Eastern Highlands
The Eastern Highlands border China, Laos, and Thailand, and are known collectively as Shan State. A trip to the Eastern Highlands is a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of the cities of Mandalay and Yangon. With its noticeably cooler climate, it offers travelers a change of environment.
Mine Thauk Bridge
Mine Thauk Village comprises a series of huts that stand on stilts, which are connected to the mainland by a 450-yard (411-m) teak bridge. It’s known as a “mini-U Bein,” and makes a good destination for a boating tour on Inle Lake. Long boats crowd the sides of the bridge, and give residents easy access to the lake.
Explore PlaceKakku
If you’re visiting Nyaungshwe or Inle Lake, you’ll be within reach of the mystical site of Kakku. With nearly 2,500 spires assembled into a tightly compacted hillside, the area is visually stunning. You can walk among the narrow passages between the pagodas and get a good look at their sometimes ancient engravings.
Explore PlaceInle Lake
Nestled in the high Shan Hills of eastern Myanmar, the breathtaking natural wonder known as Inle Lake serves as the center of a bustling boating community. Although a few things around the lake can be reached by car, the only real way to experience this lake culture is to hire a boat and immerse you.
Explore PlaceKalaw
Kalaw is nestled among the mountains and caves of Shan State, located about two hours west of Inle Lake. The British built this highland retreat to escape the heat of Yangon and Mandalay. You can still see British colonial architecture and a popular marketplace in the small downtown area. And even though this is a rural town, local restaurants still offer a nice variety of Asian and European cuisine.
Explore PlaceInle Lake
Nestled in the high Shan Hills of eastern Myanmar, the breathtaking natural wonder known as Inle Lake serves as the center of a bustling boating community. Although a few things around the lake can be reached by car, the only real way to experience this lake culture is to hire a boat and immerse you.
Explore PlaceNyaungshwe
Nyaungshwe has had its glory days as the capital of the Shan Kingdom. Today, visitors come here for accommodations and other traveler services near Inle Lake – staying in Nyaungshwe means that you can get to Inle Lake in the morning, when it’s at its prettiest. While you’re here Nyaungshwe, you’ll have a good selection of restaurants and cafes within walking distance of your hotel.
Explore PlaceMore about Eastern Highlands
The Shan people dominate this area, unlike most of the country that is primarily Burmese. Although the Shan tribes have had a historically tumultuous relationship with the Burmese, recent peace deals have ended decades of violent clashes and made the majority of Shan state safe and accessible.
Inle Lake is in the southwest part of this region. At 45 square miles (116 sq km), it is the second-largest lake in Myanmar, and has an elevation of 2,900 feet (883 m). Steep hills rise thousands of feet above the lake's eastern and western shores. Over the centuries, a lakeside community has developed special techniques for living off the land. Boating on the placid water surface through the tiny villages, one can see the ingenuity and beauty of this community in the floating gardens and the bamboo houses built on teak stilts. Locals weave scarves out of a material particular to this region — silk made from the stalks of lotus flowers.
The Eastern Highlands are on a plateau surrounded by mountains and the Shan Hills. The temperature here is a bit chillier than other regions, due to the higher altitude that averages about 3,300 feet (1,005 m) for the area around Inle Lake. Normal temperatures hover around 83°F (28°C) for most of the year. Bring warmer clothes on a trip to this region— you’ll need them on a popular sunrise boat tour of Inle Lake.
Other noteworthy attractions in this region are the Pindaya Caves, which are located a short car ride from Inle Lake. These limestone caverns are not only a natural wonder, but also a holy place that contains thousands of white and gold Buddha statues. The village of Kalaw is also quickly becoming a popular new trekking destination for backpackers.
Browse some of our favorite itineraries
Get excited and browse our selection of our favorite hand made tours including Eastern Highlands. From romantic honeymoons to family-fun; these are completely flexible and arranged to your needs.
Lovin' & Livin' in Myanmar
This itinerary combines all the highlights that Myanmar has to offer, paired with premium accommodations to give you plenty of time to rest and relax during your Burmese getaway.
Our Romantic Adventure in Burma
See the sights with a more active approach. Trek through villages to experience the local culture up-close; bike your way through Mandalay, and balloon over Bagan.
Our Vacation in The Past & Present
Zip back and forth between the lakes, temples, and beautiful beaches of Burma with an active adventure. The journey is part of the action as you boat, bicycle, and walk.
Our Myanmar Bucket List Journey
Do you really want to check it all off of your bucket list? Take your family around Myanmar in style! This trip takes you to all the highlights while you stay in premium hotels.
Solo Temple Expedition
This itinerary is an economic way to see a lot of the country and enjoy a variety of interesting tours. Meet other travelers along the way, or enjoy the beauty of Myanmar in peace.
We believe travel is more than ticking destinations off a list – it’s about discovering new places deeply, feeling connected wherever you go, and knowing you have a trusted team behind you every step of the way.
