Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
even when there's no wind, while the accommodation is almost all vastly overpriced, and
there are few good culinary options to speak of. On balance, it's probably only really worth
heading here if you're combining a Myanmar trip with a visit to northern Thailand.
The
Thai border
is, indeed, a mere five-hour bus ride away, and it's easy to spot several
manifestations of this proximity. Thai products line the shelves of Kengtung's shops, while
LeoandSinghabeerareimbibedalongsideMyanmararoundthenight-timebarbecuestands;
Thai tourists pop into town in ever-increasing numbers; while many local places of worship
are known as “Wat”, and some are distinctively Thai in style.
Kengtung Market
Between Zeigyi Rd and Main Rd • Daily 6am-6pm • Free
Kengtung's
market
is as colourful a place as any of its Shan State contemporaries, with hill
folk descending to sell their wares. Entering from the town side, you'll have to run a gauntlet
of kitchenware, cheap clothing and other uninteresting fare, though before long you'll track
down one of the smaller sections in which ethnic beads and fabrics are sold. There was once
also a
water buffalo market
on the way out to Taunggyi; though this had ceased to trade at
the time of writing (apparently due to a combination of tax increases and the villagers' in-
creasing propensity to trade by mobile phone instead), it's certainly worth enquiring at your
accommodation, just in case it has resurfaced.
Naung Tung Lake
Best accessed from Main Rd to south, or small road south of
New Kyaing Tong
hotel to the east • Daily 24hr •
Free
Pretty much the only attractive place in a rather ugly city is the small
NangTungLake
at its
heart. The best views are from the east side, near the
Azure
bar and
Don't Forget
restaurant;
from here you'll be able to make out the
standing Buddha
statue , and see the Shan moun-
