Mingalaba. This word of welcome is also a wish for good fortune and best signifies the warm, welcoming nature of the people in Myanmar. Myanmar today remains one of the most mystical and magical countries on earth; a land of breathtaking beauty stretching from snow capped peaks (Mt. Kahkaborazi is 5881m) and dense jungles of the Himalayas, to the pristine beaches of the Bay of Bengal and rice fields of the Delta; in between lie the glittering pagoda-filled plains, ancient capitals and - running throughout it all - the mighty 2000-kilometre-long Ayeyawaddy River.

The country's population of 53 million lives mainly in villages and 100 different national groups are found within the country's borders; the Bamar are the majority group inhabiting the central zone whilst the Shan, Kayin, Kachin, Chin, Rakhine and Mon live in the mountainous areas or along the coast. Intrinsic to the country is Buddhism and daily life revolves around the family, worship at pagodas and festivals. Myanmar not only has a rich cultural heritage but also an incredibly varied fauna and flora; all this combined with an enchanting population make it one of the most fascinating, and as yet undiscovered, destinations in the world.