Shwe Oo Min Natural Cave Pagoda
Inle Lake Region
Set high on a limestone ridge above Pone Taloke Lake, this winding complex of natural caves and tunnels is filled to bursting with buddha images in an…
Must-see attractions in Inle Lake Region
Inle Lake Region
A narrow, foliage-cloaked canal winds through the reeds to the lakeside village of Inthein (also known as Indein), dotted with stupas dating back a few…
Inle Lake Region
On the western side of Inle Lake, Nga Hpe Kyaung monastery was once renowned for its jumping cats, trained to leap through hoops during the slow hours…
Nyaungshwe
The oldest and most important Buddhist shrine in Nyaungshwe, this handsome gilded stupa is hidden away inside a square compound south of Mingala Market…
Nyaungshwe
This is probably the most photographed monastery in Nyaungshwe: the unique oval windows in the ancient teak thein (ordination hall) create a perfect frame…
Inle Lake Region
A wide channel leads south from Ywama to the village of Tha Lay and Phaung Daw Oo Paya, the holiest religious site in southern Shan State. Enshrined…
Inle Lake Region
At the southern end of the lake, the village of Thaung Thut, about 1½ hours by boat from Nyaungshwe, holds an important market every five days. A long…
Taunggyi
Located at Aythaya, 3 miles west of Taunggyi, this vineyard – the country's first – sits at an elevation of 4290ft on well-watered, limestone-rich soils,…
Inle Lake Region
Situated immediately behind Inthein village, this group of ruined stupas, known as Nyaung Ohak, is choked in greenery but you can still discern some…
Inle Lake Region
Shwe Inn Thein Paya is a complex of 1054 weather-beaten zedi (stupas), most constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries. Some of the zedi lean at crazy…
Yan Aung Nan Aung Hsu Taung Pye Paya
Nyaungshwe
In the village of Nanthe, this Buddhist temple complex features a 26ft-high sitting buddha surrounded by stucco deva (celestial beings) and chinthe (half…
Inle Lake Region
This interesting temple's name supposedly means 'Lady Monk', a reference to a previous female resident. Many stairs lead up to the pagoda; the reward is…
Inle Lake Region
This gorgeous temple, with its carved teak panels dating back to the 19th century, is downhill from Shwe Oo Min on the dirt path to Pone Taloke Lake. The…
Inle Lake Region
The main temple of Nampan village, Alodaw Pauk Pagoda is one of the oldest shrines on Inle Lake. Its whitewashed stupa enshrines a fabulous gem-encrusted,…
Taunggyi
This ridge-top temple to the south of town has dizzying views over Taunggyi and Inle Lake; a return trip by taxi here will cost about K10,000.
Kalaw
Attractive, historic church that dates back to the colonial era and famously had the same priest for 69 years.
Kalaw
South of central Kalaw, this natural cave is home to dozens of gold buddha statues.
Inle Lake Region
The peaceful village of Nampan is built on stilts over the water. Its main temple, Alodaw Pauk Pagoda, is one of the oldest shrines on the lake, and the…
Inle Lake Region
Ywama was the first village to be developed for tourism and, as a result, it has the greatest number of souvenir shops and restaurants. It’s still a very…
Inle Lake Region
Half of the village of Maing Thauk is set on dry land, while the other half sits on stilts over the water, linked to the shore by a 450yd wooden bridge…
Nyaungshwe
This equal parts imposing and melancholy structure is the former haw (palace) of the last saopha (sky prince) of Nyaungshwe, Sao Shwe Thaike, who also…
Shan State Cultural Museum & Library
Taunggyi
In addition to the usual displays of local ethnic-group outfits, you’ll also find a handful of exhibits of weapons, musical instruments and jewellery…
Inle Lake Region
North of Nampan are these famous gardens, where Intha farmers grow flowers, tomatoes, squash and other fruit and vegetables on long wooden trellises…
Inle Lake Region
This tidy village of teak stilt houses is famous for its weaving workshops. Buildings across the village vibrate with the clatter of shuttles and the…
Nyaungshwe
The independence monument – a white obelisk – is tucked away at one end of a sports field. Next to it is a gold statue of Sao Shwe Thaike, the last saopha…
Taunggyi
Smaller than its Catholic counterpart and in need of some repairs, this is the main church for Taunggyi's Anglican community. The church is locked outside…
Nyaungshwe
At the entrance to town, this busy market is packed with locals every morning, when traders from the lake bring in fresh fish and produce from the…
Nyaungshwe
This winery is open daily for tastings (K5000 for four wines). There's an attached restaurant with a menu of mostly Western dishes, as well as good views…
Inle Lake Region
At the north end of Pone Taloke Lake, this temple features some heavily restored stupas and a fine teak kyaung (Burmese Buddhist monastery) with a large…
Taunggyi
The principal place of worship for Taunggyi's Roman Catholics. The church dates back to 1873, but was rebuilt in 1951. The cathedral is closed outside of…
Kalaw
Kalaw's market is worth a browse – several stalls sell dried fruit and local liqueurs. Every five days, the market is swelled by traders who descend from…
Kalaw
For a good view over Kalaw's market and town centre, take the steps on the north side of Union Hwy to this modest Buddhist monastery with a small sangha…
Taunggyi
On the southern outskirts of town, this huge white temple complex has a gilded corncob stupa that pays tribute to the Ananda Pahto in Bagan.
Kalaw
South of Kalaw market, the myriad stupas of Hsu Taung Pye Paya were restored from ruins using donations from visiting pilgrims.
Inle Lake Region
You can bathe at these hot springs in the public pools or your own private bath. The more expensive public pool gets very hot.
Kalaw
Right in the centre of Kalaw, Aung Chan Tha Zedi is a glittery stupa, covered in gold- and silver-coloured glass mosaics.
Taunggyi
A Buddhist temple that features gaudy statuary and a pagoda styled after the Mahabodhi temple at Bodhgaya in India.
Inle Lake Region
This peaceful forest monastery on the hill behind Maing Thauk village affords good views over Inle Lake.
Taunggyi
Taunggyi's main market is the busiest place in town from the early morning to the mid-afternoon.
