Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
6
Kengtung
A small Shan State city surrounded by Akha, Lahu and other colourful ethnic
groups, yet almost entirely tourist-free - and even more tempting now that restrictions have
been lifted on the nearby Thai border.
ROADS LESS TRAVELLED
With Myanmar becoming ever more popular as a tourist destination, would-be travel reneg-
ades are having to try a little harder to get their off-the-beaten-track fix. With a little advance
planning, and by avoiding the corners of “
The Kite
”, you could max out your visa without
seeing a single tour bus.
1
Tanintharyi Region
Head down to Myanmar's deep south, whose abundance of beaches
and islands are becoming easier to explore.
2
Pyay
An enjoyable stopover on the slow road from Yangon to Mandalay, with ancient Pyu
ruins, the towering Shwesandaw Pagoda and one of central Myanmar's best night markets.
3
Meiktila
This little-visited crossroads town has a beautiful lakeside setting, a clutch of
quirky temples and stand-out street food.
4
Pindaya
Those staying in Kalaw or Nyaungshwe often make a day-trip to see Pindaya's
wonderful Buddha-filled cave - trump this by staying the night in this wonderfully chilled-
out town.
5
Katha
Inspiration for the town of Kyauktada in Orwell's novel
Burmese Days
, Katha's
backstreets are dotted with atmospheric colonial buildings; the 1924 tennis club still hosts
matches today.
6
Indawgyi Lake
Kayak across or bike around Myanmar's biggest lake to seldom-visited
villages and Shwe Myitzu, a golden pagoda that floats above the water's lapping waves.
7
Putao
DiscoverKachinState'swildsideinthethicklyforestedHimalayanfoothillsoutside
this remote far northern town.
