Kandawgyi Lake, Yangon

This artificial lake near the great golden pagoda is a centrepiece of the former capital's park system, ringed by a wooden boardwalk and gardens that offer some of the finest views of the surrounding landmarks. Originally created as a reservoir in the colonial era, it now serves as a place for strolling, relaxing and photography, its calm surface mirroring the gilded stupa on the far shore at dawn and dusk. A large ornate barge shaped like a mythical bird sits on the water beside lakeside restaurants.