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A new video shows Burma as you've never seen it before - exploring the temples and pagodas of Yangon from above.

The rare footage was taken using a drone by the Yangon Heritage Trust, which wanted to capture the grace and elegance of the historic former capital, previously known as Rangoon.

As the drone circles above the city, the spectacular golden Shwedagon Pagoda glints in the sun and colonial buildings are shown in all their splendor.

 

Stunning drone footage gives unique view of the city of Yangon

Boats are shown plying their trade on the The Yangon River, the city's main artery, and abandoned historic buildings are shown in all their faded glory.

The 2,5000-year-old Shwedagon Pagoda takes centre stage, filled with holy relics, including strands of the Buddha's hair, the main golden stupa is surrounded by colourful temples.

Iconic: The Shwedagon Pagoda is one of the most holy sites in the world for Buddhists

Travelling back in time: Alongside tower blocks and colonial buildings, traditional Yangon life goes on

The video is the latest effort from tourism representatives in Burma to showcase the country to visitors.

After decades of a brutal military dictatorshipp, Burma is finally emerging onto the world stage and tourism has boomed in recent years.

The country can barely build hotels fast enough to welcome the tourists keen to explore this spiritual country, famed for its exoticism as much as for it British and Chinese colonial heritage.

Burma was boycotted for its brutal political policies, until pre-democracy leader and would-be president Aung San Suu Kyi was released from house arrest in November 2010.