“Nyaung-U, ten minutes from Old Bagan. Over 100 rooms, a pool, and the golf course built directly among the 11th-century temples and pagodas that is worth a play.”

“Downtown. A mid-range boutique that punches above its price. Walking distance to the central station, Bogyoke Aung San Market, and Sule Pagoda. Clean, well-run, and staffed by people who seem to actually enjoy the work.”

“Inle Lake, near Heho airport. Built over the water in the style of the lake's stilt villages. The spa is the draw, but the location is the reason to stay, right on the lake with direct access to the floating markets and gardens by boat.”

“Old Bagan, on the Irrawaddy River. The best-positioned hotel in the archaeological zone, with the river on one side and the temple plains on the other. Pool, gardens, and an amazing sunset view.”

“Downtown, near Sule Pagoda. Built in 1901, same colonial pedigree as the Raffles and the Eastern & Oriental. High ceilings, teak floors, and the feeling of a building that was designed when ceilings were meant to be looked at. The heritage hotel in Yangon, and not much has come close since.”

“Near Nyaung-U, close to the airport. A solid mid-range option with a pool and well-maintained grounds. Useful as a base for early-morning temple visits without the premium of staying inside Old Bagan itself.”