Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
At research time, Loikaw had neither ATM nor currency exchange; bring cash.
125 Internet Café
(Kant Kaw Rd; per hr K500; 9am-8pm)
of Loikaw, Htay Aung and Win Naing are the go-to guys for everything Kayah travel-re-
lated. They lead tours of the city and state (per day $30) and can arrange transport (per
day from $50 to $80) and the permission necessary to visit areas outside of Loikaw.
Getting There & Away
Loikaw's
bus station
(NH5)
is located about 1.5 miles north of the centre of town on
NH5; a
thoun bein
to/from here costs K1500.
Loikaw's
train station
is southeast of the centre of town, and is the terminus for a
line that runs to Nay Pyi Taw. Not only are trains exceedingly slow, but station staff don't
really know what to do with foreign travellers; you're better off taking the bus.
It's also possible to charter a
boat
from Phe Khon, an hour from Loikaw in Shan
State, to Nyaungshwe (Inle Lake). The guys at Loikaw Travel Infos can arrange a boat,
which costs at least K130,000 and takes about five to six hours. Be aware that, as of
2013, FITs travelling by boat from Nyaungshwe were routinely turned back in Phe Khon;
Click here
for our experience.
Loikaw Airport
(NH5)
is just north of town.
Myanma Airways
( 083-21014, in Yangon
01-246 452;
www.myanmaairways.aero
;
NH5)
conduct twice-weekly flights to/from Yangon
($63); contact a day in advance for departure/arrival times and days.
WORTH A TRIP
KAKKU
Arranged in neat rows sprawling over the hillside, the 2478 stupas at Kakku are one
of the most remarkable sights in Shan State. According to local legend, the stupa
garden was founded by the Buddhist missionaries of the Indian emperor Ashoka in
the 3rd century BC. As such, the stupas at Kakku span a bewildering variety of
styles, marking the prevailing architectural trends for whenever they were con-
structed. Some are simple and unadorned while others are covered in a riot of
stucco deities and mythical beasts. Among the tall Shan-style stupas are a number
of small square 'monastery style' stupas that are unique to this region. Like most
ancient sites across the country, Kakku been extensively restored and modernised
using donations from pilgrims, so don't expect an Indiana Jones-style ruin in the
jungle.
