Kalaw Travel Guide
Plan your trip to Kalaw, Myanmar with this comprehensive travel guide packed with recommendations on things to do, sights to see, where to stay, and more.
- Introduction to Kalaw
- List of Places to Visit in Kalaw
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Kalaw
- Best Things to Do in Kalaw: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Kalaw
- Food and Drink Scene of Kalaw
- Where to Stay in Kalaw: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Kalaw: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Kalaw
- Best Time to Visit Kalaw
- Do’s and Don’ts of Kalaw
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Kalaw: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Kalaw
- Where to Go Next from Kalaw: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Kalaw
Kalaw is a small town located in the eastern part of Myanmar, in the Shan State. A popular destination for tourists seeking a unique cultural experience and outdoor adventure, Kalaw is situated amidst the rolling hills and scenic vistas of the Shan Plateau. Home to a diverse mix of ethnic groups such as the Shan, Danu, and Palaung, Kalaw offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture, cuisine, and traditions.
List of Places to Visit in Kalaw
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Aung Chan Tha Stupa - an ancient stupa built during the Bagan period
- Hnee Paya - a Shan-style temple with stunning views of the surrounding hills
- Shwe Oo Min Pagoda - a cave temple with intricate carvings and Buddha images
- Christ the King Church - a Catholic church built during the British colonial period
Natural Attractions of Kalaw: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Myin Ma Hti Cave - a limestone cave with stunning rock formations
- Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp - a sanctuary for retired elephants
- Viewpoint Hill - a scenic hill with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside
- Kalaw Trekking Tours - offering scenic hiking and biking routes through the rolling hills and rice paddies
Hiking/Biking Routes of Kalaw
Kalaw is a hiker’s paradise, with several hiking and biking routes to explore. From short day hikes to multi-day treks, there’s something for everyone. Some popular hiking and biking routes include:
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The Kalaw-Inle Lake Trek - a three-day trek through pristine forests, scenic villages, and stunning mountain vistas
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The Kalaw to Pindaya Trek - a two-day trek through rolling hills, rice paddies, and bamboo forests
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The Kalaw to Loikaw Cycling Tour - a four-day biking tour through the scenic hills and valleys of eastern Myanmar
Best Things to Do in Kalaw: Activities and Tours
- Experience a traditional Shan meal
- Visit a local tea plantation and learn about the tea-making process
- Take a cooking class and learn to make traditional Burmese dishes
- Explore Kalaw’s night market and sample local street food
- Take a cultural tour of the town and surrounding villages
Week-Long Itinerary for Kalaw
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Explore Kalaw town - visit the Aung Chan Tha Stupa and Hnee Paya |
| 2 | Take a cooking class and learn to make traditional Burmese dishes |
| 3 | Hike to Myin Ma Hti Cave and explore the limestone formations |
| 4 | Trek to Pindaya and explore the Shan villages en route |
| 5 | Visit the Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp and interact with the gentle giants |
| 6 | Take a scenic bike ride through the rolling hills and rice paddies |
| 7 | Relax and unwind in Kalaw town, visit the night market and sample local street food |
Food and Drink Scene of Kalaw
Must-Try Dishes
- Mohinga - a traditional Burmese soup made with fish and noodles
- Shan-style noodles - a regional noodle dish with flavorful broth and meat or tofu toppings
- Burmese curry - a hearty and spicy dish typically served with rice
- Tea leaf salad - a tangy and crunchy salad made with fermented tea leaves, nuts, and vegetables
Local Beverages
- Shan-style tea - a fragrant and refreshing tea made with locally-grown tea leaves
- Mandalay beer - a popular Burmese beer
Where to Stay in Kalaw: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Dream Villa Hotel - a boutique hotel with comfortable rooms and stunning views of the surrounding hills
- Golden Lily Guesthouse - a budget-friendly option with clean rooms and a central location
- Kalaw Heritage Hotel - a colonial-style hotel with a pool and lush gardens
What to Buy in Kalaw: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Shan-style garments and accessories, such as longyis and jewelry
- Locally-produced tea and coffee
- Traditional Burmese lacquerware
- Hand-woven baskets and bags
Local Culture and Customs of Kalaw
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and temples
- Remove shoes before entering some temples and pagodas
- Greet locals with a friendly smile and “Mingalabar” (hello in Burmese)
Best Time to Visit Kalaw
The best time to visit Kalaw is during the dry season between November and February when the weather is mild and pleasant for outdoor activities.
Do’s and Don’ts of Kalaw
Do:
- Embrace the local culture and traditions
- Sample the delicious local cuisine
- Respect local customs and dress codes
Don’t:
- Disrespect religious sites and objects
- Engage in illegal activities such as drug use
Safety and Health
Safety in Kalaw
Kalaw is a safe destination for tourists, with a low crime rate. However, it’s always a good idea to take basic safety precautions such as keeping valuables hidden and not walking alone at night.
Health in Kalaw
Prior to travel, it’s recommended to have up-to-date vaccinations and to consult with a doctor regarding any necessary medications or precautions. Visitors should also take measures to avoid mosquito bites and protect against the sun’s UV rays.
Getting to Kalaw: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Kalaw
The nearest airports to Kalaw are the Heho Airport, located approximately 45 minutes away, and the Mandalay International Airport, located approximately 6 hours away.
Bus Stations Near Kalaw
Kalaw is well-connected by bus to major cities such as Yangon and Mandalay. The Kalaw Bus Station is located in the town center and offers several daily departures.
Other Options
Private car transfers and taxis are also available for hire from major cities and airports.
How to Get Around in Kalaw
Walking is the best way to explore Kalaw town, while taxis, motorbikes, and bicycles are also available for hire to explore the surrounding countryside.
Where to Go Next from Kalaw: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Inle Lake - a picturesque lake located approximately 2 hours away, famous for its floating villages and gardens
- Loikaw - a small town located approximately 4 hours away, known for its traditional Kayan culture and tattooed women
- Bagan - a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its thousands of ancient temples and pagodas
Conclusion
Kalaw is a hidden gem in Myanmar, offering a unique blend of cultural experiences and outdoor adventure. With so much to see and do, visitors can easily spend several days exploring the town and surrounding countryside. By following this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can make the most of their time in Kalaw and experience the best that this beautiful destination has to offer.
