Unveiling Kalaw : A journey through Shan State's hidden paradise
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Nestled in the picturesque hills of Shan State, Myanmar, Kalaw Township is a charming destination renowned for its serene landscapes. A popular retreat to escape the summer heat, Kalaw has become a beloved spot for travelers seeking adventure, tranquility, and a glimpse into local traditions.
A haven for nature enthusiasts Surrounded by rolling hills, pine forests, and sprawling tea plantations, Kalaw offers a cool and refreshing climate year-round. The town's elevated position at 1,320 meters above sea level provides breathtaking views and a pleasant escape from Myanmar's more humid lowlands.
One of Kalaw's most magical experiences is witnessing the sea of clouds that blankets the valley during the early morning hours. As the sun rises, a mesmerizing layer of mist stretches across the landscape, creating a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere. The golden linings of the clouds create a truly heavenly scene in Kalaw. This natural phenomenon is best observed from hilltop vantage points, where the rolling clouds appear to flow like waves over the mountains and valleys below.
The natural beauty of Kalaw is best explored on foot. Trekking routes in the mountains surrounding Kalaw, one of Myanmar's most famous journeys, attract adventurers worldwide. The three-day trek winds through scenic villages, terraced fields, and forested trails, offering encounters with friendly locals from various ethnic groups, including the Danu, Pa-O, and Taung Yo.
Cultural richness and local traditions Kalaw's vibrant market and religious landmarks reflect its diverse cultural tapestry. The town hosts a bustling central market every five days, where locals gather to trade fresh produce, handmade goods, and enjoy traditional Shan cuisine. Visitors can sample delicacies like Shan noodles, tofu salad, and other local favorites. Prominent religious sites include the Aung Chan Tha Zedi, a beautiful gold and silver stupa, and Thein Taung Pagoda, perched atop a hill offering panoramic views of the township. The Christ the King Church, a colonial-era Catholic church, is another notable landmark reflecting Kalaw's historical influences.
Sustainable tourism and community involvement Kalaw has embraced sustainable tourism practices, with many local guides and homestays supporting eco-friendly initiatives. Trekkers can stay in village homes, experiencing traditional hospitality and directly contributing to the livelihoods of rural communities.
Local organizations also promote responsible trekking, ensuring that trails remain clean and that visitors respect the natural environment and cultural heritage. Many trekking companies now partner with community-based tourism projects to offer authentic experiences while preserving Kalaw's pristine surroundings.
Getting to Kalaw Kalaw is accessible by road from major cities like Mandalay, Taunggyi, and Yangon. The scenic drive along winding mountain roads offers stunning vistas of Myanmar's countryside. Travelers can also take the train from Tharzi, a route famed for its dramatic landscapes and charming local railway stations.
Tourism attractive Kalaw Township is a destination that captivates with its blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventurous spirit. With its cool climate, relaxed atmosphere, and stunning scenery, Kalaw offers a refreshing contrast to the heat of Myanmar's lowlands. Whether trekking through lush landscapes, engaging with warm-hearted locals, or simply enjoying the cool mountain air, visitors to Kalaw will find a unique and unforgettable experience in this enchanting corner of Myanmar.
The Sea Gypsies living in Kawthoung and Myeik districts of Taninthayi Region reap good profits for good capturing of squid.The squid season is from April to September, and the squid is abundant between May and July. Although the Myanmar and Kayin fishermen in Myeik Archipelago do not go fishing in the monsoon season, the Salon people living on the island near the squid fishing areas hunt the squid in the daytime or at night when the weather is fine. They mostly capture the squid near the Thandani, Thandanet, Nyaungwi, Jalan and Salat Gayat islands.The squids are usually caught using bait shaped like prawns made of rubber, which are attached to fishing lines. A piece of bait is placed on a line, and two lines are clipped to the fisher’s leg while fishing. The squid tend to come out more during the waxing moon days and full moon nights, when catches are better. At those times, they are mostly caught at night under the moonlight using small canoes at sea. During the waning and new moon days, they are mostly caught during the daytime.The Salon fishermen skillfully capture the squids, and they transport them to Aung Bar San Pya village, where the products are exported to Ranong, Thailand. The wholesale agents in Aung Bar village purchase at K15,000 per kilogram, and the sales are good. The agents resell with baht to Thailand, and such action is a win-win situation for the squid farmers and resellers.“The squids are abundant during these months, and the Salon people capture them even in the choppy seas. The offspring attend school in Makyone Kalet, and the parents and brothers catch the squids. Therefore, they do not live on the island for months like previously, and they send dried fish and cash. They previously lived in the sea. As they have proper knowledge and so they emphasize education. The Salon people catch the squid for their living. When the squid season is over, they go fishing or diving. The Myanmar and Kayin fishermen catch using nets. There are 96 households in Makyone Kalet village, and most of them are from Salon and Myanmar. Although the weather was rough and fine recently, the Salon caught the squids as usual, and made profits,” said U Tin Aung Moe, administrator of Makyone Kalet village.The Salon fishermen return to their land of origin at the end of September, and they catch the spotted seer fish, giant trevally, batoid and lobster, and these products are exported to Thailand. During that season, some Salon people repair the boats and fishing nets, and some catch the squid. The Salon people use the sea as their pasture for their living, and the fragile Kaban boat as a home.In the Kawthoung and Myeik Archipelago, Taninthayi Region, most of the Salon people live on Makyone Kalet, Lampi, Langan, Nyaungwi, Don Nyaung Hmine, Done Pale Aaw, Zardetgyi, Linlon and Kangyimaw islands, and Myanmar and Kayin people are also found there. — Thitsa (MNA)/KTZHSource: GNLM
A model tourist village is planned to be opened and operated within one year in Tatkon Township, Nay Pyi Taw Council Area, according to a responsible official from the Myanmar Tourism Federation.The village in question is Nyaungpintha, located in Makyeepin village-tract, Tatkon Township. It was previously affected by flooding and will now be reconstructed and developed into a model tourist village.“Around one hour’s drive from Nay Pyi Taw Hotel Zone, Nyaungpintha village is being developed by our tourism federation as a model tourist village. During the floods, the entire village was destroyed. Now that it has been rebuilt, the federation has taken charge of the site, reconstructed the houses, and drawn up a village plan. Construction was completed last month, and ownership has been handed back to the residents.We are now working to develop the area as a rural-based tourist destination where visitors can come and explore,” the official stated.He continued, “This will be implemented step by step. When international tourists come to Nay Pyi Taw, they’ll be able to experience the charm of rural life. We’re planning for either overnight or day trips. It’s about enjoying traditional rural meals, relaxing, and receiving traditional massages. It will become an excellent destination for one-day or overnight trips in Nay Pyi Taw. We’re currently working on this. If everything goes smoothly, it should be ready for the upcoming tourism season”.At present, efforts are ongoing to implement the tourism project. Besides enjoying traditional rural cuisine and relaxation, plans are also underway for visitors to participate in local livelihoods. The village is bordered by a picturesque stream and lush fields, offering an immersive rural experience. — ASH/KNNSource: The Global New Light of Myanmar
There are over 100 ethnic groups living in Myanmar, and each ethnic group has its own unique culture, literature, and traditional customs. Among the rich cultural traditions of these ethnic groups, the craft of traditional boat-making is also one of them.In the past, people travelled by using rafts for waterways. Later, they came up with the idea of making dugout canoes carved from logs instead of using rafts. This idea was inspired by the sight of logs with hollow centres floating on water. Realizing that hollowed-out canoes were lighter than solid logs and could carry more load, they began crafting and using these dugout canoes for transportation.From there, lighter types of boats such as Laung (canoes) and combined boats gradually emerged. In the past, crafting dugout canoes was a highly labour-intensive task, often taking several months to complete just one boat. The people used fallen trees for this purpose previously, but later they began selecting and cutting down long, straight trees specifically for making boats.People use either paddles or oars. As is commonly known, oars are longer and broader than paddles, and they are usually used in pairs. However, the way of using oars can vary depending on the region.In the eastern regions, oarsmen typically face toward the front of the boat while rowing. However, in Western countries, rowers usually sit facing the rear of the boat, rowing with their backs toward the direction they are heading. Although oars are generally used in pairs, in Western-style racing boats, each rower typically uses only a single oar. One unique feature of racing boats, compared to regular boats, is that small wheels are installed under the rower’s seat, allowing the seat to slide. This enables the rower to extend their reach and row with longer strokes. Racing boats come in different types, such as single, four-person, and eight-person crews.During the reign of ancient Myanmar Kings, boat races were traditionally held as ceremonial events. These races were not only popular in Eastern countries, but are also celebrated seasonally in Western countries on a grand scale. Competitors in boat races must not only ensure that their boats are fast and well-prepared, but they themselves must also be in excellent physical condition. To build stamina and ensure harmonious rowing, they undergo strict training both on land and in water throughout the whole year.Another type of boat race that is extremely popular in Western countries is the sailing race. These racing boats differ from ordinary boats in that they are designed with sleek and narrow shapes. The number of sails varies depending on the type of racing boat. The sizes of these boats also range from small 15-foot vessels to large racing yachts capable of crossing the Atlantic Ocean.All around the world, there are many different types of boats and seasonal boat races are held every year. However, for those who row or sail, it is not enough to simply understand boats and water superficially. They must have a deep understanding of water dynamics and be highly skilled in rowing. Currently, people can use small boats, large boats, ferries, motor boats, and so on easily in every season or condition. However, the traditional boats are still used for fishing, transporting fruits and vegetables and boat racing events in Waso, Wagaung and Tawthalin months. — Zeya Naing (Shwe Kan Myay)/KTZHSource: The Global New Light of Myanmar
Going to the ocean in the morning with drizzle feels like a unique and different experience. By the time we left the Chinatown area in the old quarter of Hanoi, the drizzle had turned into a steady rain.The Chinatown in old Hanoi, Vietnam, is similar to Yangon’s Chinatown, but the structure and style of the houses are noticeably different. The homes are narrow in the front and stretch deep toward the back, typically no more than three stories high. According to local tradition, if a son is born, a ten-foot-wide plot is inherited, so these narrow, ten-foot houses can often be seen, similar to some homes in areas like Thakayta, South Okkalapa, and Dagon Myothit (South) townships in Yangon. Narrow alleys, compact homes, small eateries lining the streets, large coffee shops, swarms of motorbikes zipping back and forth, and a variety of cars emerging from every corner – these are likely iconic scenes that define Hanoi’s Old Quarter Chinatown.Leaving behind Chinatown, as we ascended onto the highway, the sight of the grand and beautiful new city of Hanoi, with its towering buildings, immediately captivated my attention. Putting aside the multilayered roads and colourful cars of Hanoi, as our vehicle cruised toward Ha Long Bay, my gaze was once again drawn to the expansive green fields stretching alongside the highway, where the vast, serene sea seemed to merge with the lush landscape.Behind lush paddy landscapesIn the distance, across the vast fields spread like green carpets, neat and beautiful little buildings can be seen arranged in order. Among the wide fields, groups of rice mills, silos and agricultural machinery can be seen scattered throughout. The wide, continuous stretches of farmland, the small production roads, and the irrigation drains present a scene so orderly and well-organized that it looks like a carefully drawn map of an agricultural landscape.In Myanmar, it’s not easy to come across vast stretches of farmland laid out in large, rectangular plots like those measured in hectares. Most genuine Myanmar farmers own less than five acres of land, so it’s rare to see large, contiguous plots suitable for big tractors to operate efficiently. For such systematically organized farmland to emerge, challenges such as the need for a stable market, favourable weather conditions, and other hurdles must be overcome. Behind the lingering question of “When will all this become a reality?” lies only a sense of quiet contemplation.Behind the lush green rice fields, Vietnam’s rice cultivation and production are facing mounting challenges. Vietnam’s rice trade is also showing notable developments. In 2024, Vietnam became a record-breaking rice exporter, shipping 9.04 million tonnes. According to the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) global agriculture, supply, and demand forecast report, Vietnam is set to soon surpass Thailand to become the world’s second-largest rice exporter.Many rice farmers in Vietnam are switching to cultivating other, more profitable crops, which has led to a decline in the country’s rice production. However, Vietnam’s rice exporters are maintaining their hold on the global rice market by importing rice from neighbouring Cambodia. As a result, by 2024, Vietnam could reach an import volume of around 4 million tonnes, potentially becoming the second-largest rice-importing country in the world. This situation, being both the second-largest rice exporter and the second-largest rice importer globally, highlights a unique aspect of Vietnam’s rice trade.A glimpse of the land of PearlWhen the vast farmlands that once captivated the eye began to fade away, the shimmering reflection of silver light appeared, signalling the arrival at the seaside. This gave a clear sense that we had entered the coastal region. “Ha Long” was once a region known for its coal mines. Along the way, we passed through large areas where hundreds of coal transport trucks used to park. But when international tourists began to arrive at Ha Long Bay, the coal mines gradually shut down, and the entire area appeared to have transitioned to tourism. Now, as a coastal city, Ha Long is also thriving economically through its port operations and fishing industry, becoming a well-known and prosperous city.Ha Long is famous not only for its coal mines, ports, and fishing industry but also for its pearl farming. Pearl farms built in the middle of the sea, artificial islands, and museums that display the step-by-step process of pearl cultivation and production attract many tourists.It has only been two hours since leaving Hanoi. Although the drizzle has stopped, puddles from the rain remain. Upon entering the Ha Long area, the car made a brief stop at a place that houses restaurants, a pearl sales hall, and a pearl museum.What is remarkable is that inside the pearl sales showroom, the pearl production process is demonstrated using small display tables. The process of extracting pearls from oysters and the step-by-step production stages are practically shown, with staff explaining everything clearly. Within the three-story building, there is a large shopping centre that includes gemstone and pearl showrooms, pearl-themed paintings and sculptures, clothing, shoes, and a wide variety of food items. In one section of the shopping centre, there is even a display where crocodile skin is shown with the actual shape of the crocodile, and various types of bags made from crocodile skin are exhibited and sold. As for the dining area, it is located entirely on the second floor.Having just left the Pearl Museum, we soon arrived at the world-famous Ha Long Bay. It has been over two hours since leaving Hanoi. Although we were glad the rain completely stopped upon setting foot on the beach, we still could not see the sunlight.A breathtaking caveWe are going to board the large cruise boat, Stella Luxury Cruise, docked at the shore, to explore Ha Long Bay. Approximately 50 travellers will join the journey on the three-story Stella Luxury Cruise. Since there are multiple pleasure boats at the shore heading to Ha Long Bay, we need to be careful not to get on the wrong boat, and the passengers are also quite crowded and a bit bustling.The Stella Luxury Cruise, departing from Ha Long Harbour, embarked on its first exploratory trip to Sung Sot Cave, the largest and most breathtaking stalactite cave in the Ha Long Bay area.Sung Sot Cave is the largest and most spectacular stalactite cave among the many limestone caves in Ha Long Bay. It is renowned by tourists worldwide and is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage stalactite cave.Sung Sot Cave is located on Bo Hon Island in the middle of Ha Long Bay, about a 50-minute journey from Ha Long Beach. To reach the entrance of the main cave, visitors must climb over 100 steep steps. From the large cave entrance, you have to go down again to enter the inner part of the cave. Covering a total area of over 12,000 square metres, inside Sung Sot Cave, we can see sparkling stalactites, stalagmites, and natural stone formations that resemble flowers and chandeliers.Along the cave path, there are large halls, narrow steps for climbing, and narrow walkways where one can only pass a single file, requiring passage through gaps between rocks. Some places are wide and spacious with good airflow. Inside the limestone cave, due to sea erosion, the rock formations have taken on various shapes, resembling decorative stone sculptures. The limestone caves in Kayin State and Mon State of Myanmar are somewhat similar. In particular, Nandamu Cave from PyinOoLwin, and Bat Cave and Jasmine Cave in Kyaikmaraw town, Mon State, are quite alike. However, the Sung Sot Cave is larger and much longer.At one location, arrangements were made to take commemorative photos, and since there was also a team available to take the photos, the tour was praised for being well-organized. Inside the great limestone cave, beautiful stone chandeliers, stone floral arrangements, and stone flower pots were illuminated and displayed with colourful spotlights. Because it was so beautiful, it was very satisfying for those who wanted to capture it in photographs.The Sung Sot Cave in Ha Long Bay is also famous for its interesting and legendary stories, similar to other caves. In traditional Vietnamese folklore, Thanh Giong is a very famous hero who is said to have kept his battle horse and sword inside Sung Sot Cave to fight off evil spirits. Visitors can see stone carvings that closely resemble Thanh Giong’s horse and sword. Inside the cave, small cups that can be identified as the footprints of Thanh Giong’s horse further confirm the fascinating legends of the hero Thanh Giong…TO BE CONTINUEDBy Aung Sie HeinSource: The Global New Light of MyanmarPart 2: https://sacministry.gov.mm/en/article/6751
THE six travel zones are designated in Sagaing Region, which is rich in ancient heritage, religious buildings and handicrafts, for the local and foreign travellers aiming to boost the tourism sector. In Naga tourist designation, the culture and traditional customs of ethnic people and Saramati Peak await the travellers, according to the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism of Sagaing Region.There are six tourism zones in Sagaing Region: Sagaing, Monywa, Shwebo, Katha, Kalay and Naga, and local travellers visit Mingun most in the Sagaing tourism zone.In the Naga tourism zone, travellers can enjoy the tradition, culture, and living style of Naga ethnic people and scenes of mountains in addition to the 12,622-foot-high Saramati Peak.Moreover, Leshi, Lahe, Nanyun and Pansawng in the Naga Self-administered Zone boast natural beauty, and the Naga New Year Festival is held in Leshi and Lahe, and the new feast festival, snack festival, paddy festival and harvesting festival are also held seasonally. Among them, the new year festival is the most popular and attracts local and foreign travellers.“It is now holiday season, and Sagaing Region, the cultural region welcomes local and foreign visitors. There are six tourism zones, and we arrange to ensure the accommodation of visitors in the Mingun cultural region in the Sagaing tourism zone. The Naga New Year Festival hosted hundreds of tourists before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Saramati Peak, which is popular among ASEAN travellers, is located in the Naga Hill region and is covered with snow in winter. The government holds the Naga New Year Festival from 14 to 16 January, and the local and foreign travellers are also interested in it.The Naga region with its beautiful nature warmly welcomes the local and foreign travellers,” said U Myint Sein, head of the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism in Sagaing Region.Visitors can get to Leshi by Yangon-Mandalay-Homalin flight, while by Yangon-Mandalay-Monywa-Khamti flight to Lahe. Currently, the Naga region hosts travellers from India.The tourism season in Naga is from November to June. After the completion of the Chindwin River crossing the Htamathi Bridge, the people can go to the Indian border in addition to the Naga region at any time, and it can promote the tourism industry of Naga and the trade flows of the eastern part of the Chindwin River will be also developed. —Thitsa (MNA)/KTZHSource: The Global New Light of Myanmar
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