Eastern Myanmar

Shan State

Nearly a quarter of Myanmar's geographic area is occupied by the Shan State. It is the most mountainous state in the country, divided north - south by the Thanlwin (Saween) River. Half the people living in Shan state are ethnic Shan, who for the most part, live in valleys formed by the Thalwin River. Because of the elevation, most of the Shan State is ill-suited for cultivation lowland crops such as rice. One crop that flourishes even at the high elevation is papaver sommiferum, the opium poppy.The unusual Gokteik Viaduct,is a railway viaduct located 60 km. north of Pyin Oo Lwin, on the way to Lashio. When the Gokteik Bridge was built by American and British steel company over the deep gorge 100 years ago, it was the second - highest railway bridge in the world. Its not allowed to take photos there.

Southern Shan State

Taunggyi

Taunggyi is one of the popular resorts in the pine –covered hills in Myanmar. It is also the centre of Shan culture.It is located 731.2 km from Yangon ,1433 m. above sea - level. Beside road access from Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan into Taunggyi, visitors from Yangon can catch a one hour flight into Heho Airport and travel 40 km. by road into Taungyi. Air Mandalay, Yangon Airways and Myanma Airways fly daily to Heho Airport. Express train go from Yangon - Mandalay to Tharsi junction.From there, you can take a regular train to Taunggyi.Taunggyi is close to many places of interest such as Taunggyi Museum, Nyaung Shwe Sawbwa Museum, Inle Lake, Weekly floating markets , the scenic hill station of Kalaw and the magnificent Pindaya Caves, famous for thousands of ancient Buddha images.

Kakku Pagoda

Kakku Pagoda is one of the oldest and most fascinating archeological and culture sites in Myanmar. Treasures of the country,which were hidden for years, are now accessible to the public. It is easily reached by road from Taunggyi.
Passing through the humble villages of Pa-O people,you can see incredible upland scenery and over 2500 stupas,which can be viewed inside a single compound.

Pindaya

Pindaya is a small picturesque town at the foot of Mene Mountain Range. It is famous for Pindaya Caves in which thousands of Buddha Images have been place or carved for many centuries.
Pindaya is located over 100 km. from Taunggyi. It is noted for its extensive limestone caves and a beautiful lake. Pindaya and Aungban pass through Pa-Oh and Danu Villages are knowm for wide- spreading Banyan Trees, Pindaya Caves, Shwe-U-Min Pagoda.

This scenic ride between Aung Ban and Pindaya is one of the loveliest in the Shan State passing through enchanting villages like Pwe Hla where over two thousands Shan, Pa-O and Danu hill tribe's people live.

Pindaya Township covers about 85 square miles, with a population of over 20,000 hill tribe people. The majority of the population is Taung-yoe, Danu, Taung-thu, Shan, Palaung, Bam and Intha people.

The ancient caves are about one mile southwest of the town and can be reached by car. The caves 2 millions years old, and since ancient times, have been places of worship and veneration with 8,094 Buddha images from various materials. Visitors should plan to stay for one or two nights in Pindaya to explore the natural beauty around such as : the tranquil lake, the limestone caves, the ancient pagodas and and the lovely old trees.

Kalaw

Located 1,400 m. above sea level, Kalaw is a beautiful hill station set in the midst of rolling hills and pine forests. It once was a summer resort for the Europeans and rich local people.Kalaw is 71 km. west of Taunggyi, and 660 km. from Yangon. There are regular domestic flights to Heho Airport,from which you can proceed by car to Kalaw.
Kalaw still has colonial - era architecture. Its environs are great for trekking.Not far from Kalaw are the Palaung villages where the people still live in long houses. They are Buddhists and wear beautifully woven costumes of deep red, greens and black. There also are enchanting pagodas and temples.

Inlay

This vast picturesque lake, which is 900 meters above sea level, is one of the main tourist attraction in Myanmar.The lake,which is 22 km. long and 10 km. wide, has a population of some 2 million, many of whom live on floating islands of vegetation.Inle Lake is natural and unpolluted famous for its scenic beauty and the unique "one-leg-rower" of the Intha, the native lake dwellers.

Ywama Village

Ywama village is the largest village on the Inle Lake .Its street are a web of canals. There are some beautiful teak houses built on large wooden poles driven into the lake bed.The main activity and attraction is at the floating market in the largest canal.

Phaung Daw U Pagoda

Phaung Daw U Pagoda is one of the most famous principal shrines in Myanmar, this pagoda houses five small Buddha images.Once a year, at the end of September or early October, there is a pagoda festival during which the four Buddha images are rowed around the lake in a colorful barge.

Mine Thauk Market

The Mine Thauk Market is the large and busting market with an authentic local atmosphere and a variety of produce from the Lake. Other places of interest in the Lake are the Paya Pauk Pagoda, the Zakah village and the Nag Phe monastery.

The Scenic Splendour of Sagar Inn

Kakku or the Taung-to Pagoda complexes of the Shan State have been hidden from the people from other regions, but at the same time,were living places of worship for the people living in the area.The local people are astounded that there home,which was for many centuries was part of their history, should now generate so much excitement to newcomers.On the banks of Belu Chaung, there is an unknown and mysterious village called "Sagar" Inn. In the old days when Sawbwa, or princes ruled the territory, Sagar Inn was a principality with its own prince.Now all is left of Sagar Inn are ancient pagodas and monasteries, and the town is now a village hidden away from the world and almost forgotten.The local people who inhabit the area are Pa O, are hard working and good-hearted.

The route to Sagar Inn is a journey of enchantment. The boat weaves through waters of Inlay ,and south, beyong Taung-to village with its old pagodas, past Kyaing Kan Village where they weave monk's robes from fibers pulled from the lotus stems,(a magical process not known anywhere else in the world ). When passing by the village of Kyauk Taing.It is best to colorful costumes and dropped with beads, chains and coins. At the market,you can buy the simple wares or sample the delicious local food.

Eastern Shan State

Kyaing Tong

Kyaing Tong is tucked away in the far east of Shan State, 456 km. northeast of Taunggyi, 136 km. north of the border town of Tachilake and 787 km. above sea level, Kyaing Tong (Kengtung) is the sleepy but historic centre for the state's Khun Culture, surrounded by Wa-Shan, Akha, Lahu villages. Built around a small lake and dotted with aging Buddhists temple and some examples of British Colonial architecture.Kyaing Tong is probably the most scenic town in the Shan State.It is also at the crossroads of China, Thailand and Laos.

Places of interest are: colonial - style buildings ,well - kept monasteries called "Wats" - wat joug kham,Wat Pha Jao Lung, Wat Ho Kong and Wat Pha That, Jom Mon.

The Akha live in the Northeast.As with most ethnic tribes, the men are simply dressed in dark blue jackets and wide – bottomed trousers that tie at the waist, but the women are gorgeously dressed in intricately embroidered leggings, jackets with elaborate silver jewelry , Akha lidies look as if they are dressed for the most formal of ceremonies even when they are just going off to work in the fields!

Around Kyaing Tong

Hot Springs,

The Hot Springs on the road to Mu-Se are worth a visit.Around Kyaing Tong,Wa,Shan,Akja and Lahu villages, can all be reached by fascinating treks.

Thachileik

Thachileik located in the Golden Triangle Area. It is border gateway opposite Mae Sai in Thailand. It is accessible by air about two hours from Yangon. The Golden Triangle Paradise Resort is located on the banks of the Mekong River facing Loas and Thailand.

Lashio

Lahio is a trading town in Northern Shan State, accessible by the famous Burma Road(the road from Mandalay from Lashio), built by the British before the war, intersecting with Ledo Road leading into the Yunnan Province.

Muse

Muse is a small town on the banks of the Shweli River.It is the main border gateway between Myanmar and Yunnan Province (China).It is located 190 km. from Lashio, is a bustling trading center. Muse Motel has modern facilities. Namkham and Kyukoke are nearby border towns.

Thipaw (Hsipaw)

Thibaw (Hsipaw) is situated on the road and railroad between Mandalay and Lashio, the main Myanmar-China trade route. The remains of the Shan Palace in the northern part of town, is now a popular hangout for travelers, thanks to its cool climate and relaxed atmosphere, where in the 1950's an Austrian woman became the popular "Mahadevi of Hsipaw", until the military took over in 1962. The prince's nephew now take care of the palace and has some interesting stories about bygone times to tell. The Bawgyo Pagoda is the most revered in northern Shan State.

Kaya State

Loikaw is the capital of picturesque Kaya State. It is part of the Shan State Plateau and is noted for its beautiful water falls, tranquil lakes and dams. Excursion into the environs of Loikaw can be arranged to visit the legendary Ngwedaung Lake. Mobye Dam and "Padaung Village".The social customs of Kayah are still primitive.There are distinctive ways that they dress in each of the tribal groups that inhabit the State.The Padaung Women's necks are encircled with brass rings. The brass is kept well polished and adorned with additional decorative touches such as strings of gold beads and tassels hanging from under their Chins on either side of their face.

Padaung Tribe (Long - neck Lady)

The Padaung tribe are natives of Kaya State.Since the Padaung people are rarely seen in the lowland, only on this tour you might catch a glimpse of the Padaung tribe as they congregate around the provincial town of "Loikaw" close to the border with neighboring Thailand. Although the Padaung, a Mongolian tribe have been assimilated into Kayin groups, there now remains only 7,000 people left in the Padaung population. Tourists are intrigued by their interesting customs and unique lifestyle.One of their customs is to wear bronze rings around their necks.Legend explains that the rings are symbols of charm against the dangers and bites (attacks) from tigers.The Padaung women also use multiple rings to elongate their necks, giving them their unusual appearance.

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