Kyaing Tong (Shan Stae)
Kyaing Tong is the capital of Eastern Shan Stae in the famous Golden Triangle Region where Myanmar, Thai and Laos territories meet. It can be accessible by flight from either Yagnon or Mandalay or Heho. It lies in the valley between the high misty mountains of the Shan Plateau bordered by the Mekong and Thanlwin Rivers. It is one of settlement of 35 different Shan ethnic groups mostly found - Gon Shan, Ang, Akha, Lisu, Wa and Lahu, Kyaing Tong means "walled City of Tuang". The original city walla and gates can still be seen today.
Kyaing Tong is a pretty town with winding streets that go up and down the small hillocks on which it rests. Lone Tree on top of the Soon Mun Hill at the outskirt of the city stands alone on the hill, Naung Tong Lake lies in the center of the city- a pretty spot to stroll around by it. The market is a good place to hang out in the morning, tribal people in the area come to shop and sell. The wooden monasteries - Wat Zom Khun and Wat in are excellent ones of which architectural style closer to Laotian and Thai temples. The traditional Shan art work by now is only seen at U Mu Ling Ta's lacquer ware shop.
Kyaing Tong has trails and places rich with a diversity of people, old customs and older crafts. The Loi, Akha, Lahu, Lishaw, Palaung and Ang live in sparate villages some distance from each other. Although they do not mingle freely, they have resided with harmony and peace. These ethnic tribes had preserved their ancient customs and traditions as well as their unique and colorful dresses up to now. Most women in the villages embroider the Akha designs on rectangular pieces of black cloth. Eco-tourism activities can be done there such as trekking, bird watching, mountain biking tours. The Lwei Mwe village near Kyaing Tong is a former British hill station during the colonial period and ideal place to visit.
From 1243 A.D, to the last Sawbwa (the cheftain) reigned there were altogether 45 Sawbwas. Although there are many ethnic majorities living in this area having faith in different religions, Buddhism is the main religion of this area.
There are regular flights from Yangon to Kyaing Tong. Tachileik is also a border crossing point through which visitors from Thailand with border pass can come to Myanmar. Two interesting places of Loimwe and Mongla can also be accessible by car from Kyaing Tong.
Loimwe, 38 km to the east from Kyaing Tong, was the seat of the British District Commissioner during the colonial period. This hill station features a number of old colonial buildings and a century-old Catholic church. The main attraction is the scenery on the ascent to Loimwe, as you pass through forests, terraced rice fields and past a lake.
Mongla is right on the border with Xishaungbanna is China but on the Myanmar side. China border can be reached from Kyaing Tong by road (2 1/2 hours. Mong La is flourishing town where the border trade, especially the tourist industry is booming. Tourist across the border pour in daily to do shopping, see the highly popular elephant circus and crocodile show or just to relax at pleasant picnic site surrounded by emerald green mountains.
Tachileik (Shan State)
Tachileik is a border town located in the eastern part of Myanmar, directly north of Mae Sai in Thailand. In the past, this area was restricted for foreign visitors. Today, it is one of the permitted border crossing points between Myanmar and Thailand for both traders and tourists.
Border trade here is busy and includes not only local products from Myanmar and Thailand but also goods from China. These goods pass through Myanmar en route to Thailand, and vice versa. Tachileik is also known as Myanmar's gateway to the famous Golden Triangle region.
Gateway to Kyaing Tong
For travelers crossing the Myanmar–Thailand border, Tachileik also serves as the main entry point to visit Kyaing Tong. Kyaing Tong is a charming town surrounded by villages of various ethnic tribes. It is about a four-hour drive from Tachileik.
Border crossing permission for a limited number of days can be easily arranged at the checkpoint.
Lashio (Shan State)
Lashio is the largest town and the capital of northern Shan State. It sits at an altitude of about 3,100 feet on a low mountain spur, overlooking the valley of the Nam Yao River, a tributary of the Namtu River.
Lashio is known as the starting point of the famous Burma Road, which was built by the British before World War II. This road connects with the Ledo Road, leading into Yunnan Province in China.
The population is made up mostly of Bamar, Shan, and Chinese people.
Sights and Attractions
· Man-Su Pagoda and Pyi Lone Chanthar Pagoda – popular religious sites for visitors.
· Central Market – lively in the morning, with various ethnic groups selling local goods.
· Natural Hot Spring – located about five miles from the city center, on the road to Muse. It is also worth a visit.
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Travel Note
At this time, travel to Lashio is not fully open for tourists. For safety and administrative reasons, we are unable to offer trips to this area at the moment. We hope to welcome visitors back when the situation allows. Please check back for future updates.
Hsipaw
Hsipaw was once the center of a small Shan principality. According to legend, its history goes back to as early as 58 BC. The Bamar people pronounce the name as "Thibaw," and the last Myanmar king, King Thibaw (1875–1885 AD), took his name from this town.
The original chieftain's residence was destroyed by bombing during World War II. However, visitors can still see the more modern Sawbwa's residence, which was built during colonial times by Sawbwa Sao Ohn Kya, who ruled Hsipaw from 1928 to 1938.
Sights and Attractions
In the center of town, there is a local market, along with cinemas, small guesthouses, and restaurants near the bus station.
· The Haw (Palace) – located at the northern end of the town.
· Maha Myatmuni Phaya – the main pagoda, located at the southern end.
· Bawgyo Pagoda – a Shan-style pagoda dating back to the 14th century.
· Shan Palace – another historic site worth visiting.
The roads run parallel to the Namtu (Dokhtawaddy) River. Beyond Hsipaw, on the way to Lashio, you can also pass through several Shan villages.
Crossing the Goteik Viaduct
The Goteik Viaduct is the highest railway bridge in Myanmar. It offers a thrilling train ride as part of the three-hour journey from Hsipaw to Pyin Oo Lwin (formerly a colonial summer retreat).
The bridge was built in 1899 and was considered a major engineering achievement at the time. It is 689 meters long, and the drop from the track to the ground is about 102 meters (335 feet). It is not for those who are afraid of heights!
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Travel Note
At this time, travel to Hsipaw is not fully open for tourists. For safety and administrative reasons, we are unable to offer trips to this area at the moment. We hope to welcome visitors back when the situation allows. Please check back for future updates.
Loikaw
Loikaw is the capital of Kayah State, an area of about 7,290 square kilometers. It is located in the southern part of Shan State and borders Thailand to the east. In Myanmar literature, Kayah State is known as Ngwe Taung Pyay, which means "the country with the silver mountain."
Loikaw sits at an elevation of about 1,200 meters and is about 113 kilometers south of Kalaw in Shan State.
Sights and Attractions
Loikaw and its surroundings are known not only for their rich culture but also for being home to one of Myanmar's largest hydro-power plants, Lawpita I and II, which have already passed their golden jubilee.
Near Loikaw, you can find the Padaung tribe, one of the most fascinating ethnic groups in Myanmar. Padaung women are famous for wearing brass and copper rings around their necks, which they believe make their necks look like graceful swans.
About 29 kilometers north of Loikaw, on the Belu Creek, lies the beautiful Moebyaee Dam, built in 1971. The dam provides water for the hydro-power plants and also irrigates about 20,000 acres of farmland.
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Travel Note
At this time, travel to Loikaw is not fully open for tourists. For safety and administrative reasons, we are unable to offer trips to this area at the moment. We hope to welcome visitors back when the situation allows. Please check back for future updates.
Muse (Shan Sate)
Muse is a small town located on the banks of the Shweli River. It serves as the main border gateway between Myanmar and Yunnan Province in China. The town is about 10 km from Lashio and has become a busy trading center between the two countries.
Muse is also one of the entry and exit points for foreign travelers crossing the border between Myanmar and China.
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Travel Note
At this time, travel to Muse is not fully open for tourists. For safety and administrative reasons, we are unable to offer trips to this area at the moment. We hope to welcome visitors back when the situation allows. Please check back for future updates.