Meiktila, sitting at close to the centre of the country, is an important transport hub, at the junction of the Bagan to Kalaw and Taunggyi highway and the Yangon to Mandalay highway (the Yangon to Mandalay train line passes through Thazi, around 45 minutes to the east). In early 1945, the town was the site of the decisive Battle of Meiktila between the British and Japanese, which led to the deaths of more than 20,000 and flattened the city. Today Meiktila sits on the northeast bank of the sprawling Lake Meiktila and the town’s position delivers on both impressive sunrises and sunsets, with a large lake frontage and a couple of temples within easy walking distance of the most convenient hotel that is permitted to take.