C
Christ the King Church
Attractive, historic church that dates back to the colonial era and famously had the same priest for 69 years.
Andrew Montgomery
Kalaw
Kalaw (ကေလာ) was founded as a hill station by British civil servants fleeing the heat of the plains. The town still feels like a high-altitude holiday resort – the air is cool, the atmosphere is calm and the tree-lined streets still contain a smattering of colonial-era architecture – while the surrounding hills are fine for relatively easy day or overnight treks to Danu, Danaw, Palaung, Pa-O and Taung Yo villages.
One of the few destinations in Myanmar that genuinely caters for backpackers rather than tour groups, Kalaw is an easy place to kick back for a few days. The town is also notable for its significant population of Nepali Gurkhas and Indians, whose ancestors came here to build the roads and railway during the colonial era.
Explore Kalaw
- CChrist the King Church
Attractive, historic church that dates back to the colonial era and famously had the same priest for 69 years.
- SShwe Oo Min Paya
South of central Kalaw, this natural cave is home to dozens of gold buddha statues.
- HHnee Paya
This temple is home to a 500-year-old, gold-lacquered bamboo buddha.
- MMarket
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…
- TThein Taung Paya
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…
- HHsu Taung Pye Paya
South of Kalaw market, the myriad stupas of Hsu Taung Pye Paya were restored from ruins using donations from visiting pilgrims.
- AAung Chan Tha Zedi
Right in the centre of Kalaw, Aung Chan Tha Zedi is a glittery stupa, covered in gold- and silver-coloured glass mosaics.
- MMosque
Kalaw has a sizeable Muslim population and this is their main mosque.
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Kalaw.
See
Christ the King Church
Attractive, historic church that dates back to the colonial era and famously had the same priest for 69 years.
See
Shwe Oo Min Paya
South of central Kalaw, this natural cave is home to dozens of gold buddha statues.
See
Market
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…
See
Thein Taung Paya
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…
See
Hsu Taung Pye Paya
South of Kalaw market, the myriad stupas of Hsu Taung Pye Paya were restored from ruins using donations from visiting pilgrims.
See
Aung Chan Tha Zedi
Right in the centre of Kalaw, Aung Chan Tha Zedi is a glittery stupa, covered in gold- and silver-coloured glass mosaics.
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