Things to do & places to visit in Shan State, Myanmar

Shan State #3 destination in Myanmar 2023. The average rating score is 4.53 based on 16.3k traveler reviews, of 139 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Rangoon, current date and time: Sunday, May 12, 2024, 14:12.

Shan State Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in May

93°F - 71°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Pleasantly warm, comfortable

Feels like

30%

Chance of rain

175.0 millimeters

Amount

7.2 mph

Wind speed

58%

Humidity

13.2

Daylight length

5:21 AM

Sunrise

6:33 PM

Sunset

37%

Cloud cover

Sleeveless shirt

What to wear

Top things to do (30)

Top destinations in Shan State 26

See more 14 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Ko Min - Kalaw Trekking Guide (668 reviews)
- Amazing experience
Sunday: 7:00 AM - 6:30 PM Cultural Tours • Eco Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Day Trips

We just returned from a 3days/2nights trekking tour from Kalaw to the Inle lake with Yelay as our guide. What a fantastic hike through beautiful landscapes! We appreciated especially to get to know the Myanmar culture a little better with amazing visits to people's homes, schools and monasteries - all highly emphasized by the Ko Min Trekking agency to encourage the contact between the tourists and locals (without the push of consumption). Also the cuisine was fabulous with our own talented chef along the whole trek. You get what you pay for - the little extra that you pay with Ko Min is absolutely worth every extra penny! Thanks a lot to the whole team that made the last few days so fantastic! See more..
5.0 A1 Trekking Kalaw (584 reviews)
- Awesome trekking company
Sunday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Walking Tours • Eco Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Day Trips

We did a 2 day trek to Inle lake with A1 and absoluely loved the expirience. Our guide hlasoe could not have been better. He spoke excellent english and we had very interesting discussions about Inle and all sorts of other things. He really did make the expirience. The food provide was some of the best we had in Myanmar and could not fault the amounts of food, so much. The overnight accommodation was very comfy considering and the family very welcoming. The trekking route itself is quite busy but hlasoe did take us on some alternative routes to try and find some quieter spots. Including a never to be forgotten walk round/through a rocket festival. In terms of the company Mr Sanlinn was incredibly helpful both before arrival, when we met and also after we finished our tour. He was only too happy to help us with a boat driver for Inle lake and continued to help via email. I would highly reccomend A1 and if you can request hlasoe as a guide. See more..
5.0 Bamboo Delight Cooking School and Restaurant (482 reviews)
- Cooking and community
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 10:30 PM Spent More than 3 hours Cooking Classes

Our cooking school has been hosting food-loving visitors since March 2013, when we first opened our doors to visitors from all over the world. We believe the most delicious dishes are born out quality ingredients and we hope you will taste them with us. See more..
5.0 Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp- Day Tours (429 reviews)
- Best day ever!
Nature & Wildlife Tours

Despite living in Asia, I’ve never visited any elephant related tourism establishments for fear of getting it wrong and endorsing something negative. But today my friend and I had one of the best days ever visiting Green Hill Valley. It very much feels like responsible tourism and the work they do to educate locals and visitors about elephant safety, logging and tourism is excellent. I would do it all over again a million times. Keep up the good work Green Hill Valley and thank you for an unforgettable day. See more..
5.0 Eagle Trekking (346 reviews)
- Amazing views, well thought tracks and professional service
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Multi-day Tours • Cultural Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Day Trips

We went for a one day trip around Kalaw and were amazed by the beauty of the scenery. In addition we learned a lot from our guide Robin about wildlife, local people, agriculture etc. He has about 30 years of experiences and we felt so lucky to have him as our guide. Next time we would like to do two day trip to Inle. We highly recommend Eagle Trekking for all the adventure seekers out there :) See more..
5.0 Jungle King Trekking Guide Services (341 reviews)
- Day Trek around Kalaw with local guide
Hiking & Camping Tours

Interesting walk through forests and the hill country to the west of Kalaw. Wellington our guide took just the two of us and he was was great taking us to lots of places ( villages, pagoda, reservoir, market gardens) en route and even helped prepar lunch for us at a local cafe high in the hills. A great day walking around 15 miles at £10 each all in fantastic value See more..
5.0 Zu Zu's Cooking Class (304 reviews)
- Zu Zu’s cooking class
Cooking Classes

An amazing experience! We started by gathering ingredients at a local market where we got to taste several Burmese delicacies and have them explained in detail. Next we headed off to the cooking class where we prepared and ate different appetizers, salads, soup and our own individual choice of main dish with rice, followed by both home made and market desserts. The day was exciting, and a true culinary experience with a lovely hostess who created and taught delicious Burmese dishes. The whole while she educated her class in the culture, history and flavours of this region’s food, and is vibrant, fun, and full of information. Zu Zu’s class is a must for anyone looking to learn Burmese cuisine! See more..
5.0 Mercury Cooking Class (286 reviews)
- Amazing and friendly cooking experience in Nyang Shwe - Burma
Spent 2-3 hours Cooking Classes

We do everyday cooking class. We go to the local market together and shoping. You can see many different things and product in five day market.After we go back the class and prepare for lunch.We will four different kinds of dishes.Spicy or non spicy and vegetarian ect..after we paid repicies for cooking and local ingredients.Don't miss the change, local people are how to cook their kitchen. See more..
5.0 Ko Kyaw Kalaw Trekking (235 reviews)
- Colorful trekking through Pa-o and Danu villages
Sunday: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM Eco Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Day Trips

We can wholeheartedly recommend Ko Kyaw's trekking services. As a group of 6 ranging in ages from 9 to 76,Ko Kyaw worked with us to design two days of trekking perfectly suited to our abilities and timeline. We hiked picturesque hillside and lanes between villages around Kalaw and ate locally prepared meals with village families. Our guide CoCo was both knowledgeable and a great companion to the kids. He had lots of stories about the local Flora and fauna and our kids enjoyed the hike much more because of it. A great thanks to Ko Kyaw for sharing his knowledge of the many trekking routes and creating the best routes for our group!! See more..
5.0 Mr. Bike Hsipaw Trekking (216 reviews)
- Very nice and authentic experience
Sunday: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Hiking Trails

Hsipaw Jungle Trekking is a small local community business set up and run solely by Mr. Bike, a local guide who speaks fluent English and two local dialects. We aim to provide local and international travelers with a genuine experience into the nature of northern Shan hills and life of the local ethnic people in a socially and environmentally responsible way. See more..
5.0 Mr.Min Cooking Class (203 reviews)
- Yum Yum Yum!!!!!
Spent More than 3 hours Cooking Classes

Mingalar par from Mr.Min cooking class..thank you very much for your kind interested to my class. for the information : In the morning We come and meet you at your hotel, go to Mingalar market in Nyaung Shwe or five-days market to buy ingredients ..and then we will drive about 15-20 mins to my villages on the lake.have some tea and we will cook about 8-10 dishes from local areas..have lunch and get a recipes book..later we offer you a canoe trip around the floating garden and villages..after all we send you back to town or if you have to go to the lake as you wish.. You can reach me anytime and mails. Best greetings Min See more..
5.0 Yola Trekking (161 reviews)
- 3D2N of knowledge sharing between the Morden world and the rural
Sunday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Multi-day Tours • Eco Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

We did the 3D2N trek from Kalaw to Inle Lake with Tin Tin and Oh Oh as our guide. Despite only 2 of us in the group with higher price paid, we enjoyed the ‘private’ trek with the 2 energetic young guides. We had fun experiencing the local way and the knowledge sharing with the 2. Definitely recommended if you’re choosing between other tour operators. Yola is quite a new one in the market but their experiences is comparable with the pioneer tour operators! See more..
5.0 Green Land Trekking Kalaw (154 reviews)
- Great trek with Tun Tun
Sunday: 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM Hiking & Camping Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Day Trips

Me and my friend had a lot of fun trekking from Kalaw to Inle Lake with our guide Tun Tun. The first day was tough as we had just arrived on a night bus from Yangon, but Tun Tun was happy to go at our pace. Our lunch stop was great and we were able to have a little snooze to wait out the afternoon sun. We when arrived at our homestay we enjoyed the sunset and then a wonderful dinner prepared by Tun Tun's wife. The family who hosted us were very friendly and the beds provided were comfortable. The next day after a good rest was even more enjoyable. Some of the scenery was amazing. After another great lunch we toasted our successful trek. Tun Tun was in good spirits all the time and it was nice getting to know him. He's a great singer and has a good eye for a photo too! Would definitely recommend a tour with these guys. Aside from the requiered route passed the ticket office we were guided through a quiet route and saw very few others. Thanks again. See more..
5.0 Hsipaw Sunrise , Shan State Trekking (112 reviews)
- Great trek with Mai!
Sunday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM Eco Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours

We had a great time with Mai! He was a great guide, we did the one night two day trek in the jungle, it was great, stopped to some waterfalls, had nice views on the mountains, wood fire at night time, sunset, natural hot pools... The home stay was perfect, the food was really good and there was a lot to eat! Mai teached us so many things about the culture, country, plants... etc Really recommend the trek with Mai! See more..
5.0 Green Discovery Myanmar - Day Tours (105 reviews)
- The best trekking to Pindaya
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Multi-day Tours • Walking Tours • Climbing Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours

We booked a 3d2n trekking from Kalaw to Pindaya with Thaik Soe for 75$ per Person just for the two of us. It's a great tour that will lead you through spectacular landscapes, a lot villages and over many hills ;) The first night we stayed in a monastery, the second in a farmers house. If you are in Nov or Dec (it's the best time for this trek) in Kalaw you really should consider doing this tour instead of the one to Inle. It's less touristic and you will see a lot of the real Myanmar life. Thaik Soe is the best guide I have ever had. He is kind, patient, caring and he knows almost everything. He has so many stories to tell, you will never get bored. We, two girls, felt save all the time. The second day we visited a kinder garden in a village on the way, where we could buy pencils, books and candies for the kids. Thaik Soe sheared the amount with us. He has really a good heart, which is important if you spending that much time together. Thanks for all, Thaik Soe! See more..
5.0 Pine Land Paradise Spa (99 reviews)
- Relaxing massage
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Spas

Hair & Facial Body Treatment ( Lady Only ) Herbal Sauna & Clay Mask Treatment ( Lady Only ) Body Scrub Treatment ( Lady Only ) Body Spa ( Lady Only ) Oil Massage ( Lady Only ) Foot Massage (including Shoulder & Back Massage ) Foot Scrub & Reflexology See more..
5.0 Yu Mon & Phyo's Trekking (94 reviews)
- Nice trek with Yumon!
Walking Tours • Eco Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

We did a 2-day trek with Yumon, fabulous views, good food and very enjoying! We stayed at the house of the very generous Pao people. See more..
5.0 Inle Horse Club Nyaung Shwe (75 reviews)
- Great 2h horse riding
Spent 2-3 hours Horseback Riding Tours

Inle horse club Nyaung Shwe Equestrian Tours (Indoor & Outdoor) We provide you with the perfect riding vacation. Special offer of IHC as follow 800ft Circuit Riding (5000 Ks) 8mins Lakeside Riding (7000Ks) 15mins Mountainside Riding($40--$100 ) Riding And Working Farm($80 ) Club Based Stationary Vacation($100 ) We love live and breathe horses and travel.By horse of cou See more..
5.0 Peace Land Trekking (72 reviews)
- Kalaw to In Dein with Peaceland Trekking and on to Weavers Homestay at Inle Lake
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Cultural Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

We did a two night three day tour with Peaceland and had ample time to enjoy the pace and relax. Pho was able to fulfill our wish of walking away from the superhighway of trekkers from Kalaw to Inle Lake. We also wanted to finish up more to the south at In Dein rather than Nyaung Shwe in the North. We saw one other group in the first hour of the first day and then no one but locals until we were nearly to In Dein. Nothing was too hard for our guide Pho and Chef. Our 14 year old son loved the experience and so did we. Locals were friendly and welcoming. We even got into a jam session at lunch on the first day. Look forward to not having to carry any heavy loads (unless you are keen to) as Peaceland has a great strategy ready for moving fast and light. Don't hesitate to contact the fabulous Peaceland team if this sounds like what you are after. Lastly, before you go do a bit of research on how to be a good tourist in this more conservative area of Burma See more..
5.0 Inle Lake Traditional Food and Medicine Walking Tours (69 reviews)
- Best Guide in South Shan
Cultural Tours • Walking Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

I had once before taken a similar trek from Kalaw to Inle, and this one with Maung Lan and his team was exceptional. His detailed knowledge of the land and plants, the delicious meals and the hospitality of hosts along the way made the trip memorable. I will absolutely work with him again in the future. See more..
5.0 Myanmar Adventure Outfitters (52 reviews)
- Best guide service for Lashio and surroundings
Sunday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Cultural Tours • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Bike Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

Byron and his associates are by far the best guides for adventure travel in Lashio. We utilized them for a 6 day backpack and trek of the areas around Lashio and were extremely satisfied with the itinerary and the service. Their network of connection in the villages for homestays is unmatched by any other service. Their guides are attentive and personable and extremely knowledgeable. Would highly recommend for any adventure you would want to organize. See more..
5.0 The North Trek (52 reviews)
- No complain at all!
Sunday: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM City Tours • Boat Tours • Eco Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Day Trips

With reference to positive review on the North Trek, we booked for a 2day trip with them. I found the service and response of this travel agency to be excellent. Quick customer service and advisable. It was such a great destination that we picked Hsipaw; Shan state is rich of cultural, people are nice, foods are brilliance. Ofcourse, charges are resonable at North Trek! See more..
5.0 Venus Traditional Massage (47 reviews)
- Very local, great massage
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spas

Great massage for a really good price (7.000). For what I saw, the cheapest in the area. The place, the family house, has 6 beds in one same room. You will be dressed with the longyi for the massage, so no need to worry about been naked with more people. You get cakes and tea before and after the massage, a “no” is not accepted when the biscuits are offered. It was was easy to find, since it is already in all the maps. They hardly speak English, but there is no much to talk while enjoying the massage. I felt like new after a whole day biking... I did feel pain during the session, but I always do if my muscles are tired. See more..
4.5 Inle Lake (3.155 reviews)
- Great scenery, market and villages
Bodies of Water

Our tour group took a boat out onto the lake in the early morning, which makes for some great dramatic landscape photography. Dress warmly as it gets quite cold at this time of the year. If you see acrobatic "fishermen" striking poses with fish traps on boats, be aware that these aren't real fishermen, but performers who ask for tips in exchange for photographs taken by tourists in boats - your boatmen will even slow down and stop to allow them to grab your boat and ask you for money. So if you're not prepared to give money, don't take photos. The market we stopped at is a great place to see where locals shop and the myriad of different ethnic groups mixing together, identified by their headdress and headwraps. There is definitely a tourist section that sells handicrafts of various sorts. You can stop by some of the local workshops (silversmithing, weaving or boat-building), with no obligation to buy, but these do attract premium prices. We had lunch at one of the villages and got to see how locals live on the water, farming floating platforms of vegetables and fishing. See more..
4.5 Indein Village (910 reviews)
- Great day trip
Spent 1-2 hours Ancient Ruins

Had a free day while at Inle Lake and visited Indein Village. Climb to the top of the hill to visit the pagoda, well worth the walk. Plenty of restaurants along the river for a cheap meal, food was great. When viewing the pagodas where the shops start and they charge you to take photos, walk up the hill through the pagodas not the covered walkway where all the shops are. There are dozens of small pagodas and are spectacular. When you reach the top and visit the large pagoda walk down the covered walkway as there is plenty of opportunity to do shopping. good variety and prices ok if you bargain. I was travelling with On The Go Tours. Just be carefull booking tours through the tour companies as they charge up to US$100/person for some tours. 5 of us hired a boat for the day with 2 crew for US$30. The boat ride was 40 minutes from the eastern side of the lake to the western side. Was a great day and I would recommend visiting See more..
4.5 Floating Gardens (665 reviews)
- Fascinating side to Inle Lake
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Gardens

Sailing around the floating gardens of Inle Lake is quite a surreal experience. It takes a while before you realise that the gardens are literally fixed by wooden poles, to stop the gardens floating away! It is wonderful to gently move through the canals and see the gardens being tended to by the farmers. A fascinating experience. See more..
4.5 Pindaya Caves (628 reviews)
- Stunning cave
Caverns & Caves

Only one and a half hour away from Kalaw (driving a motorcycle) this cave is a great place and the perfect thing to do before starting the trekking to Inle lake. More than 8000 budha status inside gives this cave a really unique atmosphere. it is not crowded with tourists (at least when we were there). on the other hand you will get to see a lot of local people coming here on a pilgrimage. Important to note : like any other Buddhist place you must respect a certain dress code: no shoes or socks, no short pants (up knee level) and for the ladies no spaghettis strap, naked shoulders etc... I highly recommend to visit this place. See more..
4.5 Shwe Yaunghwe Kyaung (621 reviews)
- Amazing Teak Wood Old Monastery
Religious Sites

I like this teak wood old monastery, especially Buddha Images in side are so beautiful. Design of building as well so beautiful. Young monks are sitting on the circular windows is so cute too. I will recommend you to visit when you come to Inle. See more..
4.5 Ever Smile Trekking (336 reviews)
- Unbelievable experience
Sunday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Multi-day Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours

We had an absolutely incredible time trekking with Aki, definitely the highlight of our time in Myanmar. Aki speaks perfect English and manages to give you an intimate experience with local life. One of our fondest memories from the trip is helping the local ladies picking chilis in the field, after which they invited us to sit down and have lunch with us. We were extremely well fed on the trip with delicious food at every stop (far more than we could eat). Aki also listened to what we wanted and was able to adapt the trip as we went so we could tailor it to what we wanted to see and do along the way. Can highly recommend Eversmile trekking and feel lucky to have met Aki, who we know now consider a friend. 10/10 See more..
4.5 Kakku Pagodas (327 reviews)
- Great day at Kakku
Points of Interest & Landmarks

We really enjoyed visiting the pagodas - well worth the expense and the journey. It’s quite far out but definitely a must see here, we found this to be more memorable than any of the lake tours and things like that and so definitely a highlight when visiting Inle. We would recommend the same taxi service that many have recommended on here as the price was fair and he basically was a guide as well, willing to stop anywhere and take photos and was generally helpful. He also came exactly on time as we discussed and arranged the service at such short notice (literally the night before) so was very much appreciated! See more..