Moulmein (Mawlamyine)Moulmein is one of Southeast Asia's mostpicturesque ports and is famous for being the siteof Kipling's Pagoda. Not far from here is theThanbyuzayat Cemetery, a memorial to the Alliedtroops lost in World War II. The town is a goodplace to experience Burma's spiritual side atBuddhist shrines. These include Yele Paya,perched over the sea, and at monasteries andnunneries, all of which welcome visitors with timeto stay and talk. Accessible only by road and eventhen a full day's drive from Rangoon, this townsees few visitors, but the journey itself isworthwhile, passing through Mon and Karenvillages and stopping at interesting cave temples en route.www.audleytravel.com/burma ?01993 838 105 ?Burma73Man making a broom, MoulmeinClimbing to the Golden RockPaya Ngoto SchoolAfter the devastating effects of CycloneNargis in May 2008, we wanted to raisefunds to help an affected community. Weidentified a primary school in Paya Ngotovillage, close to Rangoon, which had beenvirtually destroyed and was in desperateneed of a donor to help rebuild the schooland move the 55 students out of temporarybamboo classrooms back into the mainschoolhouse. After months of fundraising inthe UK, including many generous donationsby Audley clients, and the hard work of alocal contractor and workforce, the schoolwas completed and the children moved backinto their brighter, larger and better equippedschoolhouse. We provide ongoing support tothe school and community and Paya Ngotonow welcomes Audley clients. Our Burmaspecialists will be delighted to tell you more.Golden RockOne of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimages inBurma is to the Golden Rock. True devotees willclimb to the rock from the nearby town ofKyaiktiyo, which can take over five hours. Aneasier option is to ride on a local truck as far asthe Golden Rock Hotel and then continue on footfor the last hour to the rock itself. Over the ages,the rock has been totally covered with gold leafand is remarkable for its gravity-defying position,balanced on the edge of the mountain. It is said tobe held in place by a single strand of Buddha's hair. Pupils at Paya Ngoto School in the Irrawaddy DeltaThanlwin ferry terminal, near MoulmeinGolden RockMarket seller, MoulmeinMarket, Moulmein

THANDEHOTEL, PAGANThis is a great value hotel and has an unrivalledlocation. We recommend the riverside rooms,which command good views across the IrrawaddyRiver. The hotel is set in well-tended groundswith a small pool that provides a welcome relieffrom the heat of the Pagan plains and breakfast isserved in the garden when the weather is fine.THIRIPYITSAYASANCTUARYRESORT, PAGANIf you are looking to treat yourself and stay in thebest rooms in Pagan, then we recommend theriver-view suites at the Thiripyitsaya. These eightsuites are located by the Irrawaddy and havefantastic views as well as top class facilities. Thespa has also developed a good reputation andafter a day exploring temples in the heat, there is nothing that can match a skilled reflexologytreatment or massage.Pagan (Bagan)Like the temples at Angkor in Cambodia orBorobodur in Indonesia, Pagan is unquestionablyone of the 'must sees' in Asia. There are over3,000 temples here, built between the 11th and13th centuries and covering an area of over 40square kilometres. Straddling the Irrawaddy River, the stupas and pagodas are an arresting,awe-inspiring sight: all that remains of an ancientcity where only the holy buildings, built of stoneand brick, remain. Our guides can give you ageneral overview or in-depth tours, depending on your level of interest. All tours in Pagan willinclude the impressive temples of Ananda andDhammayangyi, the largest temple Shwezigon and the tallest, Thatbyinnyu. Your guide will alsoensure that you are at one of the quieter temples to watch the sunset.74PaganBalloons over PaganThe authorities have built an unsightlyobservation tower to give views ofPagan's temples from the air, but a farbetter way to gain perspective on thisancient site is to take a flight in a hot-airballoon. Usually starting at dawn, balloonflights last around 45 minutes andprovide a spectacular vantage point from which to get an overview of thisremarkable panorama. The flights onlyoperate in the dry season betweenOctober and March. For those thatenjoy sightseeing from the air, there aresome longer, multi-day balloon safariswith set departure dates and these are a great way to combine Pindaya, InleLake and Pagan on a unique andmemorable voyage.Thande Hotel, PaganThiripyitsaya Sanctuary Resort, PaganDawn balloon flight over Pagan