Yangon lies in the fertile delta country of southern Myanmar on the Yangon River . Although the population hovers around 4 million, the city seems so full of trees and shade that some neighborhoods are practically jungle, giving it a totally different feel from other Asian cities of comparable size. At night, Yangon 's wide boulevards come alive with hordes of stalls selling delicious food and piles of huge cigars. If you can close your eyes to the decay of the old colonial architecture downtown, you'll probably agree that this is one of the most charming cities in Asia .

During the Mon dynasty, Bago was a fabulous city, a major seaport and capital of lower Myanmar . The city was destroyed by the Burman in 1757 but partially restored in the early 19th century. When the Bago River changed its course and cut the city off from the sea, Bago failed to return to its previous grandeur. Sights include the Shwemawdaw Pagoda, which dominates the town, the Hintha Gone Pagoda and the 55m-long (180ft) reclining Shwethalyaung Buddha.

This sprawling cultural centre is the most Burman of Myanmar's cities. It was the last capital of Myanmar before the British took over and is the country's second-largest city, complete with bustling markets of produce and handicrafts from all over Upper Myanmar. Highlights of Mandalay include Shwenandaw Kyaung, the sole remaining building of the once extravagant moated palace; Mandalay Hill, with its spiralling stairways, temples and sweeping views; and the ancient Rakhine Buddha image at Mahamuni Paya. There are four 'deserted cities' nearby: Amarapura, Sagaing, Ava and Mingun. Mingun is the most appealing of the four; not only are there some wonderful monuments in various states of disrepair, but just getting there is half the fun. The boat ride from Mandalay is a treat.

Inle Lake is about 22km by 11km wide, 1328 meters above sea level and outrageously picturesque. High hills provide a rimming effect on the lake on both sides, the shore and islands in the lake snuggly provided space for the villages on stilts, mostly inhabited by Intha people. Calm waters dotted by patches of floating vegetations and busy fishing canoes are scenes often perpetuated by artists but here on the lake is the real McCoy. 

Located at 1200 meters above sea level, the main inhabitants are the Pao and the Danu tribes, who have their very own traditions and customs. The most impressive place is " Pindaya Caves", which houses 8094 Buddha Status, made from alabaster, teak, marble, brick, lacquer and cement.