Among the States and Divisions in Myanmar, it is the largest in size and largely covered with mountains and hills, together with Heho plain in South Shan State, Thibaw Plain in Northern Shan State and Kyaingtong (Kungtung formely) in Eastern Shan state. Different from the natures of dry zone in central Myanmar and tropical monsoon of Lower Myanmar, the entire Shan State, geographically the eastern plateau is fallen in the temperate zone resulting cold most of the year around. Addition to the beautiful mountain scenery, flora and fauna, quite a large number of ethnic minorities; just like Palaung, Akha, Lahu and Myaungzi so on, together with their traditional culture and costumes are really well known to international travellers for years. Taunggyi is the capital of the state but lesser popular than scenic Inlay Lake, Lashio is the capital for Northern Shan State while Kyaing Tone is the capital and administrative centre for Eastern Shan State.
It is a small town located at the foot of mountain range. It is known for “Golden Cave” on the mountain slope nearby, the town with beautiful Boketaloke Lake at the centre is picturesque. Together with century old shady banyan trees, traditional paper production and umbrella processing are curious enough.
Among the three natural caves on the mountain slope, the center one is fully packed with Buddhas in various styles, stupas and embellishments together with natural stalatites and stalagmites assuming coloured chandaliers. The back-slabs are finely carved and ornate then India style are enjoyable. The cool breeze and panoramic view on environs are fantastic and incredible.
Not so far from the caves, there is a wooden monastery having numerous dry lacquered Buddha images. On the way, plantations and working buffaloes are so peaceful and enjoyable.
One of the popular summer resorts and hill stations, it is known as the “Pine City” since the mountain – ranges encircled the town are covered with pine trees. The town itself is crowded at the market early in the morning and at the station in the afternoon assuming England in 19th century. Dry Lacquered Buddha.
It is the common visiting site of the small town and the gigantic Buddha is woven by bamboo stripe and well coated with lacquer. Small and beautiful cottages are the symbols of the town.
It is the higher and better point to enjoy the beautiful town plan from a birds’s eye view.
Based on the popularity of Inlay lake, it is known as the gate-way to the lake. Once the residence of Sawbwa , the chieftain of the Shan, the small town is curious and the last Sawbwa of that town became the president of Myanmar after the national independence in January, 1948.
Once the residence of Sawbwa, it became a regional Museum and Buddha Museum later, then returned to the regional authorities, most possibly be a Sawbwa Museum again. It is a two storey building erected by the architectural combination of Europe, Myanmar tradition and Shan practice.
Popularly known as the “Eastern Venice”, It is the most famous site in Shan State and second biggest of its kind in Myanmar. Bestowed upon the admirable qualities and advantages, this uphill lake is enlisted an Asean Heritage Park. In dealing with the lake, picturesque beauty, unique leg- rowing style and fishing of the lake dwellers together with floating gardens are exceptional characters.
More than that, the impressive lotus weaving, traditional silver smith, dockyard and 5 day market assuming mobile market are the commonest sites on the lake.
Among the famous pagoda complexes and enormous monastic compounds of the lake, Indein pagoda precinct should be dropped in where over one thousand temples well adorned with ornate stucco carvings are still visible. Along the course of long covered stairway.
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 one 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 steams, 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 .
One thing should be noted that the triad site of Pindaya, Kalaw and Inlay in the Southern Shan State is now becoming the base camp and center for cycling and tracking through the ethnic villages and plantations.
Located on a mountain slope, it is in beautiful city plan and the capital of the state. If time permitted, central market and Cultural Museum should be visited.
This is the most famous festival and crowded period of the city. It is normally held in November and usually accompanied by great pomps and ceremonies; just like performing, music, fire works and so on.
With the insertion in Sawadee Magazine, once the hidden treasure of Pa Oh territory became a visiting site. By the large donation of Singapore, most of the pagodas in the vicinity were retouched leading the criteria of devalue on historical value. But, it is still a charming and beautiful site.
