EASTERN MYANMAR DELIGHT

TOUR OF THE CAPITAL OF EASTERN SHAN STATE AND ENVIRONS
YANGON – KYAING TONG - HEHO

Day 01 Yangon – Kyaing Tong

Pick-up at your hotel in Yangon and you will be assisted to the airport for the domestic flight to Kyaing Tong (also known as Keng Tung). On arrival, transfer to the hotel. Lunch at a simple local restaurant is followed by sightseeing in Kyaing Tong to visit Maha Myat Muni Pagoda, Sun Taung Monastery, One Tree Pagoda and scenic Naung Tong Lake. Enjoy a dinner at a simple local restaurant and overnight in Kyaing Tong. (L, D)

Day 02 Kyaing Tong and surrounding villages

Explore the colorful Kyaing Tong market, which draws hill-tribe folks from surrounding regions. Continue by road to the northern mountains to visit Akha hill-tribes, best known for their black teeth and primitive way of life. First, you will arrive in Pin Tauk village of Akha and Lahu tribes. The Akha tribe constitutes the majority of population in the Kyaing Tong region. Their costumes are in vivid colors. Later, the vehicle will stop near Wan Ping village where you will begin the hike for 15 minutes to Wan Pin Village, another Akha village. Continue to Wan Lar village, known for the bird poacher and their unique snares. From here, the path is steep and leads to a village of Arn tribe, animists and well known for their black costumes. A tranquil Ann village awaits the visitors on a hillock with a panoramic view of the serene environs. One can see the terraces of paddy fields and set against a back drop of mountain ranges. There is a shrine at the entrance of the village where the villagers customarily make a sacrifice to propitiate the deities before their hunt. Return on a foot path for 1½ hours to the vehicle amidst paddy fields and vegetations. Drive back to Kyaing Tong. On the way we can make a brief stop at Wan Kam, famous for its rice wine production. Enjoy a dinner at a simple local restaurant and overnight in Kyaing Tong. (B, L, D)

Day 03 Kyaing Tong and surrounding villages

Today, you will have a full day excursion, once again, to surround hill tribe village at the top of Hokyin Mountain. Depending on the condition of steep and narrow road , you can either driver directly to the village or stop the vehicle at the foot of the mountain and climb the way up for approximately 2 hours to reach the village. There are four Akha villages on this range of mountains. Akha tribes follow several religions, namely Buddhism, Animism and Christianity. Ravines punctuate the mountains where the villages are located at the tops. It will be another day of hike overlooking the scenic landscapes of the surrounding hills. Enjoy a picnic lunch. Return to Kyaing Tong, visiting a unique Shan lacquer ware shop. The process of making lacquer ware in this region is different from that of Bagan. They are embellished with relieves instead of paintings being etched on the surface of the lacquer ware. Return to the hotel. Enjoy the dinner at a simple local restaurant and overnight in Kyaing Tong. (B, L, D)

Day 04 Kyaing Tong – Heho

This morning is yours to relax or you may continue to explore the town. Lunch is taken at a simple local restaurant. Transfer to Kyaing Tong Airport. (B, L)

 (B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner)

The itinerary is subject to changes depending on confirmed flights. Visits of rural area around Kyaing Tong is also subject to prevailing weather and road conditions. As an alternative, guests may prefer to start this tour in Tachilek, entering Myanmar from northern Thailand. Then, a special permit from the authorities is required. It takes approximately 4 hours driving (165 km) through a scenic landscape to Kyaing Tong.

Important note: The region around Kyaing Tong is still undeveloped for most aspects of tourism. This is essentially an adventure tour. Ah Nyar Thar Travels & Tours will endeavor to obtain the best available accommodation, transport and facilities for guests, but would ask for their understanding for any practical aspects that do not come up to expectations and for delays or changes in the itinerary, particularly during the monsoon season (June – September).