Clutching the bends of the Irrawaddy River as it winds southwards out of Mandalay, Inwa comes steeped in Burmese history. It might be hard to believe on account of the rural vibes, but this small town of brick-built fortification walls and age-stained stupas was once the buzzing epicentre of the country's royal court.

That was way back in the 14^th century though, which means the action has subsided to leave a landscape of enthralling temples and nostalgic buildings. You can rumble around town on a bike with an Inwa tour guide to discover the stately remains of the grand Palace of Ava and the beautiful pagodas of the Bagaya Monastery. You'll also spy out arched iron bridges that signal the British colonial era, and photogenic stupas that date to the Pagan era.

In short, Inwa's a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of Mandalay city. It's quiet, ancient streets are walkable and crisscrossed by clip-clopping horse-and-carts. There are little riverside eateries and bamboo food shacks, all interspersed with the relics of a once-glorious past.