Trekking under the hot Burmese sun wasn't something that I'd originally planned to do. Especially after the oppressive heat we experienced in Bagan.

But after meeting a fellow traveller in Mandalay who said it was one of "the best" things she had done in Myanmar - well… we obviously had to see what all the hype was about.

So as soon as she finished telling her tale we got on the phone to book a two day tour with Sam's Family Hiking. And even though no one answered we still thought it was worth the 'punt' to just head down to Kalaw after Bagan and try and get on a hike without a reservation.

So after we'd soaked up all Bagan had to offer we boarded the 9:30pm 'VIP' night bus, which was meant to arrive into Kalaw at 5am. Sam's Family Restaurant wasn't meant to open until 8am - so we though a 3 hour snooze outside would be the best plan.

WARNING: The bus from Bagan to Kalaw doesn't drop you off at 5am. It does however drop you off at 1am!

So in peak season make sure you book a nights accommodation in advance. Luckily for us, travelling in low season, we were able to barter from $20 to $10 for a room (seeing as we were only going to be using it for about 5 hours!).

As I mentioned above we chose to go with the trekking company - Sam's Family. Even though there are loads of guides in Kalaw Sam's was the one we were recommended and therefore the one we used.

WARNING: You'll need to booked someplace to stay in Nyaungshwe if you want to have Sam's Hiking transport your bags ahead of you. We didn't have anything booked when we rocked in at 8am so we just picked the first one that came to mind which happened to be - Aquarium. And luckily for us it turned out to be perfect. Great for our budget, perfect location and really helpful staff.

I'd advise against staying on the lake itself, as there is honestly nothing to do. Better to stay in Nyaungshwe which has all the restaurants and stuff to do.

We chose the two day trek and loved every minute of it. Both days hike last for around 5 hours and are split up by a 2 hour lunch break.

The hike is amazing, the food you're cooked is delicious food and the cheeky siesta you can steal is medicine for the soul!

And let me tell you… the evening meal they make you is both massive and gob smackingly delicious! You honestly won't be disappointed. And if you're still peckish or in need of a beer there's a little shop near to the place you stay.

WARNING: If you're a light sleeper don't forget to bring along some earplugs. You'll all be sleeping in the same cabin. And if there are 6 of you someone is bound to be a snorer! Your earplugs will become your best friend :)

The next day hike is also an epic day. From the amazing breakfast pancakes to the boat ride along Inle Lake to Nyaungshwe it's a wicked experience.

Again the second day is broken up by lunch… which, in fact, is the final part of your trek. And just before lunch you'll also have to pay the $10 Inle Lake tax.

After lunch the only thing left is a 1 hour long longboat ride into town - which really is the perfect end to a fantastic trek!