8 things you can only experience in Myanmar

1. A hot air balloon ride over Bagan
Bagan is one of Myanmar's unmissable sights, and it is truly unique to the country. Home to more than 1,000 Buddhist temples, sprawled across a grassy plain, it's one of the largest religious complexes in the world. Visitors can explore the mass of monuments by bicycle, e-bike or horse and cart. Alternatively, those looking for the best view, should take to the skies on a sunrise hot air balloon ride. The dawn flights are something special, as the sun gently rises over the Ayeyarwady River, lighting the temples up one by one.

2. Cross the world’s longest teak bridge
The U Bein Bridge, just south of Mandalay, spans the Taungthaman Lake for a whopping 1.2km. Built around 1850, it is believed to be the world's oldest and longest teak bridge. As you cross the rickety wooden panels, you'll spot the bobbing heads of local fisherman in between the paddle boats filled with tourists. Get here for sunset; the views and colours cast across the lake are spell-binding. Just be sure to arrive early, this place is popular with locals and visitors alike.

3. Feel overwhelmed at Shwedagon Pagoda
Another big-hitter on Burma's tourist trail, Yangon's Shwedagon Pagoda is unlike any other temple in the world. Over 2,500 years old, the site is one of Buddhism's most sacred and you'll find the place packed with monks, local worshippers and with a sprinkling of tourists too. Adorned with 27 metric tonnes of gold leaf, this place is a shimmering stunner. Another spot to stop at for sunset, get there just before the sun goes down to see the site in its many different lights.

4. Taste green tea… In your salad
Green tea has been hailed as a health drink the world over. But have you ever eaten it? Fermented green tea leaves are a local delicacy in Myanmar, and one you shouldn't miss. Often added to salads, they can be mixed with spices, cashew nuts, sesame seeds and more, to make for a hot, fiery but filling dish. The Moon restaurant in Bagan (close to Ananda Temple) makes for a great pit-stop when you're touring temples.

5. Get caught up in the madness of Mandalay
Southeast Asian cities are often a little hectic, but nothing compares to the atmosphere you'll find in Mandalay. As the country's second city and commercial hub, you'll find mad activity to match. Travelling around the city by foot is near-impossible; roads have no pavements and walking among the chaotic lanes of traffic is a little too daring. Instead, explore by rickshaw or moto-taxi to see the top sights.

For a little respite, climb the stone steps to the top of Mandalay Hill, where you'll find serene views of the city stretching out below you backed by the Ayeyarwady River beyond.

6. Slurp on Shan noodle soup
Burmese food is often-overlooked for more popular flavours of Thai and Vietnamese. Another famous and unique food to try on your trip is Shan noodle soup: a big bowl of Burmese noodle broth. From the north-eastern Shan state, the dish mixes thin rice noodles with a spicy, fragrant broth, and chicken, pork or vegetables, and is a local favourite.

7. Cruise the lazy waters of Inle Lake
Inle Lake is another unmissable experience on your trip to Myanmar. Home to floating villages, houses held up by stilts, and sprawling gardens, the lake is a serene sight. Local fisherman still work the waters in traditional boats, in the 'leg-rowing' style now synonymous with images of this destination. Take on a day-long boat trip to give yourself enough time to see all the sights, including the famous jumping cat monastery...

8. Dodge monkey poop at Mount Popa
Not the most delightful experience on the list but one which still needs to be highlighted. Mount Popa is another must-see on your trip to Burma. Perched high on the mountain-top, around 5km southeast of Bagan, is a magnificent Buddhist temple and sacred place to worship the infamous '37 nat' gods. To get to the top, you have to hike 777 steps, avoiding monkeys as you pass. The mountain and temple are both incredible but, like at all temples, you must remove your shoes as you enter. Problem is, you enter at the bottom of the slope, before you've passed the monkeys. Our tip? Take something to clean your feet with post-descent.