Inle Lake
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Just a short plane ride away from Yangon in the cool green
highlands of Shan State, and yet seemingly worlds apart from the
rest of Myanmar, lies Inle Lake in an area of outstanding
natural beauty. The lake itself sits at a pleasant 1300 meters
above sea level and is famous for its leg rowers, floating
markets and prolific birdlife. In this unique wetland
environment, whole villages sit on floating islands on the Lake.
Colorful hill tribes inhabit fertile valleys and forested
mountaintops, and their own hand-woven silks are a specialty of
the region. The native Intha people who inhabit the lake regions
send their village leg rowers to compete each year during the
Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival in September / October. Nyaung
Shwe is the starting point of the trip into the Inle Lake. |
Inle Lake |
Heho
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The airport for Southern Shan State, Taunggyi and Inle Lake is
situated in Heho. Heho also has a very colorful 5 Day Market in
which the cattle market is especially interesting. Visitors can
easily visit in the morning when arriving at the airport on
market days.
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Heho Market |
Kalaw
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Kalaw is a beautiful hill station surrounded by pine trees
and forests. There are several interesting hill tribe villages
in the area including the Palaung and Pa-O tribes. These people
are known for their very colourful costumes and friendly faces.
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Kalaw Market |
Kyaingtong
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Kyaingtong (Kengtaung), in the easternmost part of Shan
State near the Chinese and Thai border, is an old colonial town
and surrounded by the villages of the Khun, Wa, Anh, Akha, Akhu,
Palaung and Lahu hill tribes. The forests and mountains of this
region offer a peaceful setting of natural beauty. Depart Yangon
or Heho by air to Kyaingtong. Highlights: Yan-Gone Pottery
Village, Kyaingtong Lacquer ware workshop, trekking to nearby
tribal villages, morning market to meet the local hill tribes. |
Kyaingtong Market |
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KakKu, a unique temple complex of more than 2000 stupas has
lied hidden in the Pa-O heartland of Southern Shan State for
centuries. Unknown to the outside world and to most of Myanmar
until recently, these exquisite monuments can now be visited. A
day trip from Inle Lake is sufficient. |
Kak Ku
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Kyaukme & Hsipaw
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On the road to Lashio, Kyaukme and Hsipaw are neighboring towns
in the cool Shan valley. Both towns are very picturesque and offer unique styles of Shan and Burmese architecture. The Bawgyo Pagoda,
Aungzedhi Monastery and the town markets are popular sites to visit. Near these towns are the Shan paper making workshops. |
Taunggyi
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Capital of Shan State, Taunggyi is a pine clad hill station
about 1500 metres high. The weather is cool all year round and
the winter months can be quite cold at night. Taunggyi can be
easily reached by road from Inle Lake. The local market is well
known throughout Myanmar and the road south will lead you to the
unique Kakku sight of 2000 stupas in Pa-O country. The Fire
Balloon Festival held annually at the full moon of Tazaungmon in
November is not to be missed. |
Pindaya
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Pindaya is a peaceful town famous for its caves in which
thousands of centuries-old Buddha images are seated. The road
from Kalaw to Pindaya passes through Pa-O villages and
countryside of magnificent scenic beauty. Pindaya is also known
for the Shan paper and monk umbrella makers. |
Yasagyi
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Journey by foot from Pindaya up to Yasagyi – a Palaung
village - through the countryside & villages of the Danu & Pa-O
tribes reaching Yasagyi at 6020 feet. Overnight accommodation at
the Yasagyi Monastery with a pre-dawn trek to the 7030 Foot
Yasagyi summit for sunrise. Returning to Pindaya through farm
fields and meadowlands. |
