Covering almost a quarter of the country, Myanmar's largest state, Shan State is known as a land of picture-postcard landscapes. The scenery here has to be seen to be believed. The infamous Golden Triangle, Inle Lake, floating markets and gardens, the "Long Necked Women" and Myanmar’s national dress, the "longyi", woven on Shan looms, all make Shan State top of any travel itinerary.

Place of interest

Taunggyi
Formerly a British Hill Station, Taunggyi is now the business centre of Shan State. The climate is cool, making walking around town not too strenuous and the weekly market is a good place to mix with the minority people. Taunggyi is a perfect place to take in the Inle Lake.

Inle Lake
Almost 100km long and just 5km wide, Inle Lake has over 200 villages scattered around it. on or around it. The villages are constructed on stilts over the water while floating gardens give the area a sprinkling of colour. This is one of the most tranquil spots in the whole of S.E.Asia and the water is crystal clear.

Check out the "leg-rowers" on the water. This bizarre method of rowing with one leg is an aide to fishing. The "spare leg" is used tfor balance so their hands are free to drop the nets over at any moment. A fascinating sight.

Nyaungshwe
Sitting on the banks of Inle Lake, the Intha and Pa-O people have made stilt villages and cultivated floating gardens.

Kentung
Kentung is surrounded by the tribal villages of; Shan, Akha, Lahu and Wa. A fascinating mixture of different ways of traditional life.

Nga Phe Kyaung
This beautiful old wodden monastery is where you can see the "jumping cats".

Kalaw
The most popular of all the old British Hill stations, Kalaw is a picturesque village surrounded by pine tree forests and beautiful gardens.

Pindaya Caves
These limestone caves, overlooking the river, contain thousands of carved Buddha images.