MYANMAR (BURMA) // The 99m-high (326ft) zedi (stupa) of Myanmar's signature monument is plated with 22,000 gold bars and set with over 5500 diamonds and 2300 rubies, sapphires and other precious stones. At least 1000 years old, the zedi is the dazzling centre of a complex of shrines, statues, stupas and pagodas. A river of humanity flows around this gleaming hub, praying and leaving offerings to honour the Buddha. We defy you to visit and not feel a touch of the divine - particularly if you come at dawn or dusk, when it's bathed in a heavenly golden light.