UILT in 1901 by the Sarkies brothers, the gracious Strand - on the waterfront - is a proudly elegant Yangon gem redolent of the past with its colonial columns, high teas and starched linen. Beautifully restored to its former glory, the Victorian-style Strand combines all the charms of the 1920s and 1930s with lavish amenities. It is far and away among the best Yangon luxury hotels for a vintage experience.

The hotel offers 30 elegant suites. Each has been tastefully designed with high ceilings, teakwood floors, spacious bedrooms and luxurious en suite bathrooms. The private collection of local art pieces and antiques in evidence throughout, strikes just the right nostalgic chord. Yangon is a major city of Myanmar (Burma), and still maintains its old world charm with tree-lined avenues, tranquil lakes, legendary pagodas and gracious turn-of-the-century architecture. The mix of starchy British colonialism and Buddhism has shaped the city’s unique culture.

It is little surprise that an obligatory Yangon tradition is afternoon tea at The Strand. Aside from this quintessential English distraction, The Strand offers a variety of venues for culinary pleasure. The sumptuous Strand Grill is top of the line with its imaginative creations, while the Strand Café presents a menu of Western and Burmese specialities available all day. Guests can also enjoy authentic Burmese music at the Lobby Lounge while The Strand Bar is a must for classy evening tipple.

Facilities at this top Yangon hotel include a boutique, jewellery gallery and a host of excursions and guided tours to places of historic or local interest. Of an evening, simply head out for a leisurely stroll and explore the waterfront or the charming side streets. For echoes of the past served up in regal colonial finery, this is a place to savour of an evening under a lazily whirring ceiling fan. Mark this address down if you're looking for the best Yangon heritage hotels. This colonial confection will never disappoint.