IN 1898, British author Rudyard Kipling famously wrote that Myanmar - then known as Burma - is "quite unlike any land you know about". And today, that statement still rings true.

Holidaying in Myanmar might be viewed as a travel taboo now, due to international displeasure over the ongoing trial of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi by the country's military government.

But despite a strict military regime in Myanmar, seasoned travellers weary of the usual Asian tourist traps will find the Golden Land still exudes a surreal tranquillity

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Photos: my paper, Dawn Tay