Hotel @ Tharabar Gate
The stylish Hotel @ Tharabar Gate is situated next to the eponymous 10th century gates of Old Bagan - the perfect base from which to explore the amazing ancient temples.
Set in a lush garden and overlooking the famous Ananda Temple, the hotel is a tranquil, resort-style getaway.? Hotel @ Tharabar Gate's 86 spacious rooms and suites are dotted around landscaped gardens in individual cottages with secluded patios. The rooms are designed in colonial style with teak fittings and floors, and Burmese antiques and textiles.
There is also a beautiful pool in the hotel's gardens and massages are available either poolside or in your private room. The Tharabar restaurant serves both Burmese and International cuisine and there is an outdoor bar that is perfect for relaxing with an evening cocktail. ?
Why We Love It
The @ symbol is also known as the monkey's tail, and started life as an abbreviation of the accounting term 'at the rate of' before becoming the recognized abbrev. for 'at'. Not a lot of people know that. Other than accountants. And those clever folks at Wikipedia.
Belmond Road to Mandalay
Despite the factually incorrect name, this river cruiser operated by Belmond is arguably the best boat plying the waters of the Irrawaddy River.
The Belmond Road to Mandalay features all the trappings of a comfortable hotel and the 56 cabins are air-conditioned with en suite shower facilities. That said, most passengers spend time on-deck as the boat meanders along the Irrawaddy River, lounging in comfortable chairs on the ship's canopied observation deck, or enjoying a swim in the on-deck pool.
There are daily tours to small villages and temple complexes along the river, and aside from the watching the scenery and enjoying the excursions, the ship also offers evening marionette and dance shows by local performers, and demonstrations and lectures for anyone wanting to enhance their understanding of the local culture.
As the sun sets, the teak-decked Piano Bar serves a range of cocktails before the on-board chefs serve regional cuisines such as Shan, Thai and Indonesian as well as Western dishes.
Belmond Road to Mandalay embarks and disembarks at the towns of Bagan and Mandalay, and ports of call include Bhamo, Katha, Mingun, Mogok, Tigyaung and New Nyein, depending on the length of the cruise.
Why We Love It
The cruise takes you to visit historic towns immortalised by George Orwell in 'Burmese Days'.
Bagan Lodge
The Bagan Lodge is situated in the ancient city of Bagan, popular for its numerous Buddhist temples and pagodas.
There are 82 lovely rooms and three suites, featuring a blend of contemporary décor and classic Burmese design, all decorated in earthy tones. Each room and suite boasts mahogany furniture, a private balcony, the usual mod cons and a minibar with coffee and tea-making facilities.
The Tiffin Box is an open air restaurant, serving authentic local cuisine, as well as Western dishes, made from fresh quality produce. For a coffee, a refreshing cold drink or an afternoon tea, visit the Lobby Lounge Bar. Fruit juices, exotic cocktails and poolside snacks can be enjoyed at the pool bar whilst soaking up the sun.
Jump into the lodge's swimming pool to cool off, or relax with a book on one of the wooden sun beds by the pool - and if lounging poolside isn't relaxing enough, there are eight spa treatment rooms available, too.
Bagan city boasts impressive pagodas, stupas and ruins, some of which date back to the 11th and 12th centuries. Explore by bike, on foot or take a balloon ride over the archaeological sites and gaze at the wonderful natural surroundings.
Why We Love It
Described by the National Geographic as 'one of Southeast Asia's greatest archaeological heritage sites', Bagan is an enchanting destination which is home to more than 2200 religious buildings, shrines, and ruins.