Kalaw - Discovering Myanmar

Travelling to Kalaw

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Kalaw, a pretty good destination in Myanmar (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Kalaw and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Kalaw, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Myanmar, here's everything to know about Kalaw for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Kalaw

Kalaw is a small hill town located in the Shan State of Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). It is situated at an altitude of 1,320 meters above sea level and was established by the British as a hill station. Kalaw is popular among tourists for its scenic beauty, cooler climate, and trekking opportunities. The town is surrounded by lush green hills, teak forests, and small villages of different ethnic groups like the Shan, Palaung, and Pa-O. The town itself has many colonial-era buildings, bustling markets, and vibrant pagodas. It is also a starting point for several trekking routes that lead to Inle Lake, Pindaya, and beyond.

What to visit in Kalaw

Sure, here are some tourist attractions of Kalaw, Myanmar, along with some information about each: 1. Kalaw Market: This bustling market in the center of town is a great place to shop for souvenirs, fresh produce, and local handicrafts. It's open every day and is especially lively on market days (held every five days).
2. Hnee Paya (Bamboo Buddha Temple): This small, peaceful temple is located on a hill just outside Kalaw and is known for its beautiful bamboo Buddha statue, which is covered in gold leaf.
3. Shwe Oo Min Pagoda: Also located on a hill outside of Kalaw, this pagoda is known for its intricate carvings and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
4. Trekking: Kalaw is a great base for exploring the surrounding Shan Hills on foot. There are many trekking companies in town that can arrange guided hikes of varying lengths and difficulty levels.
5. Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp: This ethical elephant sanctuary is located about 25km outside of Kalaw and offers visitors the chance to interact with and learn about these majestic animals in a responsible, sustainable way.
6. Christ the King Catholic Church: This beautiful church in the center of Kalaw is one of the few remaining colonial-era buildings in town and is worth a visit for its stunning stained glass windows and peaceful atmosphere.
7. Myin Ma Hti Cave: This limestone cave system is located about 10km outside of Kalaw and features stunning rock formations, underground streams, and Buddhist shrines.
8. Kone Hla Elephant Camp: Another ethical elephant sanctuary near Kalaw, Kone Hla offers visitors the chance to feed, bathe, and walk with the elephants in a natural forest environment.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Myanmar, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Kalaw.

When to go on holiday to Kalaw

The best time to visit Kalaw, Myanmar is during the dry season, which lasts from October to May. During this time, the weather is generally mild to warm with low humidity and clear skies, making it perfect for outdoor activities like trekking and sightseeing. However, keep in mind that December and January can be busy with tourists, so if you prefer a quieter experience, it is best to visit in October, November, or February to avoid the crowds. The rainy season in Kalaw runs from June to September, and although it is still possible to visit during this time, outdoor activities may be limited due to the rain.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Kalaw

Kalaw is a town located in the Shan State of Myanmar. Here are some transportation options to get to Kalaw: 1. By Bus: You can take a bus from Yangon, Mandalay, or Bagan to Kalaw. The journey takes around 6-9 hours depending on the departure point. Several bus companies offer this route, including JJ Express, Elite Express, and Shwe Taung Yoe Express.
2. By Train: Kalaw is not directly accessible by train, but you can take a train from Yangon, Mandalay, or Naypyidaw to Thazi, and then take a bus or taxi to Kalaw. The train journey takes around 8-10 hours, and the bus or taxi ride takes 3-4 hours.
3. By Private Car: You can also arrange for a private car or taxi to take you to Kalaw from nearby cities like Mandalay or Inle Lake. This is a convenient option if you prefer to travel at your own pace and have more privacy during the journey.
I hope this information helps!
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Kalaw, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Kalaw

Kalaw is a small town located in Myanmar and is known for its diverse and delicious cuisine. Here are some of the typical foods of Kalaw: 1. Shan Noodles: Shan Noodles is one of the popular dishes in Myanmar, including Kalaw. The dish consists of rice noodles served with a mixture of curries, herbs, and spicy sauces. It often contains chicken or pork, or you can opt for vegetarian.
2. Mont Let Saung: Mont Let Saung is a type of sweet porridge made of glutinous rice and coconut milk. The dish is served with boiled peanuts, banana, sago, and a sweet syrup made with Palm sugar.
3. Pae Kyaw: Pae Kyaw is a crispy Burmese pancake made with lentil batter and shredded vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, and onions. It's served as a starter or snack and usually accompanied by a sweet chili sauce.
4. Ohn No Khao Swè: This dish includes coconut milk, rice noodles, and chicken or pork broth, spiced with turmeric, ginger, garlic, chili and lemon juice. It is then topped with bean sprouts, sliced onions, coriander, and crushed crackers.
5. Laphet Thoke: Laphet Thoke is a popular Burmese salad made with pickled tea leaves, fried garlic and peanuts, broad beans, sesame seeds, dried shrimp, and tomatoes, served with fresh lettuce.
6. Mandalay Mote Thi: Mandalay Mote Thi is a traditional Burmese dessert made with sticky rice flour balls filled with sweet grated coconut, and served in sweet coconut milk.
7. Htamin Jin: Htamin Jin is a delicious dish made from rice cooked with turmeric and served cold with a variety of condiments such as boiled eggs, chicken or pork, fried onions, and cabbage.
You can find general info about typical foods in Myanmar here.

Is Kalaw an expensive destination for tourists?

Kalaw can be considered a moderately expensive destination for tourists, especially in comparison to many other destinations in Myanmar. However, the cost of your trip will depend on several factors such as the duration of your stay, your accommodation preferences, and your activities.
Accommodation in Kalaw can range from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels, and prices for food and transportation can vary as well. It is always a good idea to research and compare prices before booking.
Overall, while Kalaw may be more expensive than some other destinations in the country, it is still possible to travel there on a budget if you plan carefully and make smart choices.

Where to find accomodation in Kalaw

It is best to find accommodation in the town of Kalaw itself, as it is the gateway to many of the popular tourist destinations in the region. Most of the accommodation options are located within walking distance of the town center and the market. Another popular option is to stay in one of the local villages surrounding Kalaw, such as Ho Pone or Hti Thein. These villages offer a more authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience and often have homestay options available. Additionally, some visitors choose to stay in nearby cities such as Nyaungshwe or Bagan and take day trips to Kalaw.
You can check hotel prices at Kalaw here:
Booking.com

Is Kalaw a safe destination for tourists?

Kalaw is generally considered a safe place for tourists. However, as with any destination, it is always important to take precautions to ensure personal safety and security. Tourists should be aware of their surroundings, avoid walking alone at night, and take care of their belongings. It is recommended to always carry a copy of your passport and to keep your valuables in a secure place. Additionally, it is important to be aware of any potential scams and to not trust strangers too easily. Overall, Kalaw is a peaceful and friendly destination for tourists in Myanmar.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Myanmar here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Kalaw.

What type of travelers will enjoy Kalaw the most?

Kalaw, Myanmar is a great place for people who enjoy nature, trekking, and cultural experiences. This peaceful town is surrounded by hills and is a popular starting point for treks to Inle Lake, Pindaya Cave, and other scenic areas in the Shan State.
Couples and families who enjoy walking and exploring will find Kalaw an ideal destination. There are numerous trekking routes available in the area and the scenery is breathtaking. You can see many different kinds of animals and birds during your trek and explore the local farms and villages.
Young travelers who enjoy adventurous activities will also enjoy Kalaw. There are plenty of opportunities to get off the beaten track and explore the area on a bike, horseback, or on foot.
Overall, Kalaw is a good choice for those who prefer a tranquil and scenic environment, with plenty of opportunities to explore the beauty of Myanmar.

How to get around Kalaw

One of the best ways to move around Kalaw, Myanmar is by foot since the town is small and easily walkable. However, for longer distances or to explore the surrounding areas, travelers can hire a motorbike or bicycle. Taxis, private cars, and shared taxis (called "pickup trucks") are also available for hire in Kalaw. Additionally, there are regular buses connecting Kalaw to nearby towns and cities.

What to see around Kalaw

Sure, here are some nice places that you can visit in a day trip from Kalaw: 1. Inle Lake - It's a beautiful must-see destination, with its unique floating gardens, villages on stilts, and stunning scenery.
2. Pindaya Caves - It's a complex of natural caves that house hundreds of Buddha statues that are carved out of the cave walls.
3. Green Hill Valley Elephant Camp - This place offers great outdoor experiences, elephant trekking, and bathing, as well as environmental education.
4. Kakku Pagoda Complex - It's a unique collection of nearly 2,500 stupas arranged in rows and groups in a tight space, making it a unique photo opportunity.
5. Taunggyi - It's the capital of Shan State and offers a bustling market, vibrant street life, and entertaining festivals throughout the year.
6. Aungban - It's a small town along the main road from Kalaw to Nyaung Shwe and offers beautiful scenery, local markets, and quaint temples. These day trip destinations offer excellent options for travelers looking for unique experiences outside of Kalaw.
For every travel information about Myanmar you can click here.

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