Standing at the crossroads between the Indian Subcontinent and South-East Asia, Burma is both beautiful and culturally rich. As the country makes its first, tentative steps towards democracy and away from the military junta that ruled the country for half a century, now is a fascinating time to discover Burma's glittering golden pagodas, bountiful rice fields, enigmatic ruined temples and picturesque countryside.

However, it is the encounters with people eager to introduce visitors to their country and culture that will linger in your memory after your journey through the "Golden Land"...