The beauty of Kayan — Myanmar’s next hot spot

Kayan is the official name of the Padaung tribe that reside in the Myanmar state of Kayah, near the Thai border. A wider road is being constructed to promote border trade and tourism between Thailand and Myanmar as the area opens up to outsiders. Here our partner in Myanmar talks about this unspoiled destination …

The capital city of Kayah state is Loikaw, which lies about 120 miles away from the lush Mae Hong Son province of Thailand. The state is inhabited by a multitude of ethnic minority populations — communities who have developed their own form of dress, traditions and ways of life over time.

Myanmar is such a vast country and many remote area are yet to be visited. Previously, Kayah state was closed to outsiders but as the political situation has stabilized over the last couple of years, access has now been granted for visitors to make their to these areas where tribes inhabit the southern Shan Mountain ranges.

Only a 3-4 hour drive from Inle Lake, the trip to Loikaw is a great addition to any Myanmar itinerary as it takes you to untouched natural surrounding and local hidden villages. The nearest village is about an hour south of Loikaw with another 45 mins walk to get to the remote community where the Padaungs are still living in a natural ways of life.

Unlike like Thailand’s overtly touristy tribal tours, we were greeted by the three Padaung ladies working in the rice fields, shy to take pictures with us. As we walked further into the village we met a few more ladies working their fields — life outside the city takes hard work. We were invited into their kitchen and I was offered her traditional drink Khaung Yay which is slightly softer than beer — yum!

Our host was hardly able to understand my Burmese but with the help of our regional tour guide, she told us that she never felt annoyed to wear the brass rings at her neck but her daughter does not wish to carry on the tradition. It would seem that the practice is slowing fading away as the younger generation no longer want to adorn their necks with these heavy rings.

While those women we met weren’t entirely sure on the origin of the brass rings, they are seen by these tribes as a sign of beauty.

We also visited another Kayanni village, about 20 minutes away, where the ladies adorn themselves wear large earrings causing the earlobes to stretch down to their shoulders. What was most attractive to me was their costumes in bright red color — stunning contrast to the landscape that surrounds them.

A large number of Kayan tribes are Christian while the other half follow Buddhism mixed with the traditions animist beliefs. Every village we visited had animist tributes which were erected annually to mark land ownership as well as sacrifices for good weather, good crops and unity.

Our time in Loikaw was very short but we managed to grab a great view over the whole city from the pagoda platform of Taung Kwe Zedi atop Mingalar Thiri Mountain as the sun was setting over the surrounding mountains.

Once the construction over the Thanlwin river is complete, connecting the province to Thailand, the capital city of Loikaw is sure to be on everyone’s must see list!

I was glad that I had made my way to Loikaw. Besides the treks to the villages of Kayah state, the great natural beauty along with way is stunning — with lush green forests, one peak after the next penetrating the roaming monsoon clouds, green maize plantations and fresh cooling air.

My trip was unforgettable and I am sure that our Journeys Within guests will love it too!