the people of Myanmar can be as proud of their country and culture as any nationality you’ll meet. Keep in mind that these long-suffering people are also gentle, humorous, engaging, considerate, inquisitive and passionate; they want to play a part in the world and to know what you make of their world.

Best places to meet different ethnic groups: