Things to do in Shan Plateau
Discover the best attractions and experiences Shan Plateau has to offer
Historic Monuments
Explore ancient stupa fields, caves, and ruins that speak to Shan State's highland history.
Kakku Pagodas
A vast field of centuries-old stupas set amid rolling hills, a standout of the region.
Pindaya Cave
A limestone cave filled with thousands of Buddha statues and a landscape of cultural significance.
Indein Pagoda Complex
A hillside array of pagodas along Inle Lake, offering serene views.
Museums
Learn about Shan culture, ethnography, and local history through small-scale museums and cultural centers.
Coming Soon!
We're currently working on adding museums recommendations for Shan Plateau. Check back soon for curated suggestions in this category.
Religious Monuments
Sacred sites and temple complexes that showcase Buddhist heritage across the plateau.
Pindaya Cave
Cave shrines filled with Buddha statues, a tranquil spiritual site near Kalaw.
Indein Pagoda Complex
A hillside array of pagodas along Inle Lake, offering serene views.
Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda
Inle Lake’s most venerated pilgrimage site with sacred Buddha images.
National & Theme Parks
Natural landscapes and protected areas across Shan State for scenic treks and wildlife viewing.
Coming Soon!
We're currently working on adding national & theme parks recommendations for Shan Plateau. Check back soon for curated suggestions in this category.
Neighborhoods
Base yourself in charming hill towns that frame the plateau's culture and scenery.
Kalaw
A colonial-era hill town known for pine forests, markets, and easy treks.
Nyaung Shwe / Inle Lake edge
A gateway town to Inle Lake’s villages and canals with local markets.
Taunggyi
The capital of Shan State, offering ethnic diversity and scenic viewpoints.
Free Things to Do
Experience the plateau without spending a lot by wandering local towns and trails.
Walk Kalaw’s colonial-era streets
Stroll through the town’s pedestrian-friendly avenues and pine forests.
Explore Taunggyi markets at dawn
See daily life unfold as vendors set up and locals shop.
Hike scenic village trails around Kalaw
Follow simple trekking routes to see terraced farms and countryside.
Gastronomy
Taste Shan flavors and local staples in markets, tea houses, and simple eateries.
Shan noodles tasting in Nyaung Shwe
Try the region’s signature noodle dish in a local tea house.
Shan-style pork curry experience
Sample a typical Shan meat dish served with sticky rice.
Tea house snacks around Kalaw
Pause for light bites and coffee in a hillside tea house.
Nightlife
Relaxed evenings in hill towns with local tea houses and small bars.
Evening tea houses in Taunggyi
Unwind with Myanmar tea and local snacks after sunset.
Night market stroll in Nyaung Shwe
Browse stalls and watch street life by the lake.
Entertainment
Cultural performances and local storytelling experiences.
Local cultural performances in Taunggyi
Traditional dances and music evenings in town venues.
Informal village gatherings
Join an open-air gathering where locals sing and share stories.
Sports
Active adventures amid hill country scenery.
Trekking to Kalaw’s viewpoints
Day treks through pine forests with panoramic valley views.
Hiking around Inle Lake edge villages
Easy-to-moderate hikes along canals and farms.
Horse riding near Kalaw
Sunny rides through picturesque countryside and farmland.
Off the Track
Slow, immersive experiences in lesser-visited corners of the plateau.
Visit remote Danu and Intha villages
Meet ethnic communities and learn about traditional crafts.
Hidden waterfalls around Kalaw
A guided trek to quiet, scenic cascades away from crowds.
Scenic jeep ride to remote hill-tribe villages
An offbeat route through forested hills and villages, offering closer cultural glimpses.