Nyaungshwe Temple at Inle lake

Myanmar has managed to preserve its rich civilisation and highly cultured society despite the ongoing economic liberalisation and the pressures of rapid development. This dignified country never falls short of overwhelming the visitors by the sublime beauty of its natural settings. The entire coastal strip of Myanmar is a patchwork of divine beaches and brilliant green paddy fields tended by women in conical hats. In inland there are soaring mountains, some of which are cloaked by dense and misty forests, guarding the fertile delta of the Ayeyarwady River. Spread over a total area of 678,500 km² (261,970 sq. mi), Myanmar is the largest country in the Indochinese peninsula.
Previously known as Burma, Myanmar suffered the Mongolian invasion of Kublai Khan in 13th century. Following the Anglo-Burmese War in 1824–1826 and two subsequent wars, the British East India Company annexed Myanmar to India in 1886. It then became a separate colony in 1937 and turned into a major battleground during Second World War. Myanmar became independent on January 4, 1948 and went under military regime that is still existent. Nobel Peace Laureate and democratic activist Aung San Suu Kyi continues to raise voice against oppression despite being under house arrest.

Shwedagon Pagoda at Yangon

Seinnyet Nyima Pagoda at Bagan