Kalaw

Kalaw sits at an elevation of over 1,300 meters in Shan State and was established by the British as a retreat from the heat of the plains. Even today, colonial-era architecture and well-kept gardens characterize the town's appearance. It is famous for its surrounding pine forests and pleasantly cool climate, making it a first-rate base for outdoor activities. Kalaw is world-renowned as the starting point for multi-day treks to Inle Lake, which lead travelers through sweeping landscapes and authentic ethnic minority villages. The central market in Kalaw is a lively hub where various ethnic groups, such as the Pa-O and Palaung, gather to sell fresh produce and handmade crafts. Within the town, interesting sites include the Aung Chan Tha Pagoda, known for its sparkling glass mosaics, and the Shwe Oo Min cave temple filled with Buddha images. The surrounding hills invite hiking to viewpoints like 'Thein Taung', offering panoramic vistas of the rolling Shan Plateau. Kalaw maintains a very relaxed, peaceful atmosphere that encourages a slower pace of travel. Getting to Kalaw is most common by bus from Mandalay or Yangon, or by a scenic train ride. The nearest airport is Heho, about an hour's drive away. The best time to visit is from October to February, when the weather is dry and cool. During winter nights at this altitude, temperatures can drop significantly, a rarity in Myanmar. The hot season in March and April remains pleasant, while the monsoon from June to September turns the hills bustling green but can make trekking trails quite muddy.

Nearby cities

Mandalay

The second-largest city in the country, known for its rich history and culture.

Meiktila

A strategically important city in central Myanmar, on the shores of Lake Meiktila.

Myingyan

An industrial city in the Irrawaddy River valley, known for its cotton cultivation.

Pyin Oo Lwin

A scenic hill station near Mandalay, known for its pleasant climate.

Nyaung-U

A town on the Irrawaddy River, serving as the main access point to the ancient temples of Bagan.

Inle Lake

A freshwater lake in Shan State, world-renowned for its leg-rowing fishermen, floating gardens, and stilt villages.

Taungoo

A historic city in the Bago Region, known for its forestry and teak production.

Naypyidaw

The modern capital of Myanmar, known for its vast and quiet streets.

Taunggyi

The capital of Shan State, located on a ridge and known for its cool climate.

History & landmarks

Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda

The most important sanctuary on Inle Lake, housing five small Buddha statues covered in gold leaf beyond recognition.

Bago

Bago, formerly known as Pegu, is a historic city featuring massive pagodas and one of the world's largest reclining Buddha statues.

Nature

Irrawaddy River

Myanmar's most important and longest river, serving as a commercial waterway and lifeline of the country.

Sittaung River

An important river in central Myanmar, known for its strong tidal bore near the mouth.

More places

Yeywa Hydropower Plant

One of Myanmar's main hydropower plants, located on the Myitnge River, feeding a large part of the national power grid.

Mogok Ruby Mines

A world-famous mining area in the Mandalay Region that has supplied the world's most sought-after pigeon's blood rubies for centuries.

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Tagaung Taung Nickel Mine

A major ferronickel mining and smelting project in the Mandalay Region, primarily destined for export.

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Myingyan Steel Mill

A state-owned industrial hub for steel production in the Mandalay Region, built to meet domestic demand for construction materials.

Popa Mountain National Park

A protected area around Mount Popa, preserving rare plants and animals of the dry zone.

Mount Popa

An extinct volcano in central Myanmar, known as a sacred site for the veneration of Nat spirits.

Shwesettaw Wildlife Sanctuary

A nature reserve in central Myanmar established to provide a habitat for the critically endangered Burmese star tortoises.

Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp

An ethical elephant sanctuary in Shan State focusing on the care of retired working elephants from the timber industry.