Discover Tribes of Loikaw - 3 Days
Tour Code: AO-3D2N-1
Loikaw is the tranquil capital of Kayah State, tucked away in the remote Karen Hills, near the Pilu River; surrounded by scenic mountain ranges, lakes and waterfalls. Closed to visitors for over half a century, this diverse and picturesque region has only recently opened up again. Its lower profile and secluded location means it attracts only a fraction of the tourist numbers that visit Inle Lake each year, allowing those that do venture in to enjoy the sublime scenery in relative solitude.
Take a journey through Kakku (one of Myanmar’s most spectacular sights) to the land of tribes ‘Loikaw’, then explore Padaung villages and learn about the unique traditions of the ‘long neck’ people. End the tour in InLe Lake with a stop in Sagar (a quieter, more authentic part of Inle Lake) en route.
Start ~ Heho Airport, Myanmar
Finish ~ Nyaung Shwe (InLe Lake), Myanmar
Physical rating: 3 out of 5
The Itinerary
This morning, your tour guide will welcome you at the Heho airport upon arrival. We then commence our travel, stopping along the road for photography as required. Our first major stop will be Kakku, one of Myanmar’s most spectacular sights, a huge collection of 2,478 stupas which are believed to have been commissioned as far back as 2,00 years ago with some dating back to the 3rd Century BC. Upon arrival in Loikaw, we will visit the local monastery and nunnery and to enjoy the marvellous sunset view from Thirimingala Pagoda (Taung Kwe Zedi), which is over 100 years old.
Loikaw is the tranquil capital of Kayah State, tucked away in the remote Karen Hills, near the Pilu River; surrounded by scenic mountain ranges, lakes and waterfalls. Closed to visitors for over half a century, this diverse and picturesque region has only recently opened up again. Its lower profile and secluded location means it attracts only a fraction of the tourist numbers that visit Inle Lake each year, allowing those that do venture in to enjoy the sublime scenery in relative solitude. Experience the warm hospitality of the local communities as you learn about the region’s unique cuisine and customs.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Begin your exploration of Loikaw with a visit to Haw Nan Monastery. Built during WWI, by the Chief of Kayah, it is one of the oldest buildings in Kayah State yet still very well preserved. Very few tourists visit and as a working monastery, there’s a good chance you’ll cross paths with a monk and have an unforced conversation (depending on how busy their morning schedule is!).
Leaving Loikaw town behind, an hour drive will take you to the settlement of Pan Pet (technically a village made up of five smaller hamlets). Predominantly inhabited by members of the Padaung, a visit here provides a fascinating insight into the life and culture of this world famous tribe. With the aim of learning more than just why the women of this tribe regularly decorate their necks with brass coils, permission will be arranged to enter the home of a resident in Salong Kana (one of the five hamlets of Pan Pet).
Continue on to the hamlet of Penmasong, before embarking upon a moderately challenging uphill trek to the Rang Ku. En route your guide will share some of the myths and stories often recited by the community’s jungle leader, and point out the various edible plants that grow here, some of which are used for medicinal purposes. A stop will be made to enjoy a locally made packed lunch.
Continue trekking until the summit is reached, with the reward being a rarely photographed view of Pan Pet and its natural surrounds. Then head back downhill to Rang Ku, where there will be the opportunity to further interact with members of the Padaung community, before returning to your hotel in Loikaw.
Your tour will end once you arrive back at the hotel in Loikaw.
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
We commence our day by road travelling to InLe Lake. This drive will take around 3½ hours. On the way, we will stop at Sagar where we enjoy some time exploring and photographing the village. We’ll then continue our journey to InLe Lake. Upon arrival in Nyaung Shwe (the principle town around InLe Lake), you’ll be transferred to your hotel. When you arrive at your hotel, you can bid your tour guide farewell before checking in. The tour ends here.
Meals: Breakfast
~ 2 nights accommodation
~ 3 breakfasts and 1 lunch
~ professional English speaking tour guides
~ land transportation by private air-conditioned vehicles
~ water transportation by private boats
~ entrance fees for sights described
~ enjoy exploring Loikaw and the environs as per itinerary
~ Visa fee
~ Meals not specified in the “Inclusions” section
~ Personal insurance and other personal expense
Do I need a visa to visit Myanmar?
It’s far easier these days to obtain a visa for Myanmar via the new online e-visa system. It takes about 3 business days to process your visa, after the payment is made. Your eVisa will be emailed to you. You just have to print it and show it at immigration.
Over 100 countries are eligible for an e-visa, to view a full list of e-visa countries via this official link – https://evisa.moip.gov.mm/.
E-visa for Myanmar costs US $50, and are valid for 28 days.
From 1 October 2019 to 30 September 2020, Australian passport holders are eligible to apply for tourist Visa on arrival. Fee for Visa on Arrival (Tourist) is US$ 50 in cash and the duration of stay in Myanmar is 30 days. You will also need to bring two recent colored passport size photos taken within the past 6 months. More information for the Visa on Arrival can be found via this link – https://tourism.gov.mm/visa-requirements/visa-on-arrival/.
Alternatively, you can apply for this visa via Myanmar e-visa Official Government Website, https://evisa.moip.gov.mm/,with $50 USD per person. Please Note: approval time can take up to 3 business days.
Do I need any vaccinations before visiting Myanmar?
No vaccines are required in order to enter Myanmar but some are recommended for protection against disease. You should seek medical advice from your local health practitioner before travelling to Myanmar and make sure to schedule vaccinations 4-6 weeks before your departure date, as some require time to become effective.
Can I drink the tap water in Myanmar?
As drinking tap water isn’t safe in Myanmar, only drink bottled mineral water, which is readily available in hotels, shops and restaurants. You can help the environment and try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, fill a reusable water bottle with filtered water. Your tour guides and your hotels can tell you where to find filtered water at hotels. Remember to avoid drinks with ice and peel fruit before eating it.
What is currency in Myanmar?
KYAT is the Myanmar currency. While in the country, you’ll use a mix of US dollars and Myanmar kyat. Most hotels and domestic airfares, travel companies, tour guides, some entrance fees will be in USD, while everything else (food, souvenirs, uses etc) will be in Kyat.
Along with USD, it is easy to exchange Australian Dollars, Euro, British Pounds at the banks and the registered money changers. Please note, the money changers at the airports may not accept Australian dollars or British pounds to change. You will visit the money changers in towns to exchange them.
It is essential that bills are in first class, good condition, with no folds, rips or writing. New is best and keep them flat, maybe between two pieces of card. 100’s and 50’s will get the best exchange rate.
When you leave the country, you can exchange your kyat at the airport or banks before you take off. Keep in mind that no where outside of Myanmar will be interested in exchanging your extra Kyat, make sure you get rid of your extra before you leave.
ATM’s: There are now over 2000 ATM’s in Myanmar with a choice at major airports and widespread availability at downtown Banks. 24 hours ATM are in all major tourist destinations such as Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan and InLe Lake. They only dispense kyat. Do note that there is a fixed charge of 5000 kyat, plus your own Bank’s charge and a maximum withdrawal of 300,000 kyat, up to three times daily.
Many smaller villages and small towns have yet to get an ATM but those that have a Bank branch in town will either have one or get one soon.
There have been reports that Banks in some countries still follow the outdated US embargo so do check with your Bank that your card will be accepted.
Credit cards: Credit cards are accepted by some hotels, restaurants and shops, but Myanmar is largely a cash economy. It’s best to carry cash for purchases.
As always, it’s best to call your credit card company and bank in advance to let them know you’ll be traveling, so the chance of your card being blocked is reduced.
What do foods and drinks cost in Myanmar?
Most travelers will find that a budget of USD $8 per lunch or per dinner for food is more than enough, especially if daily breakfast at hotel is included on your tour. Bottle of beer in a bar or restaurant is 2000-2500 MMK.
What’s the food like in Myanmar?
Myanmar cuisine shares many similarities with neighbouring southeast Asian countries. Rice is the cornerstone of most meals and curries are common, though typically more oily and less spicy. Pickled vegetables and tea leaves feature prominently in Myanmar dishes, as well as fish and seafood from the country’s numerous lakes and extensive coastline.
Is tipping customary in Myanmar?
Tipping isn’t mandatory or expected in Myanmar, however if you would like to offer a tip to show your gratitude for the service, you can do so.
What’re the toilets like in Myanmar?
Although Western-style flushable toilets can be found in your hotels and tourist areas, squat toilets are most common in Myanmar. Please ensure that you carry your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer, as they are usually not provided.
Is WiFi widely available in Myanmar?
Internet can be accessed at most hotels, but be aware, the speed may be slower than what you are used to, particularly in rural areas.
Can I use my mobile phone while in Myanmar?
International roaming in Myanmar is now possible with a growing number of mobile network providers. Check with your service provider before leaving home. Local SIM cards can be purchased for about USD $2. Pre-paid cell service included data service is affordable with decent coverage throughout the country.
Is it not appropriate for me to wear shorts in Myanmar?
Knee-length shorts are fine, however trustees at some pagodas will ban short trousers and skirts showing knees from the pagodas’ platforms. Longyi, a long fabric piece running down to the feet and worn by wrapping and knotting around the waist, can be borrowed with a few costs at the pagoda’s entrance.
What sort of sockets are used in Myanmar and what is the voltage?
Standard voltage is 220 – 240 volts. Primary sockets generally require 2 flat prong plugs, 2 round pin plugs, and 3 fat round pin plugs. We recommend that you pack a universal travel adaptor.
Most of the international hotels have their own generators. Other places may experience power cuts and voltage fluctuation so it’s best to pack a voltage regulator or stabilizer to protect electrical items.
Weather overview
Like much of South-East Asia, Myanmar’s dry season runs from October through to May, and the wet season from May/June through to early October, when the south-west monsoon starts to blow. Within each season, there are variations in temperature; April and May are usually being the hottest of the year (temperatures can reach over 40ºC).
The colder months follow the end of the rains, from October to December/January. The driest regions of the country, avoiding much of the annual rain, are the plains surrounding Bagan and Mandalay, which remain relatively dry aside from the odd heavy downpour, all the way through to August.
Temperatures throughout the country are greatly affected by altitude, and therefore the hill stations, lakes and Himalayan foothills are far cooler than the southern lowland and coastal regions.
The very best months to visit Myanmar are from November to February.
Don’t forget you can modify this tour. Whether you enjoy travelling as a part of a small group with other like-minded travellers, or perhaps you are looking for your very own private journey, we have the right option for you. Click on talk to us button to send us your enquiry.