Eastern Myanmar

Taung Gyi

Taunggyi is one of the popular resorts in the pine clad hills in Myanmar. It is also the centre for Shan culture. 731.2 km from Yangon. Located 1433 m above sea-level. Beside road entries from Yangon, Mandalay and Bagan into Taunggyi, visitors from

Yangon can catch a one hour flight into Heho Airport and travel 40 km by road into there. Air Mandalay, Yangon Airways and Myanma Airways fly daily to Heho. Express train to Yangon-Mandalay-Tharsi junction, from where one can take a regular train.

Taunggyi is close to many places of interest that will tempt the travelers, such as Taunggyi Museum, Nyaung Shwe Sawbwa Museum, Inle Lake, Weekly floating markets and the scenic hill station of Kalaw and the magnificent Pindaya Caves famous for thousands of ancient Buddha images.

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.

Inlay

This vast picturesque lake, 900 metres above sea level is one of the main tourist attraction in Myanmar. The lake, 22 km long and 10 km across, has a population of some 2 million, many of whom live on floating islands of vegetation.

Inle Lake, natural and unpolluted, its famous for its scenic beauty and the unique leg-rowing of the Intha, the native lake dwellers.

Ywama - the largest village on the Inle Lake, its streets are a web of canals. There are some beautiful teak houses built on large wooden poles driven into the lake bed.

The main activity and attraction is at the floating market in the largest canal.

Phaung Daw U Pagoda - One of the famous principal shrines in Myanmar, this pagoda houses five small Buddha images.

Once a year, in the 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.

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.

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.

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.

Kyaing Tong

Kyaing Tong is the capital of the Golden Triangle Region. It is only 170 km from Tachileik. It's situated 2710 ft above sea level in the Eastern Shan State. It is one of the old capital of Shan People. Built around the lake and with Buddhist temples and colonial architecture. It is the most scenic of Shan State towns. The surrounding area of populated by many colorful ethnic groups including the Khun, Wa, Ann, Akha, Akhu, Palaung and Lahu hill tribes. The hill tribes offer a simplistic view of traditional village life.

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.