Loikaw and Tribes

After breakfast at a hotel, drive to Panpet, Kayan tribe village which is one of the first community tourism projects in Kayah State. On arrival at Panpet, local community guide will welcome you. During the village visit, you can see the long neck women (Kayan tribe). You can visit around the village and visit their home. The villagers are making Kayan bracelets, weaving cotton, carving wooden, weaving bamboo and other handwork.

You can observe daily activities in the village. Visit in and around the village and chat with the villagers.  And you can enjoy the Kayan traditional lunch at a local home. And then, proceed by car to Hta Nee La Leh, Kayah village CBT (Community Based Tourism); you can see their way of life, spiritual life and beliefs. And you can visit around the village and their homes. These include musicians who play traditional bamboo guitars, experts in Kayah dress, and artisans who make distinctive Kayah lacquer leg rings. Afterward, enjoy Bullock cart ride from the CBT village to Lotus Pond and Seven stages lake. In the evening, return to Loikaw. Overnight in Loikaw.

Accommodation: Hotel in Loikaw

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch       

After breakfast the hotel, drive to Htekho village (2 hours) by 4*4 WD. On the way, you may enjoy the beautiful landscape with its hazy mountains.  In the village, you will be received by a local community guide for a welcome and briefing session and visit to the Ho Yar village where we can observe the Kayaw cultural, costume, their beliefs and the way of living of Kayaw tribe – sup-tribe of Red Karen (Karen-ni, Kayah) women have long earlobes and many big jewelry, especially below the knee. (Picnic lunch will be served at the village).

After exploring in Htekho, return to Loikaw and stop at Mount Sinphyu (White Elephant Mountain) where the best place to feel nature surrounding by beautiful mountains and to take memorable photos. Overnight in Loikaw.

Accommodation: Hotel in Loikaw

Meals: Breakfast and Picnic Lunch                                                     

After breakfast at hotel, drive to Demawso colorful market (approx. 45 minutes): Demawso Market was formed by local hill tribes on the purpose of selling their wares. Visiting the market is such a truly unique experience when you travel to this region (it opens only on Wednesdays and Saturdays). You will have spectacular opportunity to discover the trading of the ethnic groups who are wearing colorful traditional costumes. They are really simple, friendly and hospitable people.

After that, continue drive to Dawtamagyi where to observe the Kayaw ethnic tribe wearing traditional dress. And take a walk in the village to observe authentic traditional houses, beliefs. Then visit to huge and wonderful rice storage of village and learn the reason why all rice storage is outside of the village. And then, drive back to Loikaw. Enroute short stop to visit Ngwe Taung Dam. If the permit, visit weaving Centre to learn about how to make natural dyeing. Overnight in Loikaw.

Accommodation: Hotel in Loikaw

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch  

After breakfast, visit Thiri Mingalar Market, open daily except on full moons. The market has a wide variety of local food items, vegetables, fruits and spices with wonderful contrasting colors and fragrances. After that, drive to Phekhon town and proceed by boat through Phekhon Lake encompassed by breathtaking and refreshing landscape along the Bilu Creek.

On the way visit Tha Khaung relic pagoda, other ancient religious monuments and ways of life of Shan, Pa O and Intha national races in Sagar village and also visit Lotus weaving in Kyain kham village. Overnight in Inle.

Accommodation: Hotel in Inle

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch