Myanmar

Approximately 5 1/2 miles outside of Pyin Oo Lwin, Anisakan Falls is the name given to the series of waterfalls inside the forested amphitheater next to Anisakan village.

The most impressive of these is Dat Taw Gyaik, a tiered 393-foot-tall cascade with a small pagoda at the bottom.

The falls are at their most beautiful during the rainy season, and it's best to go during the early morning or the late evening to avoid hiking in the heat of the day. For those who want a great view from the top, a luxurious resort and restaurant sits overlooking the falls. Anisakan Falls

Bagan was made up of more than 10,000 temples and pagodas when it was at its peak in the 12th century, and although many of the structures have been destroyed over the years, more than 2,000 are still standing. Bagan encompasses more than 16 square miles; it can be toured by foot, bicycle, electric motorbike, or horse and carriage, but the most exciting way to view the temples is by hot air balloon. Every temple in Bagan is considered sacred, and visitors should be careful to cover their knees and shoulders as a sign of respect.

Stretching 3/4 of a mile across the shallow Taungthaman Lake, the U Bein Bridge is the oldest and longest teak footbridge in the world. In 1857, Myanmar's capital was moved from Amarapura to Mandalay, and an elegant teak palace was left behind. Rather than allow the wood to go to waste, the mayor ordered that it be used to create this beautiful bridge. The bridge is most photogenic at sunset, and although there is plenty of seating on the beach, the best vantage points are found by hiring a boat to take you out onto the lake.

Encompassing 1,540 acres, the Hlawga National Park was established in 1982 to provide a natural habitat for indigenous Burmese wildlife. A beautiful lake sits at the center of the park, and the rest of the area is primarily made up of marshland, semi-evergreen forest, and deciduous forests. There are plenty of picnic sites for relaxing in, and visitors can also take a safari-style bus ride through the park, go boating on the lake, stroll along the walking paths, or take an elephant ride. Another feature of the park is a mini-zoo, which houses Asiatic black bears, crocodiles, leopards, and other animals.

Founded in 1365, the city of Inwa was the Burmese capital for more than 350 years between the 14th and 19th centuries. Unfortunately, the beautiful imperial city was abandoned in 1839 after being destroyed by a series of terrible earthquakes. Today, the ruined city is a fascinating place to explore; highlights include the Bagaya Kyaung Monastery, the yellow Maha Aungmye Bonzan Monastery, and the Buddha statue inside the Yadana Sinme Pagoda. Visitors are free to explore the area on foot or by bicycle, but the site is quite large. There are plenty of local guides offering tours by horse and cart.

For Outdoor Enthusiasts

The largest lake in Yangon, Inya Lake was created in 1882 as a water reservoir for the city. The waterfront is now one of the most exclusive areas to live in the city; the most famous home here belongs to Aung San Suu Kyi, who spent many years here under house arrest. Recreational activities here include swimming, sailing, and playing golf; a driving range sits on the east side of the lake. There are also plenty of places to enjoy a meal or a drink, including the Yangon Sailing Club, which offers stunning sunset views of Inya Lake.

Sometimes known as Royal Lake, Kandawgyi Lake is another reservoir constructed during colonial times. Kandawgyi Lake is surrounded by a beautiful park with plenty of well-maintained grassy spots and walking paths, and there is a charming boardwalk running along the southern and western sides of the lake. An admission fee is charged for the east side of the park, which offers a children's playground, plenty of lakeside cafes and restaurants, and the Karaweik, a beautiful reproduction of a royal barge. The Shwedagon Pagoda is less than half a mile away from the park, and its reflection can be seen in the lake from many angles.

For Photographers

Sitting at the foot of Mandalay Hill, Kuthodaw Pagoda was built in 1857. The exterior of the pagoda is completely covered in gold, but the temple's most impressive feature is its series of 729 marble slabs. Known as the world's largest book, the slabs are covered with the teachings of the ancient Buddha. The tablets were formerly decorated with golden ink and precious gemstones, but they were stripped of their treasures when the British invaded and have since been redone in black ink. The pagoda is open every day between 8 am and 8 pm, and there is a fee for admission. Kuthodaw Pagoda

Perched on top of a giant golden boulder that teeters precariously on the edge of a cliff, Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is one of Myanmar's most important pilgrimage sites. According to ancient legend, the temple houses a strand of the Buddha's hair that was given to a hermit by the Buddha himself. The boulder is 25 feet high and 50 feet around, and the pagoda's spire is an additional 24 feet in height. The best time to visit the site is during the pilgrimage season from November to March, when visiting pilgrims chant, meditate, and burn more than 90,000 candles all throughout the night. Kyaiktiyo

The 760-foot Mandalay Hill is one of Mandalay's biggest landmarks, and it offers excellent views of the city as well as a variety of beautiful pagodas and monasteries. Four different staircases lead to the top; the climb takes most visitors at least 30 minutes regardless of which staircase they choose, but you should allow more time if you'd like to stop along the way to admire the various temples and other sites. The view from the top is especially beautiful at sunset, and foreigners who visit during this time will likely meet many young monks looking to practice their English. Mandalay Hill