3. Burma – Bagan Temples, Ngapali Beach, Pyin Oo Lwin, Inle Lake, Putao & Sea Gypsy sailing…

2013 is the year to visit Burma – the land that tourism forgot, but is now swiftly falling for. Stay one step ahead of the madding crowd with Ampersand’s recommendations of where to go and what to do in Burma, including:

• Ballooning over Bagan… Enjoy a sunrise hot air balloon trip over the temples of Bagan with extraordinary views over hundreds of ancient ruins and pagodas which peek out from this remote jungle.
• Sun-worshipping on the idyllic palm-fringed beaches of Ngapali… With one of the longest coastlines in Asia, Burma is a treasure trove of beautiful, unexplored beaches, many of which offer good diving and snorkelling. It works wonderfully as a stand alone beach break – certainly more adventurous than Thailand and with fewer tourists – and just a short plane hop from Yangon. Ngapali is one of the most spectacular sweeps of beach, a 3km stretch of palm-backed sand and the location of Sandoway Resort, one of Ampersand’s favourite hotels in Asia.
• The botanical gardens of Pyin Oo Lwin… These colourful gardens are beautifully maintained and a popular spot for honeymooners and families.
• Slicing through the water on Inle Lake on a long-tail boat… Nearly 200 miles south-east of Mandalay lies Inle Lake – a place of heart-stopping beauty where no electricity flows.
• Venture off-the-beaten track to a luxury oasis in Putao… Designed by Aman architect, Jean Michel Gathy, Malikha Lodge is sleek and sexy despite its incredibly far-flung northern location. This is Burma’s greenest, most remote state, home to Lisu and Rawang tribes. You go for forests, trekking, cycling, wildlife, waterfalls, rafting and kayaking – it’s all possible from the lodge. Be aware: Putao is hard to get to and this is reflected in the cost.
• Sailing on the Sea Gypsy… Departing from the homeport of Kaw Thaung, live like a genuine sea gypsy for a week aboard a rustic yet comfortable boat – with nothing to do but sail, dive and swim like a true Moken.