Where to go in Central Burma

Inle Lake

Inle Lake is Burma's second largest lake. It's bordered by more than 200 villages, which are home to a number of ethnic minority tribes, notably the Intha people who originated from the east of the country.

Ancient capitals

Easily accessible from Mandalay are the remnants of four ancient cities. Many of the sites have been destroyed or fallen into disrepair but it's still possible to visit the ruins of Nanmyin, the ancient palace, and the Maha Aungmye Bonzan monastery, built in 1818 before the major conflicts of the 1…

Mandalay

Founded in 1857, Mandalay was the last royal capital of Burma, built by King Mindon at the foot of Mandalay Hill, another of Burma's important Buddhist sites.

Salay

Compared to its neighbour, Pagan, the sleepy religious centre of Salay is relatively untouched by tourism.

Mount Popa

Lying south-east of Pagan is Mount Popa, a majestic mountain and popular pilgrimage site, which rises more than 1,500 metres from the flat and arid plains of the surrounding region.

Bagan

Burma's capital between the 11th and 13th centuries, Bagan (Pagan) is arguably the most stunning, awe-inspiring site in all of South East Asia.