Shan State
The Shan State is the largest of all states and divisions in Myanmar. It is also known as The Shan Plateau. The average height of the Shan Plateau is (1000-1300m) above sea level. The climate is cool all the year round in most areas. It has an area of 15580 sq km with 52 townships and 1628 village tracts. The population of Shan State at present is roughly over 6 million. There are three regions in Shan State; Western, Northern, and Southern.
How to get there
The most convenient way is to flight from Yangon to Heho, which is the nearest airport to the lake. There are daily flights to Heho which take about one hour. The flight from Mandalay to Heho takes only 20 minutes. Traveling by car along the uphill and winding road over the Shan Plateau, through taking some few hours, is interesting and well- worth taking. There is also a regular train service via Thazi Junction to Heho and Shwe Nyaung, the nearest station to the lake.
Where to stay
There are newly built cottage-style hotels with modern facilities on the lake and modern-style hotels at Nyaung-Shwe which is the gateway to Inlay lake.
What to see
Inle Lake
This vast picturesque lake, 900 meters above sea-level, is one of the main tourist attractions in Myanmar. The Lake 22 km long and 10 km across, has a population of some 150,000, many of whom live on floating islands of vegetation. Inle Lake is famous for its scenic beauty and the unique leg rowing of the Inthas (native lake dwellers), and the annual colorful ceremonial Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival. There are many traditional arts and craft items produced by gold and silver smiths, as well as colorful silk cloths weave by young damsels in traditional style..
Ywama village
The largest village on the Inlay lake; its streets are web of canals. There is some beautiful teak houses built on large wooden poles driven into the Lake bed. The main activity and attraction is at the floating market.
Phaung-daw U Pagoda
One of the famous principal shrines in Myanmar, this pagoda houses five small Buddha images. Once a year, in 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. One always left at the Shrines.
Mine Thauk Market
A large and bustling market where one can find a real local atmosphere with a variety of products from the lake. Other places of interest in the lake are Paya Pauk Pagoda, Zakah village and Nga Phe Chaung Monastery.
The Lost Treasures of SAGAR Inn
Kakku or the Taung-to Pagoda complexes of the Shan State…has been hidden from the eyes of people from other regions, but there are living places of worship for the nationalities living in the area.The nationalities are no doubt astounded that a place, for many centuries was part of their history, which should generate so much excitement to newcomers.
On the banks of Belu Chaung, there is one unknown and mysterious village called "Sagar". In the old days when Sawbwa, or princes ruled the territory, Sagar was a principality with its own prince. By now all is left of Sagar are ancient pagodas and monasteries, and the once bury town is now a village hidden away from the world and almost forgotten.
Nowadays the nationalities who inhabit the area are Pa O, as hard working as they are good-hearted.The route to Sagar is in itself a journey of enchantment. The boat weaves through waters of Inlay and down South, beyond 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.
The village of Kyauk Taing one passes by and must stop on a Market day as then a gathering place for the nationalities to see them arrayed in their colorful costumes and dropped with beads, chains and coins. A market such as this offers simple wares and delicious local food.
Taunggyi
Taunggyi is the capital of Shan State. It is situated in the Southern Shan State, and about 1480m above sea level. It is known for its scenic beauty and pleasant climate, and is famous for hot-air balloon festival held every year in the month of November, which is about 30 days after the End of Buddhist Lent. The hot-air balloon festival attracts not only tourists from abroad but holiday makers from all over Myanmar. It is the cleanest city in Myanmar.
Kakku Pagoda
Kakku Pagoda is one of the oldest & most fascinating archeological & culture sites in Myanmar. The hidden treasures of the country for years, is now unveiled to the publicity and awaiting curious new comers. It is easily reached by road from Taung-gyi. Passing through the humble villages of Pa-O people and incredible upland scenery, complex and aggregation of over 2500 stupas ranging the lowest 8' to the highest of 24' could be viewed inside a single compound then sharing unique architectural solutions. Because the will-wished cash donation of over 720 hundred thousands of the venerable abbot from golden monastery at Singapore, the scientific and effective restoration and preservation of cultural heritage have been formulated.
Kalaw
1400 m above sea level. Kalaw is a beautiful hill station set in the midst of rolling hills and pine forests. It was a summer resort for the European esparto and rich local people. 71 km west of Taunggyi, Kalaw is 660 km from Yangon. There are regular domestic flights to Heho, whence (you) can proceed to Kalaw by car.
Kalaw still boasts colonial-era cottages and villa. Its environs are great for trekking, and at some distance from the town come upon the Palaung villages where the name rake ethnic people still live in long house. They are Buddhists, and wear beautifully woven costumes of deep reds, greens and black. There are also reversal enchanting pagodas and temples.
Pindaya & It’s Ancient Caves
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. Wide Spreading Banyan Trees, Pindaya Caves, Shwe-U-Min Pagoda.
This scenic rode 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 and Shan, Pa-O and Danu hill tribes 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 cast or car. The caves are supposed to be 2 millions years old and since ancient times they have 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 beauties all around: the tranquil lake, the lime stone caves, the ancient pagodas and images and the lovely old trees.
Kyaing Tong
Kyaing Tong is known for its scenic beauty and many colorful ethnic tribes. Situated in the Eastern Shan State and it’s about an hour flight from Heho and by land 452 km from Inle Lake and 176km north of the border town of Tachileik opposite Mae Sai (Thailand). And it is 56 miles away from Mong Lar, a Chinese border town.
There are many villages of various ethnic tribes resided around Kyaing Tong. The tribes known as Gon, Lwe, Li, Wa, Lah Hu, Thai Nay, Shan, Li Shaw, Li Su, Palaung, Akha, and we can differentiate the tribes by colorful dresses which are different from one another. Can Observe their tribal dances and their way of living on these mountainous regions around Kyaing Tong.
A trip to Kyaing Tong is recommended in the dry season since the rainy season is very heavy in this area. The tour can start from Yangon or Heho or Mandalay and we recommended a stay of 2 or 3 nights. A trip includes trekking to the tribal villages, and therefore one has to be in good physical condition. Although a trip to Kyaing Tong must be regarded as an adventure tour, the area is of great interest for visitors interested in experiencing a completely different side of Myanmar.
Thachileik
Thachileik located in the Golden Triangle Area. It is border gateway opposite Mae Sai in Thailand. It is accessible by air about 2 hours from Yangon. The Golden Triangle Paradise Resort is located on the banks of the Mekong River facing Loas and Thailand.