After some more exploring around Hpa An, take a relaxing boat trip down the Salween River to the former British capital of Lower Burma, Mawlamyine. Then known as Moulmein, this quiet, relaxing city is also a fascinatingly diverse place, with churches, mosques and temples (as well as many other colonial-era buildings) to explore.

Next day, take a day trip to the world’s largest reclining Buddha at Mudon, to the south of Mawlamyine, then return to catch a beautiful tropical sunset from the Kyaik Than Lan Pagoda – witnessing the view that inspired Rudyard Kipling’s poem Mandalay. For dinner, wolf down a delicious barbeque meal from one of the outdoor restaurants that line the Strand Road riverfront at night.

In the morning, fly north to the thousands of temples on the plains of Bagan and, after settling at your hotel, start exploring at the Ananda pagoda, dating from the 12^th century and famed for its gilded sikhara tower at its peak. Take a bicycle, car or horse and cart to explore the plains and, later in the day, view one of Bagan’s famously unique sunsets.

The next day, we can arrange a short cruise on the Irrawaddy or a sunrise hot-air balloon ride that will give you spectacular sunrise views of the Bagan plain (additional charge and must be booked in advance). Finish your day by enjoying some Myanmar wine over dinner by the pagodas.

Fly to Heho airport and transfer via car to characterful Nyaung Shwe, the gateway to Inle Lake. There will be plenty of time in the afternoon to relax or for sightseeing around the lake to see the local Intha fishermen employing their traditional one-leg rowing technique. If you go for the superior hotel option, a boat will take you to your hotel on the lake (standard hotels are in the Nyaung Shwe).

After breakfast the next day, visit the ancient lakeside stupas at Indein and see handicrafts in Nampan village. If the time is right, see the floating markets that are a photographer’s dream. Finish up your day with sunset wine tasting at Red Mountain Estate vineyard and then dinner on the lakeshore.