Your tailor-made tours specialist in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar & Laos
- Myanmar tour packages -

Shan Plateau Trek

This trek throughout the Shan Plateau is a once in a lifetime opportunity to discover remote ethnic tribes, nature and historical monuments of Shan State. Covering the loop of the beautiful Inle Lake, the trail offers multiple breathtaking views of Inle. Visit the land of the Padaung people who are famous for their unique cultural practices.  

HIGHLIGHTS

Various activities on sites

  • Trekking to the rural area in Myanmar, visiting hidden village, and learning about their culture
  • Cruising the giant Inle Lake and exploring the surrounding area
  • Visiting the local cheroot factory where Myanmar cigars are rolled by hands.

Unforgettable moments

  • Admiring the traditional way of life of various ethnic groups in Shan Plateau.
  • Cruising the giant lake of Inle and admiring the fishermen at work
  • Admiring the various sacred temples along the way

Nature exploration

  • Trek through the ever-green areas of Shan Plateau whilst visiting the local villages
  • Admiring the nature of Inle Lake whilst cruising around to exploring the surrounding areas
  • Exploring the mountainous province of Kaugnayan, the highest mountain range in the eastern part of Inle

Culture experience

  • The colorful culture of various ethnic groups in Shan Plateau
  • Interacting with locals people and learn about their traditional way of life
  • The peasant culture of local people living around the Inle Lake

Map

Detailed schedule

Day 1 - Heho - Kalaw

Upon arrival to Heho, be welcomed by the guide at the airport and make an onward transfer to Kalaw.

Kalaw is a former colonial British hill station, with local and colonial style houses. Its altitude ensures that the weather is cool throughout the year. Check-in and take a leisurely walk around town.

Notes

Distance: Heho – Kalaw: 2-hour transfer

icon [none]

Day 2 - Kalaw - Nyaung Tayar - Saungkhar (Trekking)

The trekking adventure begins! Starting with a scenic two-hour drive, arrive at the small town of Naung Tayar where the trek route begins. The scenery is remarkably different from middle Burma with weather temperature much cooler than the rest of the country.

Set-off on foot with the trekking team beginning with a 2.5-hour trek along a scenic trail that passes the Pa-O village called Done Kyar Pu. Be amazed by the abundance of seasonal agriculture. Then, stop at Ngo La village for lunch.

After lunch at local family house, continue South East for a 2-hour trek and arrive at the village, Saung Khar. On the way, there are many opportunities to pause and interact with friendly local people.

Dinner will be prepared by a host family and spend the night getting to know the local people better on this homestay

Notes
  • Distance: Kalaw - Naung Tayar: 1.5-hour transfer  
  • 4 hours of trekking
  • Difficulty: Easy
icon [b/l/d]

Day 3 - Loikaw - Kayan Villages - Loikaw (Trekking)

Leave the hotel for an hour’s transfer in the early morning. Stop at Ngwe Taung Dam to enjoy scenic views over the dam and its surroundings.

If there is a chance, visit Demoso Market which opens on every Monday, Wednesday and Sunday. The market seems like any other rural market, but it has a few unique characteristics.

Afterwards, drive for about 30 minutes to the start of our wonderful six-hour trek to Kayan villages. Enjoy unspoiled landscapes while trekking with the beautiful background and breathtaking views of mountains range. 

After two hours trek, a traditional lunch will be served at a village. Before we continue the trek, visit the charming village, the hometown of the Kayan (Padaung) tirbe. Padaung ladies are known as “giraffe women” for their long necks from wearing brass neck coils. Get a chance to learn about the culture of the Kayan tribe and interact with longneck ladies

Then proceed the trek for about 3 hours to our destination. In the afternoon, we drive back to Loikaw and dinner at local restaurant

Notes
  • 1-hour transfer 
  • 6 hours of trekking
  • Trekking up to: approx. 15 km 
  • Elevation: + 285 m / - 444 m 
  • Difficulty: Medium
icon [b/l/-]

Day 4 - Saung Khar - Tharyar Gone (Trekking) - Phekon - Loikaw

Say goodbye to the host family, depart Saung Khar early and continue trekking towards Inle Lake. The first two-hour trek offers great views of bamboo forest, valleys and an overview of Naung Mon Village. Stop at an old Monastery in Naung Mon Village and get a chance to learn about the life of little monks and villagers. The Buddhist monastery is the heart of the community which is an important part of rural Burmese life.

Take a gradual 3-hour descend to the final trekking point of Tharyar Gone Village which is situated a short distance from the shores of Inle Lake.

Depending on time, lunch will be taken on-the-go or at the restaurant in Tharyar Gone. Observe the making of local rice wine and visit the photogenic Thar Khaung Pagoda Complex.

Afterwards, board a longtail boat that will take you on a 2-hour journey to Phekon. Then transfer to car towards Loikaw. Check-in to the hotel and have dinner at a local restaurant

Notes
  • Thar Khaung - Phekon: 2 hours by boat
  • 4 hours of trekking
  • Difficulty: Easy
icon [b/l/-]

Day 5 - Loikaw - Samkar

After breakfast at the hotel, visit Taung Kwe Pagoda which is the landmark of Kayah state. This never-before-seen series of pagodas on a crazy rock formation is found in the heart of the city. You can walk up a series of winding stairs that connect the different peaks, each with its own pagoda. From there, you can see an overview of the whole city.

Visit an old Shan Haw (Palace). There is an interesting feature - the central totem pole is a major feature of many of Kayah villages, an animist tradition pre-dating Buddhism or Christianity, known as Kay Htoe Poe. Though the Kayah people are mostly Christian today, these totem poles go back to their previous animist beliefs.

Lunch will be served at local restaurant.

Transfer to Samkar Village. Upon arrival to Samkar in the afternoon, walk to a charming local home and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Walk around the village to discover the daily life in Shan State. 
 

Notes

Distance: Loikaw – Samkar: 4-5-hour transfer

icon [b/l/d]

Day 6 - Samkar - Namtek - Htikaung (Trekking)

After breakfast, leave the hotel at 8:00 am and travel east of Loikhaw mountain range, starting with a soft trek through fresh and natural areas.

After that walk down to the Phathee village where the ethnic Shan and Pa-O people mingle and live together. Drop in to one of the houses and have a chat with the family.

Learn about their way of life in the beautiful remote village.

Then continue to trek east towards Namtek village and enjoy the endless paddy fields and see many villagers carrying out their daily chores.

Lunch is prepared by a local family at Namtek village.

Trek for another 3 hours to the night stop in Htikaung Village surrounded by hills and mountains. High trees are grown around the village making it look like the village’s natural fence. There is a big water source with a nearby Monastery in the centre of the Htikaung village.

Dinner at Htikaung Village. 

  • 6-7 hours of trekking
  • Difficulty: Medium
     
Notes
  • 6-7 hours of trekking
  • Difficulty: Medium
icon [b/l/d]

Day 7 - Htikaung - Pinton - Maetine (Trekking)

After having breakfast in Htikaung, start at 08:00 and trek up to the peak of Kaungnaine, the highest mountain range in the eastern part of Inle. The easy trek passes through an orange plantation, stone bank, natural orchids on the trees and various species of birds. Arrive at the summit and take a rest while appreciating the view of west Inle and Hopong-Seseng field in the east.

Then proceed to Pinton village, famous for its monastery with huge teak pillars. See young monks study Buddhist literature. After lunch at Pinton, continue trek to Maetine Village passing Maekham.  

Dinner and night at homestay, at Maetine Village.

  • 6-7 hours of trekking
  • Difficulty: Medium
     
Notes
  • 6-7 hours of trekking
  • Difficulty: Medium
icon [b/l/d]

Day 8 - Maetine - Mine Pyo - Inle Lake (Trekking)

Breakfast is served at Maetine village in the morning. Today’s trek is north to Inpawkhon Village on Inle Lake passing through the valley, fields and dam. 
Lunch is traditional Pa-O dishes served in Lwe Kan Village.
After lunch, continue trek to Inpawkhon with a final climb to Thetlutt mountain. Memorable 3 days trek will end at a lakeside village. Then transfer by boat to our hotel across Inle Lake

Notes
  • 5 hours of trekking
  • Difficulty: Medium 
  • 1-1.5 hours by boat to Nyaung Shwe
icon [b/l/-]

Day 9 - Inle Lake - Exploration

Begin this full-day Inle Lake tour by boarding a private longtail boat. The motorboat has everything you need for an enjoyable journey - cushioned wooden chairs, life jackets, umbrellas- for sun and rain protection- and blankets in the winter months.

Start with a visit to the morning market, which changes its locations every five days. (Note: there are no markets on full moon or dark moon days) This daily market is a great chance to meet with the locals as people from all over the lake’s shores gather there to buy and sell their wares.

Continue across the lake, passing through ‘floating villages’ which are houses built on stilts. Cruise by floating water hyacinth gardens anchored to the bottom with bamboo poles. Be on the lookout for fishermen who use a unique leg-rowing technique to propel their boats while casting their nets.

Next is a visit to Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda, the lake’s main sanctuary. Climb the stairs to the top where five sacred Buddha images are displayed on a platform. Learn about the history of these gold-covered statues and find out why they are so revered. Take a short walk to a nearby boathouse to see the royal barges used during the pagoda’s annual festival.

Continue with a short ride onwards to Inpawkhone, a village known for its weaving. Stop in one weaving workshop to see this traditional craft up-close. See silk being spun and placed in intricate patterns on the loom. Witness the time-consuming process of making threads from the fibrous stems of the lotus flowers, a craft that is unique to this village. Then continue to a cheroot factory, where Myanmar cigars are rolled by hand.

After a lunch of typical Inthar dishes, continue across the lake and a stop can be made at Inthar Heritage House to learn more about the history and culture of the lake’s indigenous people.

Return to the hotel filled with unforgettable memories.

icon [b/l/-]

Day 10 - Inle - Heho - Yangon - Departure

This morning, transfer to the Heho Airport with the destination Yangon for your onward flight.

icon [b/-/-]
image
Does this tour inspire
you?
PERSONALIZE
SIMILAR TOUR PACKAGES
Discover Myanmar Discover Myanmar

- Myanmar -

Discover Myanmar
Unseen / 10 days / fr. $1,308

This Myanmar trip is as much about the journey as it is about the destination! Travel aboard everything from trishaws to horse carts, slow-moving trains to long-tail boats. Get an up-close look at... More

Multi-sport Adventure in Myanmar Multi-sport Adventure in Myanmar

- Myanmar -

Multi-sport Adventure in Myanmar
Unseen / 10 days / fr. $1,125

Get active in Myanmar for a fun-filled adventure holiday. See iconic sites and famous cities, then add a dose of adventure for a closer look at Myanmar’s wonders. Bike, trek and kayak through... More

Back to Nature in Myanmar Back to Nature in Myanmar

- Myanmar -

Back to Nature in Myanmar
Wellness & Leisure / 11 days / fr. $2,420

Exploring the nature of Myanmar in the remote area around Inle Lake & the magnificent Mergui Archipelago. Leave the tourist trail behind and discover an authentic corner of Inle Lake. Journey p... More

Irrawaddy River Cruise Irrawaddy River Cruise

- Myanmar -

Irrawaddy River Cruise
Cruise / 14 days / fr. $2,250

This 14 day- trip offers you an original and unforgettable approach to Burma. Apart from Burma, many minorities, warm and welcoming, continue to maintain original traditions that translate into a d... More

Cycling Myanmar Highlights Cycling Myanmar Highlights

- Myanmar -

Cycling Myanmar Highlights
Cycling & Biking / 10 days / fr. $1,450

Enjoy the awe-inspiring sights of this country by pedaling to cover an array of destinations in 10 days. Observe a vast number of religious edifices of Myanmar, diverse tribes and magnificent archi... More

Cycling Yangon and Southern Myanmar Cycling Yangon and Southern Myanmar

- Myanmar -

Cycling Yangon and Southern Myanmar
Cycling & Biking / 10 days / fr. $1,320

Take an unforgettable cycling adventure through rural Myanmar. Delve deep into the culture with a pilgrimage to the sacred Golden Rock. Experience local lifestyles with a ride around charming Bilu... More

NOT READY YET?

We believe you have the right to arm yourselves with as much information as possible before making any decision.

Check below our detailed tips & guide for every places to visit in Myanmar, recommendation regarding the inclusion in each theme you prefer, and what you can do based on the time frame you have.

PLACES TO VISIT IN Myanmar
Yangon
bee-white Yangon

Bagan
bee-white Bagan

Mandalay
bee-white Mandalay

Inle Lake
bee-white Inle Lake

Mergui Archipelago
bee-white Mergui Archipelago

Ngapali Beach
bee-white Ngapali Beach

Myanmar PLANS BY TRAVEL THEME
Must-see
bee-white Must-see

Check out all the must-see places and things to do & see

Luxury Holiday
bee-white Luxury Holiday

Unique experience combined with top-notch services

Wellness & Leisure
bee-white Wellness & Leisure

Easy excursion combined with week-long beach break

Family Vacation
bee-white Family Vacation

The combination of fun and educational activities

Unseen
bee-white Unseen

Reveal off-the-beatentrack routes, least explored destinations, and unknown tribe groups

Trek & Hike
bee-white Trek & Hike

Explore the least visited destinations and unknown experience on foot

Cycling & Biking
bee-white Cycling & Biking

Explore every corners of the destination on two wheels

Honeymoon Vacation
bee-white Honeymoon Vacation

Easy excursions combined with unique experience making the long-lasting romantic memories

Cruise
bee-white Cruise

The combination of some must-see experience and the cruise tour along the mighty rivers

Myanmar PLANS BY TIME FRAME
white-icon About 1 week
yellow-icon About 1 week
white-icon About 2 weeks
yellow-icon About 2 weeks
white-icon About 3 weeks
yellow-icon About 3 weeks
white-icon About 4 weeks
yellow-icon About 4 weeks
image
Already got a plan? REQUEST A FREE QUOTE
Myanmar TRAVEL TIPS & GUIDE

Either are you wondering about best time to visit, visa policy, or how to get the cheapest flight, we have your back!

WHAT MORE? Choose the country you plan to visit, then search for your nationality below to see our special travel tips & advice for your country. CONTACT US if you cannot find yours.

Best Time to Visit
bee-white Best Time to Visit
Tourist Visa Policy
bee-white Tourist Visa Policy
Budget & Currency
bee-white Budget & Currency
Getting Flight There
bee-white Getting Flight There
Getting Around
bee-white Getting Around
Internet & Phone
bee-white Internet & Phone
Packing List
bee-white Packing List
Buying & Bargaining
bee-white Buying & Bargaining
Tipping Customs
bee-white Tipping Customs
Safety & Precautions
bee-white Safety & Precautions
Local Etiquette
bee-white Local Etiquette
Travel Insurance
bee-white Travel Insurance
Vaccinations
bee-white Vaccinations
Useful addresses
bee-white Useful addresses
Myanmar BLOG ARTICLES

Taking a cruise on the fascinating Mekong River offers a unique and memorable travel experience. The Mekong River, one of the longest rivers in Asia, flows through several countries, including China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. Each destination along the river offers its own distinct cultural, historical, and natural attractions. In this article, we will go over what you can expect when cruising the Mekong River. 

...more

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Asian countries has taken the cautious approach to inbound travel and has had some of the strictest border restrictions and closures. At the moment, the nations of the region are in the beginning stages of reopening their borders for tourism, with every country introducing its own regulations.

The “unlocking” statuses vary widely. Travelers entering Asian countries may be required to do everything from going into quarantine, submitting negative COVID-19 test results, presenting proof of health insurance, and proof of vaccination (known a vaccine passports).

There is an understandable uncertainty with how you should travel to the Asian region if you are planning to. This is why we present you the list of 19 Asian countries, along with details on the current travel situation. As each country applies precisely defined regulations, you should always check the official websites listed in the article below for the latest government announcements.

...more

Myanmar will resume international passenger flights from April 17, the military said on Saturday, lifting a two-year ban on foreign tourists.

...more

Thanaka or  thanakha is a yellowish-white cosmetic paste made from ground bark. It is a distinctive feature of the culture of Myanmar, seen commonly applied to the face and sometimes the arms of women and girls, and is used to a lesser extent also by men and boys. The use of thanaka has also spread to neighboring countries including Thailand.

Within this article, we will learn everything about Thanaka and the benefits of its powder in making a secret beauty ingredient of Burmese women.

...more

Burmese Longyi, along with the country’s longtime history, art, and heritage sites has contributed to the richness of the local culture that will grasp your attention whenever you find yourself in strolling around the streets of Myanmar. With just a piece of fabric grasping on the lower part of the body through time, the longyi has made it become an incredible pattern of Myanmar traditional costume for both men and women. In this article, we are going to find out the secret of Myanmar quintessence through Longyi, about why it has been worn for centuries by the Burmese people.

...more
CHECK OUT OTHER DESTINATIONS
Vietnam
bee-white Vietnam
A land of staggering natural beauty and cultural complexities, of dynamic megacities and hill-tribe villages, Vietnam is both exotic and compelling.
Thailand
bee-white Thailand
Friendly and food-obsessed, hedonistic and historic, cultured and curious, Thailand tempts visitors with a smile as golden as the country's glittering temples and tropical beaches.
Cambodia
bee-white Cambodia
There's a magic about this charming yet confounding kingdom that casts a spell on visitors. In Cambodia, ancient and modern worlds collide to create an authentic adventure.
Laos
bee-white Laos
Vivid nature, voluptuous landscapes and a vibrant culture collide with a painful past and optimistic future to make Laos an enigmatic experience for the adventurous.
loading
back top