Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MAP
GOOGLE MAP
(Tachileik-Taunggyi Rd (Main Rd); daylight hours)
Pointing dramatically towards the
mountains on a ridge overlooking Nyaung Toung lake, the 60ft-high standing buddha
statue known as Yat Taw Mu is probably the most distinctive landmark in Kyaingtong.
K2000; 10am-4pm Tue-Sun)
with an emphasis on costumes, as well as some farming im-
plements and other tribal objects, some inexplicably painted silver.
Wat Mahamuni
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
MAP
GOOGLE MAP
(Mine Yen Rd; daylight hours)
In the middle of a traffic roundabout, Wat Ma-
hamuni is a classic Thai-style
wat
with a richly painted interior.
Wat In
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
MAP
GOOGLE MAP
(Airport Rd; daylight hours)
Just north of Airport Rd, Wat In contains a stunning
collection of ancient gilded wooden buddha images in all shapes, sizes and positions.
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
DAY TRIPS AROUND KYAINGTONG
The hills outside of Kyaingtong are dotted with the villages of the En, Lahu Akha,
Palaung, Loi, Lishaw and Wa tribes, as well as those of various Tai groups. As of
2013, the local authorities have allowed overnight stays, but a guide and advance
permission with the authorities in Kyaingtong are required. Recommended guides
fees run from $20 to $25 per day. Transport can be arranged at Princess Hotel or
Harry's Trekking House.
The most popular destination is
Pin Tau
, only 9 miles north of Kyaingtong, where
it's possible to visit the villages of several tribes in a single day. A round-trip taxi
here will cost around K40,000.
Ho Kyim
, approximately 10 miles south of town, is home to several Loi, Akha and
Lahu villages. A round-trip taxi here costs around K50,000.
The area surrounding the atmospheric Tai Khün village of
Wan Sai
is home to
several worthwhile sights. From Wan Sai, where many residents still live in tradi-
tional wooden homes, it's a brief walk to an Akhu village, and another 30- to
