The Hidden Giant of Southeast Asia

Although often overlooked, Myanmar is actually the largest country in mainland Southeast Asia by land area. Despite its massive size, its administrative heart is a mysterious, sprawling city built from scratch in the jungle.

While many people know the country by its former name, Burma, its geography remains a massive, diverse landscape that anchors the region. The current capital, Naypyidaw, was constructed in near-total secrecy and completed in the mid-2000s to replace the historic city of Yangon. It is famous for its wide, empty highways that stretch across miles of forest. This unique blend of ancient traditions and modern, isolated urban planning makes the nation a fascinating anomaly.