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Mandalay and Bagan are two of the most essential stops on any Myanmar agenda. Regarded as one of the world’s most spectacular temple complexes, Bagan deserves its status as arguably Myanmar’s top draw. Located on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, it is home to the largest and densest concentration of Buddhist temples, pagodas, stupas, and ruins in the world. The former royal capital of Burma, Mandalay is one of the country’s most storied cities and is one of the most evocative names in Asia.

A month in Myanmar gives you time to stretch things out a little—no small luxury in a giant country where infrastructure remains decidedly shaky. A few weeks allows you to explore big-hitters like Bagan, Mandalay, Yangon, and Inle Lake at leisure, while also allowing scope for lesser-visited gems. These include the temple complex at Mrauk U in Rakhine State, Nay Pyi Daw—the surreal, purpose-built capital—and Maw Lam Yine, the sleepy riverfront capital of Mon State.

A UNESCO World Heritage site in a mountain valley about 40 miles west of Da Nang, My Son is a vestige of the Champa kingdom, a culture that was heavily shaped by Hindu beliefs and practices. Built between the 4th and 14th centuries, the temples pay homage to the god Shiva, though the deity is often referred to here by different names. While some of the shrines are partially restored, and others overgrown with greenery or showing their age (many were destroyed by American bombing during the Vietnam War), the sheer scope of the ruins are proof of the reach of Hinduism and the lofty ambitions of the Cham kings.

I hope that every traveler has the opportunity to experience sunrise from a temple in Bagan - one of the most astonishing places on earth. In general, the history of Burma is amazing. Specifically, the history of Bagan is unlike any other on earth. It’s a little dizzying, in fact - tens of thousands of temples built on a dusty plain by kings, emperors, war lords, and chieftains that stretch on and on until the buck up against the horizon. The best way to explore Bagan is to get out on foot and wander - preferably in the presence of a knowledgeable local guide.

The secret to having a good time in Bagan has nothing to do with getting there - all that takes is faith in a Burmese pilot and his ancient aircraft, or an unwavering belief that your 13-hour bus ride from Yangon will actually deliver you to the dusty plains before all your hair turns grey (update: travelers now have the options of new turboprop airplanes and the new highway means that drive time is now approximately seven hours). The secret is in finding a new way to look at the temples themselves, at just the right time of day, and in just the right light. I’ll never understand why most visitors cluster together to climb one pagoda when the plains are littered with thousands of others that afford anyone willing to visit a wholly new perspective on an oft-visited place. This is the way I look at every destination, whether new, old, untamed or untrammeled.

Take a side trip from the much-traveled Bagan and take a quiet afternoon to dodge the monkeys and relax at the temple atop Mount Popa.

to make the sunset at the famous U Bein bridge near Mandalay got us there just in time. And boy was it worth the effort. Not only this beauty but a fabulous temple on the river nearby was lit in brilliant shades of gold and orange. Literally thousands of photographs later, Myanmar is still my favorite country visited. DO Inle Lake area, Do the Irawaddy River (the Road to Mandalay of Kipling fame and the eponymous boat trip by Orient Express.) Visit the Plains of Bagan, for thousands of temples, and Yangon for Shwedagon Temple complex... everything here is astounding. Visit the markets (many to choose from) meet the people (warm friendly open buddhists) and play with the kids (they are everywhere.)

Salt Lake City made its first bid for the Winter Olympics in 1989 and persevered until it was chosen to host the Games in 2002. The city built a number of facilities required to accommodate such a massive event, including the existing light-rail and commuter-rail system. Venues are dotted around the city and up in the mountains, and many of them are still used to inspire and train Olympic hopefuls. A handful of these sites are open to visitors, such as Deer Valley Resort, Maverik Center, Soldier Hollow’s cross-country ski resort, Utah Olympic Oval, and Utah Olympic Park outside of Park City.

Lacquerware has a very unique style in Myanmar and dates back to the 13th century. Bagan is the major center for lacquerware (President Barack Obama purchased some here during his visit to Myanmar) however it is found readily throughout the rest of the country at tourist shops and temples. Lacquer in Myanmar is called thitsi referring to the sap of the thitsi tree which is extracted and used for coating and varnishing pieces of furniture, crockery, and decorative pieces made from bamboo and wood. Items are often gilded in gold and depict images of the Buddha. Lacquerware is a staple in the homes of Myanmar for baskets, cups and bowls. It’s fascinating to visit the lacquer workshops in Bagan, where you can witness the process from shaving bamboo to making the lacquer mixture and artists decorating the pieces by hand.

Rhiannon Taylor traveled on Abercrombie & Kent’s Myanmar & the Irrawaddy tour as part of AFAR’s partnership with the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), whose members provide travelers with unparalleled access, insider knowledge, and peace-of-mind to destinations across the globe. For more on Rhiannon’s journey, visit the USTOA blog.

Flowing from north to south, the Irrawaddy River is Myanmar’s largest and most important commercial river and empties out to the Andaman Sea. Used by the British Empire after it colonized Burma, the river has been essential for trade and travel since the 6th century. Today it is just as important, being used for transport of goods and irrigation to rice paddocks. One of the best ways to explore the Irrawaddy River is by a boat cruise such as Sanctuary Ananda, a small, luxury boat that can run a 3 day itinerary from Bagan to Mandalay, stopping along the way at small riverside villages. Whether it’s relaxing on the top deck, or sitting on your private balcony taking in the river life as you cruise past, it’s a unique part of Myanmar and a great way to see some untouched regions of the country.

Rhiannon Taylor traveled on Abercrombie & Kent’s Myanmar & the Irrawaddy tour as part of AFAR’s partnership with the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), whose members provide travelers with unparalleled access, insider knowledge, and peace-of-mind to destinations across the globe. For more on Rhiannon’s journey, visit the USTOA blog.