Off the beaten path and the gateway to and adventure land of volcanic lakes, caves, mountain top pagodas and beautiful countryside is the little known town of Loikaw. A dusty town bordering Thailand, this exciting region was, until recently, off limits to visitors. Even today, Loikaw makes for an authentic Burmese experience with very little tourist activity to note.

The capital of the Kayah State, Loikaw is small, dusty and nestled on the banks of the Pilo River, overlooked by the magnificent Taung Kwe Zayde pagoda. Loikaw serves as the perfect hub for exploring the splendor of its surrounding areas. Rich with natural beauty from rolling hills, to mountains, lakes and caves, it’s easy to see why trekking is a popular past time here. Take a hike around the impressive Seven Stage Lake or the striking Htee Pwint Volcanic Lake and through quaint local villages to really discover what this region has to offer.

Small villages in the area such as Rangkhu and Pataing Hnyin offer a perfect opportunity to mix with friendly and curious locals. The Kayah people are welcoming and often inquisitive when meeting foreign visitors, something that is quite rarely seen in this part of Myanmar.

Aside from its adventure opportunities, Loikaw is a town notable for its mixture of religious and spiritual beliefs and as a result, is bursting with notable sacred religious sites. Visit the impressive shrines at Dor Sor Bee, educate yourself on Loikaw’s eclectic religious history at Christ the King Cathedral and don’t miss the monastery of Thiri Mingalarpon Kyaung.

Rangkhu

About a one hour scenic drive, or more active cycle, outside of Loikaw is the rural village of Rangkhu. Named the largest village in the Kayah State, Ranghu is still surprisingly small and is home to traditional Kayan people referred to as ‘long necks’. The name ‘long necks’ derives from the Burmese term ‘Padaung’ that literally translates to ‘wearing gold’. The Kayan women here in Rangkhu are best known for the traditional practice of stacking gold rings around their necks, ultimately lowering their collarbones and making their necks appear longer.

Pataing Hnyin

This small Kayah village remains the most visited in the state. The Pa-O women can be spotted by their unique tiger striped headscarves. Close by to the village is home to a small, family run textile business. A visit to Pataing Hnyin presents the ideal opportunity to interact with local villagers and learn about local life.

Dor Sor Bee

Just East of Loikaw is the fascinating Dor Sor Bee. One of the region’s most sacred religious sites, Dor Sor Bee is home to many Kayah animist shrines, lavishly decorated and designed to represent the sun and the moon it promises a culturally immersing morning or afternoon away from the town.

Christ the King Cathedral

Built back in 1939, Christ the King Cathedral remains the oldest surviving cathedral in the Kayah state. The cathedral offers the perfect opportunity to discover Kayah’s eclectic array of religious beliefs and boasts an impressive architecture combining both European and local Buddhist styles with a stunning bell tower housing a bell all the way from Italy. This distinctive cathedral is an absolute must visit whilst exploring Loikaw.

Thiri Mingalarpon Kyaung

This interesting monastery was built in 1912 and originally served as a palace to Kayah’s saopha. After his death in 1987, his family gave it away to a local Buddhist organisation. Today it offers tourists and locals alike, a fantastic insight into a local functioning monastery.

Taung Kwe Zayde

Undoubtedly the most impressive of all Loikaw’s sights is the magnificent Taung Kwe pagoda. Towering over the towns in and around the Kayah state and littered with gold pagodas, Taung Kwe Zayde offers visitors spectacular panoramic views across rolling countryside, along with the opportunity to be immersed into local life and worship at this  unique Buddhist temple.

Htee Pwint Volcanic Lake

There are several interesting hiking trails in Loikaw, all of which offer fabulous opportunities to breathe some fresh air, stretch your legs and really indulge in some of Myanmar’s most beautiful countryside. One spot not to miss on your trek is the magical and muddy Htee Pwint Volcanic Lake. Located 12 miles outside of Loikaw, the mud here bubbles beneath the surface and the atmosphere is mystical and fairytale like, making for a glorious hike.

Seven Stage Lake

An hour south of Loikaw town will take you to the regions most majestic trekking and picnic spot. The Seven Stage Lake is beautifully enveloped in rolling hills and each lake is connected by a small channel and is different in colour. From deep blues, to turquoise hues, sit back and relax, marvel at the stunning reflections or put on your walking boots and set off on an adventure. A trip to Seven Stage Lake makes for the perfect day out and a welcome break from town and village life.

Food and Drink

Kayah state food can be extremely tasty. Some signature dishes include river caught fish and prawns and the many restaurants around Loikaw town offer a vast range of fusion food with Thai, Chinese and Burmese influences. Kayah sausage is extremely popular amongst locals and offers a meat sausage infused with locally grown pepper along with irresistible traditional rice cakes known as Hin Htoke.

Nestled in the scenic township of Nyaung Shwe you’ll find one of Myanmar’s most spectacular and adventure laden sites. The stunningly serene yet intensely adventurous Inle Lake. Easily one of Myanmar’s most anticipated destinations, it’s not hard to see why this vast, freshwater lake has quickly gained momentum amid Myanmar’s budding tourism scene.

Measuring in at over 116 square kilometres, Inle Lake is the country’s second largest body of water and easily the most impressive. Enveloped by breath taking scenery, traditional floating villages, flourishing gardens, and sacred temples and littered throughout with locals going about their daily lives, Inle Lake offers visitors a truly unforgettable experience.

The ideal place for water sport enthusiasts and best enjoyed by boat or by kayak, don’t miss the infamous Intha fishermen. Learn about their typical, one legged fishing technique and watch in awe as they head out at dawn against a stunning backdrop for their daily catch. Immerse yourself in culture and be educated by the long necked Padaung women. Unique to Inle, these traditional women live as part of tribes in the region, promising an enlightening and informative meeting.

The region surrounding the lake is home to countless villages and a number of minority settlements to discover and explore by bike or hike. Over 70,000 local people live in Inle, most of them staying in villages and small cities around the lake, and some on the lake itself. The local population mainly consist of Intha, but other ethnicities such as Shan, Pa-O, Danu, Bamar, Kayah and Danaw have settled here. Local people live in simple bamboo and wood stilt houses and mostly own farm land allowing them to be self-sufficient, as well as providing the opportunity to sell local produce at the markets. The villagers frequently come down into Inle to explore the local markets and engage in everyday life.

The top of the regions highest hill is home to Inle’s only vineyard and winery, providing visitors with the perfect spot to enjoy local made wine whilst revelling in the stunning surroundings and soaking up Myanmar’s spectacular sunsets. The perfect end to a busy day on the lake, add this on to a day of hiking the area or take an explorative sunset cycle to the top of the hill.

Nyaung Shwe

Mainly serving as a tourist hub for Inle Lake, Nyaung Shwe is home to the area’s best options for accommodation and has plenty of places to eat, drink and shop after a day on the lake. Despite its main purpose, Nyaung Shwe can also hold its own. Littered with stupas, its largest and most impressive being Yadana Manaung Pagoda is well worth a visit for an insight into typical Shan architecture dating back to 1866.

Inle Lake

The star of the show, and undoubtedly the reason why this beautiful region has become so popular, Inle Lake is best explored by boat. Day trips are widely available and vary from private boats to small group excursions and even kayaks for the adventurous, often on a long narrow boat with a small motor and a friendly, local guide. Allow yourself plenty of time to explore life on the lake as there is lots to see and do and many adventures to unfold.

Of course, learn about Inle’s infamous Intha fishermen and their unique one-legged fishing technique. Visit the floating markets and gardens to get a feel for how local life works here and meet the people that call Inle Lake home. Meander through endless pagodas and monasteries including Phaung Daw Oo Paya, Inle Lake’s most sacred pagoda. With its impressive five tiers and glittering gold leaf, Phaung Daw Oo Paya promises to impress. Likewise, the Nga Hpe Kyaung, lovingly referred to as the Jumping Cat Monastery is home not only to cats that jump through hoops, but also, to an impressive collection of Buddha images.

Traditional workshops on the floating villages, including lotus flower weaving and cheroot making, offer the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture and learn about life living on the lake.

Apart from all there is to see and do on Inle Lake, this unbelievable place is bound to capture your heart with its one of a kind natural beauty, stunning scenery and endless opportunities for adventure by foot, boat and bicycle.