Inle < Myanmar Damsel Travels & Tours

Inle

The second largest natural lake in Myanmar located in the middle of the greatest depression in Nyaungshwe valley between the two parallel mountain ranges running north to south in the southern Shan State, 35 km from the nearest airport at Heho. There are flights from both Yangon and Mandalay, 660 km from Yangon and 330 km from Mandalay by road. The vast picturesque lake, 900 meter above sea level in Shan state, 22 km long and 10 km across. It is well known for its floating villages and gardens, traditional handicrafts and silk weaving, colorful markets and the native Intha legged rowers and its festival during September/ October each year. The lakes shore and islands bear 17 villages on stills, mostly inhabited by the Intha people.

Pindaya

Situated on the shore of a picturesque little lake, about 45 km north of Kalaw. Pindaya is famous for its extensive limestone caves and unique Shan traditional paper umbrella making works. The caves are set deep in the hillsides and there stands 15-meter-high Shwe U Min Pagoda at the entrance. There are some about 6000 Buddha statues of various sizes and materials, and are made of white marble, bronze or plaster, coated with gold leaf. Some of the smaller caves within the complex serve as meditation chambers. The road from Kalaw to Pindaya passes through colorful mustard, wheat field, countryside of magnificent scenic beauty.

Kalaw

Kalaw, another hill station, is 1400 meters above sea level. It is located 70 km west of Taunggyi. The main attractions of Kalaw are many of the Tudor-style houses, its ethnic mix of people, it’s setting within trekking distance of many ethnic minority villages and English gardens of colonial days remain. In the neighborhood lie villages of Palaung and other hill tribes who come to Kalaw market held every five days in their colorful costumes, adding to the quiet attraction of Kalaw.

Taunggyi

Taungyi, over 1430 meters above sea-level, is the capital of Shan State. It is a hill station, cool and pleasant all the year round. The market is crowded with ethnic minorities in their traditional dresses. It is home to some of Myanmar’s finest cheroot factories and boasts an impressive local market. The most significant festival is the annual Tazaungdine Lighting Festival (Oct / Nov). Lu Ping festival commonly known as hot balloon festival celebrates by Pa O, one of the many ethnic groups in the region. On the occasion people enjoy fun and merriment by holding firework-launching competitions. The journey from Taunggyi down to Inlay Lake area takes about an hour.

Kakku

A unique temple complex of more than 2000 Stupas has lied hidden in the Pa-O heartland of Southern Shan State for centuries. Kakku area is covered and scattered by Pa-oh villages especially stretching along on both sides of the main road from north to south. Unknown to the outside world and to most of Myanmar unit recently, these exquisite monuments can now be visited. A day trip from Inlay Lake is sufficient.

Mogok

Mogok, known as the Gems City, 115 km north-east from Mandalay. Myanmar rubies, sapphires and emeralds and other precious stones are mined in Mogok area. Only package d tours are allowed to visit mogok with special permission.

Kyaing Tong

Situates in the Eastern Shan State and Kyaing Tong is about 456km from Taunggyi, the capital city of Shan State. It is only 170km away from Tachileik and it takes 3 hours by 4WD or Vans. It is also accessible by daily flight from Yangon. Kyaing Tong market is always busy with colorful hill tribes. It serves as one of the most suitable places for eco-tourism activities like trekking, mountain-biking and adventure tours. Built around a small lake called Naung Tung, the city is surrounded by three hills, providing beautiful scenery.