A guide will be waiting upon arrival at Heho Airport. From the airport, a scenic six-hour drive will continue through Shan State, passing into Kayah State just before arriving in Loikaw. The route is stunning, and there will be plenty of time to stop for photos along the way.

En route, stop for lunch at the Green Tea Forest restaurant, located in an area known for its famous tea plantations.

Bisected by the Pilu River, Loikaw is blessed with rolling mountains, lakes, markets, and hill tribes – the most famous being the Padaung or ‘long-neck’ ladies. The area was only recently opened to tourists in 2013, and is still very much off the beaten path.

Upon arrival, check in to the hotel.

Shortly before sunset, head into downtown Loikaw to visit the Taung Kwe Pagoda. Perched on a spectacular rock formation, this pagoda is Kayah State’s most famous sight. The rock formation itself is said to be the origin of the town’s name (Loi kaw is Shan for “Island of mountains”). With great views of the surrounding area, the pagoda is the perfect spot to end the day.

Overnight in Loikaw

Begin the day with a visit 30 minutes outside of Loikaw to the Demawso market (only open Mon, Wed, and Sat). This local market attracts tribes from the surrounding area where they sell their unique wares, including the local khayung yai wine. Local women line up with batches of homemade wine, each offering free samples to any interested customers. After deciding on a particularly tasty one, customers will make their purchase, filling up containers they brought themselves. Quite often just an old water bottle, many containers are emptied before making the journey home!

Following the market visit, drive out to the countryside for an easy walk through local villages and farmland.  After an hour, the Pan Phet village will be reached. Most of the inhabitants of Pan Phet are of the Padaung tribe. Locally referred to as “long neck ladies”, the Padaung women are famous for the many golden neck rings they wear. Though the tradition is dying out, most women over 40 in the village can still be seen wearing these heavy accessories.  There will be a unique chance to interact with these ladies during a stroll through the village. A few roadside stalls have opened to cater to tourists here, so there will be a few chances to pick up some locally sourced souvenirs and refreshments.

After leaving the village, take the hour return back to the car and head for a late lunch.

This afternoon, choose between having some time to relax at the hotel or visiting some of the other sights around Loikaw. Options include the former palace of the Sky Prince of Loikaw (now a monastery), the Kayah national museum, or the Seven Sisters Lake.

Overnight in Loikaw

Set off this morning from the lakeside hotel for Sagar, the far southern region of Inle Lake. Very few tourists make the trip down to this region, yet it is one of the most beautiful places in the Shan State with mountains forming a backdrop for the small villages and fishermen on the water.

The boat journey takes 2.5-3 hours, but is full of fabulous views and home to many unique species of birds, both indigenous and migratory. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride!

Upon arriving in the Sagar area, there are several stops that will be made. The main highlight for many travelers are the ‘sunken’ stupas of Sagar: 108 stupas from the 16-17th centuries, sitting partially underwater for a few months a year. There is also a local monastery and village that can be visited.

Continue to the village of Thaya Gone, home to the Pa-Oh, Shan, and Inthar people, known for its production of local rice wine. Watch the process of distillation and then sample some of the local brew. In Thaya Gone there is also the chance to climb to the top of a small hill which there are great views of the lake and surrounding villages.

Another stop will be made in Sae Khaung Pottery Village to see the crafting of oil and water pots as well as the natural, underground kilns used by the villagers. On the western shores of the Sagar area is Tar Kaung, a series of more than 200 stupas which also make a fabulous photo stop.

Lunch will be arranged along the way (either picnic lunch or local lunch at a small restaurant)

Around 2:30, the boat will begin its journey back to the main section of Inle Lake. Traveling back in the afternoon, the light has shifted and the route back appears much different with unique activities occurring on the water and in the villages. Rice noodles can be seen drying in the sun, spun cotton is hung out to dry, and kids are returning from school at this time of day.

Reach Nyaung Shwe by early evening