FASCINATING LOIKAW
Day 1: Yangon–
Heho – Inle (L,D)
Early this
morning, transfer to the Yangon airport for your domestic flight to
Heho.
Upon arrival, our guide will
welcome you at the airport and transfer to the town of Nyaung Shwe
(Approximately one hour drive). Along
the way, you will have an opportunity to visit workshops making traditional
Shan paper and unique handcrafted umbrellas.
Also stop at the teak monastery of Shweyanpyay to see the intricate artwork
and craftsmanship of wood carving.
Nyaung Shwe is the gateway to Inle Lake, and from here you will board a
private motorboat to head out onto the lake, one of Myanmar’s most spectacular
sights. Pass villages inhabited by the Intha people who build their houses on
stilts and floating gardens built up from strips of water hyacinth and mud and
anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles.
You will also see the leg‐rowing fishermen of the lake who steer their
boats with incredible balance.
Along the way, stop at the Nga
Hpe Chaung Monastery famous for its dozens of Shan Buddha statues as well as
the resident cats which have been trained to jump through hoops. Continue to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake’s
main sanctuary, which contains 5 sacred Buddha images, and proceed to the
village of Inpawkhone to observe the traditional silk weaving techniques of
Innthar people. Your final stop is at a
cheroot factory where and a cheroot factory where the typical Burmese cigars
are made by hand.
Upon reaching your lakeside
hotel, there may be time for a short walk through a local village before
dinner.
Overnight on
Inle Lake.
Day 2: Inle
Lake – Hpe Kom (By Boat) –Loikaw (By Car)
(B,L,D)
After
breakfast, your journey begin with boat trip to Hpe Kom (when water is shallow
it make take up to 6 hours). Along the way, you will have an opportunity to
visit Thar Khaung village which has an ancient monastery, panoramic views and
friendly local people. The boat trip is a shutterbug’s delight, with
picturesque scenery of the Shan mountains and valleys flanking the tranquil
waters of the lake.
Lunch at GIC restaurant near Thar
Khaung village. After lunch, proceed to Phe Kom for a short visit around the
charming little town.
The last stretch of your journey
to Loikaw is by car, an approximately 2 hour drive. You will reach Loikaw,
check in to your hotel and have dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight in Loikaw.
Day 3: Visit Loikaw
(B,L,D)
This morning you will have a traditional breakfast in a local tea
house before setting out for Demawso market.
This market is only open on Wednesdays and Saturdays and is a spectacular
opportunity for travelers to see the ethnic groups wearing colorful traditional
costumes and trading their wares. On the return drive, stop to visit Ngwe Taung
Dam and San Mone Padaung village.
Lunch at local restaurant.
After lunch, visit the Kayah State museum gain insight in to the
unique culture and tradition of ethnic groups in this region. Then, visit the
grounds containing traditional and spiritual posts, locally known as Kaehtobo
which are used to celebrate during the Kayah New Year in April. At that time,
the local people offer foods to the guardian spirits on an auspicious day. Continue with a visit to a traditional
weaving shop and as the day comes to an end, head to Taunggwe Pagoda to enjoy
the magnificent sunset views over Loikaw.
Dinner at local restaurant.
Overnight in Loikaw.
Day 4: Loikaw –Hpe Kom – Pin Laung
– Kalaw (B,L)
After breakfast at local tea
house, take a leisurely stroll through the town for more sightseeing. Then, transfer to Kalaw by car stopping for
lunch en route. The drive to Kalaw is
highlighted by the areas stunning natural beauty and panoramic scenery of the
Shan mountain ranges. You will pass through the little town of Hpe Kom and Pin
Laung, Pa-O villages whose residents welcome the visitors with friendly smiles.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and rest of the day at leisure.
(Note:
Accommodation in Kalaw is not included)
*** End of services ***
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