Hill Stations

Kalaw
This sleepy market town, sitting on the western edge of the Shan plateau at 1320 metres above sea level, was once very popular with the British in colonial times. The town is a mix of old colonial and wooden Shan style houses sprawling out over this hilly town, where the diverse population includes Indians, Shan, Bamar and Nepalese (Gurkhas retired from British military service). The surrounding countryside with gnarled pines, bamboo groves and minority villages is a trekker's delight with walks to cater to all levels of fitness.

It is possible for those who wish to do a trek from Kalaw to Inle lake sleeping en route in a monastery and a village chiefs house. This is a very rustic trip but a beautiful way in which to experience the slow and tranquil pace of rural Shan life. An hours' drive from Kalaw are the Pindaya caves. The beautiful drive to Pindaya takes you through charming countryside not unlike rural England. You will pass groups of Pa-O in wide brimmed hats, resting under the shade of mature old trees. At Pindaya you will find a picturesque lake and an interesting local market as well as the caves containing over 8,000 images on Buddha. Northwest of Pindaya are the Padah-Lin-Caves which are perhaps more interesting and certainly more important than Pindaya. These prehistoric caves have early paintings dating back as far as 11,000 years which have been compared to the Neolithic cave paintings found in Europe.

Pyin U Lwin (Maymyo)
Few towns in Burma call to mind a bygone era of British colonial times such as the town of Pyin U Lwin. Formerly called Maymyo, after Colonel May, the town sits at the cool altitude of 1050 metres above sea level 69km east of Mandalay in the central Shan hills. Little cottages with chimneys and neatly tended gardens sit on the outskirts of town; the Purcell Tower a gift from Queen Victoria is the centerpiece in town; the national Kandawgyi Gardens, a beautiful botanical garden started by wives of the colonial administrators and British botanists in 1915 is a lovely place to have a stroll and enjoy a cup of tea; take a ride around town in one of the charming old Cinderella style horse and carriages that still operate as taxis in town; from December through to February enjoy delicious baby, organic strawberries, a specialty of this hilltown.

There is much to be seen around the surrounding countryside of Maymyo. The Anisakan Falls is a 45 minute hike to reach but well worth it and a very pleasant walk to reach them. The Pwe Kauk Falls are less spectacular than Anisakan but make for a wonderful spot to enjoy a picnic. Something totally different to do is to drive to the village of Naung Cho and board the Mandalay to Lashio train. A 45 minute train ride across the famous Gokteik viaduct built by the American Pennsylvania Steel Co in 1903 to the village of Naung pan crosses the 700 meter gorge at a maximum height of 300 meters.

Hsipaw
Hsipaw is very much off the beaten track. Accommodation is rustic, the food is simple but good and the transport is functional. But do not let this put you off. For those wishing to really venture off the beaten track, in this world of heavily trodden paths then Hsipaw is a charming little town in the northwestern Shan state. The only way in which to reach Hsipaw is along the Burma Road from Maymyo as there is no airport.

Accommodation here in Hsipaw stretches to one option, Mr Charles Guesthouse which is clean, quiet and perfectly pleasant but not smart at all. Dining out in Hsipaw is not really a gourmet experience. Law Chun or Mr Food as it is sometimes called is the most popular joint in town serving curries with rice, noodles, Chinese food and cold beer with an English language menu. There are numerous small noodle stalls around town from which you can grab a snack.