Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Pindaya
Set around the pretty
Pone Taloke Lake
,
PINDAYA
is a typical Shan State town, a small,
relaxed affair with a bustling market and friendly locals. Many visitors find themselves here
for one reason alone - the fantastic
Shwe Oo Min Cave
above town, which is filled with
thousandsuponthousandsofgleamingBuddhastatues.Mostseethecave,eatlunchandthen
zoom straight back to Inle or Kalaw, but it's certainly worth sticking around for the night -
notonlywillyoubeoneofveryfewtravellers stayinghere,butyou'llbeabletoseethecave
at the crack of dawn, before the tour buses arrive.
Keep your peepers peeled on the journey into Pindaya, for the countryside hereabouts can
be pretty spectacular. Regular potholes, detours and other interruptions to the bumpy road
willprovideampleevidence thattheareaismadefromearthofadeepredhue:thiscanseem
unforgivingly arid during the dry season, but it explodes into a patchwork of green after the
rains,makingthisoneofShanState'smostimportantagriculturalzones.Alsokeepalookout
forthepeople you'llseeontheway-groupsof
Danu
and
Pa-O
resplendent underneath col-
ourful headdresses.
Note that there's a K2000
entryfee
to Pindaya, levied at a booth as you approach from the
south. Whether you arrive by bus, taxi or pick-up, your driver will pull over (he'll get into
trouble otherwise), and the process is over quick as a flash. Those hiking in from Kalaw
probablywon'thavetopay,andinanycaseyoualmostcertainlywon'tberequiredtoshow
your entry ticket at any time after purchase.
Shwe Oo Min Cave
Daily 6am-6pm; elevator 9am-noon & 1-4pm • K3000 • Accessible on a variety of paths from Shwe Oo Min
Rd, about a 30min walk south of town, or take a motorbike or taxi to the elevator
