OVERVIEW
This journey through Shan State begins with an exploration of Taunggyi and the remarkable Kakku pagoda complex, featuring over 2,000 stupas. You can also explore Shan Buddha images in a cave at Htan-Pha-Ya village and experience local Pa-O village life. A visit to Myanmar’s first winery, Ayethaya Wineries, adds a unique touch before cruising to Inle Lake. The adventure continues with a boat excursion, showcasing Inle’s iconic one-leg rowers, floating gardens, and fishing techniques. A hike to Tha Le Oo village offers insight into the Pa-O minority lifestyle.
The tour includes visits to the Nga Phae Kyaung Monastery, Phaungdaw Pagoda, local markets, and weaving villages. The journey then leads to Kalaw for trekking, discovering colonial-era remnants, bird conservation areas, and tribal villages like the Palaung and Danu, providing a taste of the region’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
Day 1 : Inle Lake (- / L / D)
Get stuck into exploring some of Shan State’s treasures. Upon arrival at Heho Airport, we will meet our guide and set off on a one-hour drive to Taunggyi and continue along a bumpy road to Kakku.
We visit the magnificent Kakku pagoda complex which is home to a collection of over 2,000 stupas. We then head to Htan-Pha-Ya village to explore a cave that is home to Shan Buddha images of various sizes.
After a picnic-style packed lunch at the outdoor cave courtyard, we get a taste of local life during a visit to a typical Pa-O village, including plantations. From Taunggyi, we take a one-hour drive to Nyaung Shwe, stopping en route at Ayethaya Wineries to take a look at the country’s first winery. We then board a boat and cruise to our hotel.
Picnic lunch is at the outdoor cave courtyard.
Dinner is at hotel.
Overnight in Inle Lake.
Day 2 : Inle Lake (B / L / D)
After breakfast, our full-day excursion by boat on Inle Lake takes in the famous one-leg rowers, floating gardens, local methods of fishing and the magnificent mountain scenery.
Your journey will continue by boat to the eastern shore, with a hike up to the village of Tha Le Oo to explore the simple lifestyle and food of the Pa O minority people.
A stop at a mountain pagoda will provide splendid views of the idyllic panorama. We then visit Nga Phae Kyaung Monastery, with its superb collection of ancient Buddha statues.
After lunch on the lake itself, we visit the Phaungdaw Oo Pagoda, one of the main shrines in Myanmar dating back to the 18th century, followed by the weaving village of Inpawkhon and one of the local markets in the Inle Lake region.
Lunch is at a local restaurant and dinner is at hotel.
Overnight in Inle Lake.
Day 3 : Inle Lake – Kalaw (B / L / D)
After breakfast, you will meet your local trekking guide at your hotel in Nyaung Shwe or Inle Lake and drive (approximately 1.5 hr) to the trekking point in Kalaw, a fresh and delightful hill station on the rim of the Shan Plateau.
We start a walking tour (approximately 1.5 hour) to Yay Aye Kan through this peaceful place that has an atmosphere of the colonial era. Yay Aye Kan was built since British colony period which is supporting water supply to Kalaw area. We have time to explore surrounding where you can observe birds preservation area.
We then continue walking for another 1.5 hour to Hin Khar Kone through stunning rural landscapes and villages, home to the Palaung hill tribe.
Simple local home cooked lunch at the village house.
After lunch, we set off on approximately 2hours down way to Myin Dite, Danu tribe. Along the way, see seasonal cultivation. Then, back to Kalay by car and transfer to hotel.
Dinner is at hotel.
Overnight in Kalaw.
Day 4 : Kalaw (B / - / -)
After breakfast, visit the colorful local market (on market days only) before transfer (60 km – 2h) to HEHO airport for your onward connection.
End of our services.
Our services include :
- Tours and transfers with licenced English-speaking guiding services / assistance.
- Other languages are on request and are subject to supplementary charges
- Accommodation in sharing twin / double with daily breakfast
- Transportation for tour and transfers by air-conditioned vehicle, unless otherwise stated
- All entrance fees for visits as mentioned in the program
- All applicable taxes and service charges
- All meals as indicated in the program (food only)
- Airport transfers pick up and drop off (international terminal in Yangon)
Our services do not include :
- Any domestic / international airline tickets, airport taxes, visa fees, specific camera / video fees.
- Personal expenses such as other meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours/ visits, unless otherwise stated;
- Any accommodation expenses of a personal nature.
- This includes (compulsory festive) meals and drinks, mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the program;
- International travel and medical insurance coverage for customers.
- Supplement for transportation during Myanmar’s New Year Water Festival (13 April – 17 April )
- Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinner supplement (IF ANY; will be advised at time of booking)
- Optional voluntary carbon emission compensation
- Early check-in and late check-out
- Supplements : peak seasons surcharge
- Services not mentioned above
B=Breakfast L= Lunch D= Dinner BL= Box Lunch
CITY |
Hotels |
Inle Lake |
Amata Garden Resort | Deluxe |
Pindaya |
Kalaw Heritage Hotel | Superior Garden View |
Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is a Southeast Asian nation known for its rich cultural heritage, ancient temples, and unspoiled landscapes. Here's a comprehensive travel guide to help you explore this captivating destination :
Yangon (Rangoon) :
Begin your journey in Yangon, the largest city and former capital of Myanmar. Visit the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda, a gleaming golden stupa that is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the country.
Explore the colonial-era buildings in downtown Yangon, take a stroll along the picturesque Kandawgyi Lake, and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Bogyoke Aung San Market.
Bagan :
Discover the ancient city of Bagan, home to thousands of temples and pagodas spread across a vast plain. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site by bicycle or e-bike, and witness breathtaking sunrise and sunset views from temple viewpoints.
Visit notable temples such as Ananda Temple, Dhammayangyi Temple, and Shwesandaw Pagoda, and explore the lesser-known temples for a more intimate experience.
Mandalay :
Explore Mandalay, the cultural and religious heart of Myanmar. Visit the sacred Mahamuni Buddha Temple, climb Mandalay Hill for panoramic views of the city, and witness the sunset at U Bein Bridge, the world's longest teak bridge.
Discover the ancient capitals of Amarapura, Ava (Inwa), and Sagaing, each with its own historical and cultural significance.
Inle Lake :
Experience the tranquil beauty of Inle Lake, a picturesque freshwater lake surrounded by lush green hills and floating gardens. Take a boat tour to explore traditional floating villages, stilted houses, and vibrant local markets.
Witness the unique leg-rowing technique of the Intha fishermen and visit the ancient pagodas and monasteries that dot the lake's shores.
Mandalay Hill :
Explore the scenic hill stations of Kalaw and Pyin Oo Lwin, known for their cool climate, colonial architecture, and scenic hiking trails.
Discover the ancient city of Mrauk U, home to impressive temples and ruins that rival those of Bagan, but with fewer tourists.
Practical Tips :
Weather: Myanmar has a tropical climate, with a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October.
Currency : Myanmar Kyat (MMK).
Language : Burmese is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
From the ancient temples of Bagan to the tranquil waters of Inle Lake, Myanmar offers a wealth of cultural and natural wonders waiting to be explored. Whether you're exploring bustling markets, cruising along scenic waterways, or admiring centuries-old architecture, Myanmar promises an unforgettable journey filled with rich experiences and lasting memories.
SHAN STATE ADVENTURE
Reference #: WTP0327
- Shan State’s Treasures
- Kakku pagoda complex
- Htan-Pha-Ya village
- Experience local life Pa-O village
- Explore the plantations
- Visit Ayethaya Wineries
- Boat cruise on Inle Lake
- Floating gardens
- Local fishing methods
- Hike to Tha Le Oo village
- Nga Phae Kyaung Monastery
- Lunch on the lake
- Phaungdaw Oo Pagoda
- Village of Inpawkhon
- Trekking Adventure in Kalaw
- Explore Yay Aye Kan
- Walk through rural landscapes
- Palaung and Danu tribal villages
- Cooked lunch in a village
- Observe bird conservation
- Cultural Immersion in Kalaw
- Colorful local market
This journey through Shan State begins with an exploration of Taunggyi and the remarkable Kakku pagoda complex, featuring over 2,000 stupas. You can also explore Shan Buddha images in a cave at Htan-Pha-Ya village and experience local Pa-O village life. A visit to Myanmar’s first winery, Ayethaya Wineries, adds a unique touch before cruising to Inle Lake. The adventure continues with a boat excursion, showcasing Inle’s iconic one-leg rowers, floating gardens, and fishing techniques. A hike to Tha Le Oo village offers insight into the Pa-O minority lifestyle.
The tour includes visits to the Nga Phae Kyaung Monastery, Phaungdaw Pagoda, local markets, and weaving villages. The journey then leads to Kalaw for trekking, discovering colonial-era remnants, bird conservation areas, and tribal villages like the Palaung and Danu, providing a taste of the region’s rich cultural and natural heritage.