There 's a first time for everything , is n't there ? First time in a new country . First time you go on a holiday that leaves you speechless . And the first time you take one of those 'selfies ' that everyone is talking about . The country was Burma , which has just started opening up to touris , and since the best way to see the sights is by taking a river cruise , I booked up for a few nights onboard . ' A floating paradise ' : A river cruise on the Sanctuary Ananda was the best way to see the sights . The brochure promised enchantment and luxury , along with the chance to experience this fascinating land close up . I have to say , they were true to their promise . The boat , Sanctuary Ananda , is basically a floating paradise . The first thing I did when I got to my cabin was throw open the French doors and step on to the veranda . The second thing was to clamber on to the fluffy nest of a bed and enjoy the sight of a new world sliding past my windows . At this point , I promised myself that one day I would lie there and watch the sunrise . Next morning , thanks to jet lag , that 's exactly what I did . It was so superb , I set my alarm so I could enjoy it every day . Ox-cart ride anyone ? Stan enjoyed his bumpy ride in the back of the taxi . The only way to see the temples ... . from a balloon . Our guide later explained that the owners of Sanctuary Ananda , obviously aware of the negative impact tourism can sometimes have on real lives like these , are working with the village elders to plan for the future . The first fruits of this philanthropic project are a full-time teacher and a library in the village . The next few days passed in a blur of excitement . We stopped off to explore ancient ruins and temples that were still very much in use . One day I found myself wandering along a dusty path , wilting in the heat . I hailed a passing ox cart , which had the word 'taxi ' scrawled on the side , and got a delightfully bumpy lift back to the shore . Next morning I was up before the sun had even thought about rising . I could n't sleep , and could n't face breakfast . Truth be told , I could hardly stop myself from doing a dance . The reason was simple . I live in Bristol , which is pretty much home of the hot air balloon . I 've always wanted to go up in one of these outsized cuddly toys , but for one reason or another I 've never got round to it . Until now . So there I was , on a gorgeous boat in a land of loveliness , crossing my fingers for good ballooning weather . Luckily , the wind stayed away and the captain announced that conditions were perfect . A few of us scampered up the bank and climbed into a vintage coach that would carry us to the take-off field . The balloon sighed into the sky just in time for the sun to rise over the 2,000 temples of Bagan . As balloon rides go , it was magical . The early morning sunlight shone through the mist , picking out temples and pagodas with golden sparks . That was when I decided it was time for my first selfie . I 'm not saying it was the best picture I 've ever taken , but it is definitely one click I am never going to forget . Days were spent exploring ancient ruins and temples that are still very much in use . Bagan at dusk : The ancient capital of Myanmar has more than 2,200 Buddhist temples and pagodas . On our last evening we were treated to a candlelit feast under the night sky . As I sat there thinking nothing could improve my world , a flurry of shooting stars whooshed overhead . Moments later , a harvest moon peeped over the horizon , lighting up the river . I actually had to pinch myself to make sure I was n't dreaming . Our host , Daniel , saw my dazed look and asked if I could think of any way , no matter how big or small , in which the company could improve my holiday experience . I 'll be honest , I tried . I really did . I gave it my full attention . I desperately tried to think of something I would have changed . But I could n't think of a thing . Not a single , solitary one . I had to turn to Daniel and admit the truth . It had been the perfect holiday . Abercrombie & Kent abercrombiekent.co.uk ( 01242 855 469 ) offers a six-night trip to Burma from £2,095pp , including return flights , overnight accommodation in Yangon , and a four-night cruise on Sanctuary Ananda ( sanctuaryretreats.com ) between Mandalay and Bagan . Return fares from Heathrow with Singapore Airlines ( singaporeair.com ) cost from £775pp . Through-fares combining rail travel from the South West to London with First Great Western are available . Visit rail-fly.com .
River cruise through Burma is a good way to see the sights . The river itself has been dammed and turned into an artificial lake, but it's still pretty wild in places. Flag down an ox and cart for a taxi ride with a difference .