Having been fortunate enough to tour several Asian countries - Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Burma by far has been my favorite destination as it possesses an “undiscovered charm” that the other places do not.

My favorite locales are: Pyin Oo Lwin (via Mandalay) and the train ride to view the Goak Hteik Bridge-the scenery is absolutely amazing. And it was the first time in my life I had ever observed poinsettias growing in the wild-who would have known that a poinsettia can grow 6 feet or taller and does not look like the cute little packaged plant that we see in stores around X-mas!!!

Another favorite was taking the hour long boat ride from Mandalay to Mingun, where you can see the Poh Hto Daw Gyi temple, which would have stood as the largest temple in Asia had it been completed-construction was stopped after more than 20 years of labor in 1790. The magnificent remnants of this temple are indescribable and worthy of a visit.

Mt. Popa provided some of the best views in Myanmar-especially from the Popa Mountain Resort. The cool air, gentle mountain breeze and flora made this one of my favorite stops. After Popa I visited Bagan (few hours drive) which is a must see-the hundreds of temples scattered throughout Bagan are splendid. And unlike Angkor Wat in Cambodia-you can view all of the temples of Bagan from one vantage point-especially during sunrise and sunset when the bricks of these temples seem to glow.

Kalaw-I cannot begin to describe the hike I took at Kalaw-it was roughly 7 hours round trip, and the highlight was visiting a village where the agrarian lifestyle flourishes; and the lunch atop an unnamed mountain where there sits a small Nepalese run restaurant with nothing else around for miles except the breathtaking views and cool breeze-I highly recommend the pumpkin curry with chapati, a fresh avocado, and cold Myanmar beer! As I did, I would suggest 2 nights at Kalaw prior to Inle Lake, which is an approximate 2 hour drive.

Inle Lake-I was initially skeptical of Inle Lake because I thought, what could be so special about a Lake-well as it turns out Inle was probably my favorite destination. The lodging was spectacular as the views. The lifestyle of the Intha and Pa O tribes who have adapted to live on a lake is simply amazing. For example, their food staples are grown on these floating gardens-I have never seen anything like it. Additionally, observing the fisherman plying for their days catch to feed their families, with the unique conical shaped fish traps are a site to observe.

And finally Ngapali beach-if you want tourism, crowds, bars etc. go to the beaches in Thailand (I have been to both). If you desire a quaint, quiet, spectacular and un-crowded beach destination I would definitely recommend Ngapali. The lobster thermidor at the Amata Spa and Resort is succulent. As is their tom yum soup-now imagine this: it is 90 degrees outside with a lot of humidity. You order tom yum soup-it is brought to you boiling still from the kitchen; and inside the soup are spicy chilies. As you start to eat this soup the breeze from the ocean hits you-you start to sweat because of the ambient temperature, the soup temperature, and the spice from the chilies! And before you know it- you start to sweat even more, and then your nose starts to run-so you suck down some cold Myanmar beer!!! It does not get any better than that!!!

The professionalism of Tamarind staff was most welcome; and I appreciated the fact that the accommodations, guide, transportation, and food was all taken care of, affording me the opportunity to relax and enjoy this beautiful country. Tamarind exceeded my expectations in all instances, and I look forward to visiting Burma again next year.

(T.L. Falls Church, Va.)