Extension From Shan State

(EGTM-18) Heho-Kyaing Tong-Heho
 

Day (1) Heho-Kyaing Tong
Yangon Airways or Air Bagan flight from Heho to Kyaingtong. Arrival late afternoon of Kyaingtong airport and transfer to hotel. A short drive through Kyaingtong takes you to Lake Tong, the center of the city. The terrace at the boulevard around the lake is a good place to soak up the atmosphere of Kyaingtong. Overnight in Kyaingtong.

Day (2) Kyaingtong & Surrounding
Breakfast. A full day in the countryside. Start with a visit to the Kat Tauk area and visit on Aklha village. Many Akha are found near Kyaing Tong where they live in the high mountains, cultivating maize, tobacco and sugar cane. The Akha are famous for their women's striking headdresses which resemble heavy silver helmets. The path leads through the village and, although initially steep, changes into a nice walk in the hills (total 1hours walk). Pass through on Ann village The Ann people live their life in relative isolation in quite simple circumstances. Most wear their traditional black costume and paint their teeth black. Continue to another Akha village, where every housewife still wears traditional clothing. Visit one of the typical Akha houses. From here, it is possible to descend a steep path to Pin Tauk Waterfall (approx. 10 minutes - also called the "young men's route') or enjoy a leisurely walk down the hill (approx. 30 minutes). Return down hill and drive to the Pin Tauk Lahu village. Continue to visit Wan Pauk Palaung village which is traditional but very poor. The Palaung originate from Mon-Khmer stock. They mainly live in the mountains northern Shan State and are famous for cultivating tea. Most Palaung are Buddhist. The dress is one of the most colorful of all the hill tribes. Ladies wear dark jackets over dark red and black striped longyis, with heavy silver torques and lacquered waistbands. Also visit a Shan village. Return to Kyaing Tong. Overnight in Kyaing Tong.

Day (3) Kyaing Tong & Surroundings
Breakfast. An active day in the hills. The Akha are the largest minority in the Kyaing Tong area and surely the sort colorful. Dive high into the hills, to the top of Hokyin Mountain. On this mountain are 4 Akha villages, one Bhuddist, one Animist, one Katholic and one Christian. Between every village are a valley and the path leads down (approx. 10 minutes) and approx. 15 minutes up the hill. See the animist shrine at the entry of the village. Also see the production of Akha spirit made from corn. After the 4th village, you can return by car, or enjoy another walk down the hill for approx. 1 hour. The path leads through farms with beautiful views of the surrounding hills. Return in the direction of Kyaing Tong and visit a Wa village, where you can still see handmade guns. Return to Kyaing Tong and vista U Mulein Da's unique Shan lacquer ware shop. This lacquer ware is distinctively different from Bagan lacquer ware is; it is not engraved, but the relief's are glued on. Drive to the top of Lone Tree Hill for views over surrounding countryside and Kyaing Tong. Return to hotel. Overnight in Kyaingtong.

Day (4) Kyaing Tong-Heho or Yangon
Breakfast. A morning to enjoy Kyaing Tong markets a fascinating place to soak up some local atmosphere. Of specific interest are the silver shops where a wide variety of silver coins are sold, the "Akha" shops where the Akha women buy the decoration for their headdresses and the various shops with tea and tobacco. Other stops can be made at Wat In - a Khun-style temple and the more" Myanmar" style Maha-Myat Muni temple. Also visit a pottery village and the blacksmith shop. Return at hotel and check out. Transfer from hotel to airport. Come back to Yangon(or) Heho with Yangon Airways or Air Bagan flight from Kyaing Tong to Heho(or)Yangon.

^^ 
Top

~~~ Sightseeing ~~~
 

Yangon
 

Mandalay
 

Bagan

Inle Lake

Taunggyi
 

Mrauk U

Kyaikhityo