the most comprehensive guide to Myanmar on the market dedicated chapter outlining the current political situation with balanced, informative text detailing the pros and cons of independent travel to Myanmar special section on the Temples of Bagan written by two experienced, Southeast Asia authors brand new suggested itineraries chapter with hot tips on the best way to get around the country be it on a classic route or off the beaten path, including detailed suggestions on how to avoid supporting the military junta while travelling Myanmar means "first people in the world" Myanmar contains much of the world's teak the Shwedagon Pagoda, which is covered with gold and diamonds, is one of the world's most important Buddhist shrines, containing eight hairs of Buddha yellow powder, made from bark, is worn on the face as a protection against the sun there has been a prohibition on western music but young people like heavy metal bands although songs must be in Burmese