Any hotel with a 12th century palace wall within its boundaries is likely to be impressive, and The Hotel @ Tharabar Gate is a case in point. The perfect, cool, airy retreat after a hot and dusty day exploring nearby Bagan Temples, the hotel offers 83 rooms and suites, all set within full-grown tropical gardens.

It has a delightful pool, complete with a little stone elephant guard and broad, sunny terrace, as well as small, charming spa and an open-sided reception and living space, ideal for sharing late afternoon drinks with fellow guests.

The guest rooms are generous in size, their simple décor combining wood with traditional furnishings and a good range of amenities. The deluxe rooms have a very welcome private terrace area to the rear, although thanks to the nearby pool this is not entirely necessary. Also on site there is a spa and a very good restaurant serving both European and Asian dishes, with an outdoor dining terrace.