• Catch one of the country's frequent Buddhist festivals, many timed to coincide with the full moon. Highlights include: Amanda Pagoda Festival in January/February; Pindaya Cave Festival in March; Maha Thingyan (New Year) in March; or Thihoshin Pagoda Festival, Pakkoku in June/July.

• Join the crowd at some traditional sport events. The national game is Chinglone; played in teams of six, the object of the game is to keep a cane ball in the air for as long as possible using any part of the body except the hands. Burmese boxing is another popular sport.

• Participate in a Buddhist retreat. There are several centres for the serious study and practice of Theravada Buddhism, the most famous of which is the Mahasi Meditation Centre in Yangon. Long-stay entry visas may be needed for a retreat.

• Attend performances of Myanmar's traditional popular theatre, known as pwe (show). Performances take place in religious festivals, weddings, sporting events or even funerals, and sometimes last for an entire night.

• See traditional dance forms (nat pwes), which pay homage to the spirit world, and catch some marionette theatre (yok-thei pwe), widely practised during the late 18th century in Mandalay.

• Explore Myanmar's rich opportunities for ecotourism, trekking and safaris. The best parks include the Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park (northwest of Monywa); Hlawga National Park (near Yangon); Popa Mountain Park (central Myanmar); Lampi Island (Myeik Archipelago); and Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary (located in Minbu).

• Enjoy watersports on Myanmar's lovely beaches. Popular spots include: Kanthaya Beach (Rakhine coast); Maung-ma-gan Beach (Taninthayi coast in the south); Ngapali Beach (Rakhine coast); and Chaung-tha Beach (west of Pathein).

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.