Fodor's Expert Review ViewPoint Lodge

This eco-friendly, Swiss-managed property on one of Myanmar's largest lakes lives up to its name: from your over-water bungalow, prepare to be entranced by longboats putting by, barefoot monks walking onshore, and water buffalo being driven over an ancient bridge. Though the hotel's main buildings are all on land, its guest cottages stand right above the lake thanks to their sturdy bamboo stilts—the region's traditional construction from limestone, mud, and rice straw is so supportive and that no concrete was used. Cottages offer a tranquil retreat, but guests who want to do a little mingling will have no problem at the hotel's in-house restaurants—one serving local Shan fare, and another offering French cuisine—where each morning a dynamite breakfast is served.