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
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 enthusiastsSurrounded 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 traditionsKalaw'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 involvementKalaw 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 KalawKalaw 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 attractiveKalaw 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.Source: NP News
Information about the festivals being held in Karen State by monthJanuaryKaren New Year Festival & Harvest FestivalThe Karen People welcome the New Year after passing the old year. In the New Year , they pray for the abundant crops. The New Year Festival is held every year on the first day of Pyartho (Janauary). When it’s harvest time, the harvested crops are dedicated to the Buddha. At the New Year celebration, many people arrive eating and dancing together. They performance the Karen Done Yaim Dance.FebrurayKyaone-Doe Campfire FestivalThe Karen Traditional Kyaone-Doe Campfire Festival has been held since many former times, combining with the cultural and religional of the Karen People. It means that they making donation for the dead person and they offered with fragnance for all the bad things were separated away.MarchZwekabin Pagoda (or) Tabaung FestivalAt Zwekabin Foothill (Lumbani Garden) and the top hill of Zwekabin Pagodaplatform, Zwekabin Sandawshin Pagoda Festival was celebrating in every Tabaung Fullmoon Day. Not Only local visitors but also foreigners has been visiting to the Zwekabin Mountain Pagoda Fesitval.AprilThingyan, Offering the Old-age and Fish Releasing FestivalAs the Myanmar People, Karen People were celebrating Thingyan (Water Festival), offering the older people and releasing the fish in every Myanmar New Year Day for maintaining the traditional culturae.MayPusles Donation and Nyaungyaython FestivalUnder the supervision of the Kayin State Government, Kasone Nyaungyaython Festival and Pusles Donation were celebrating in every year of the Kason Fullmoon (Buddha Day) at the Se Hta Mhan Aung Pagoda and Shwe Yin Myaw Pagoda.JuneThe Scriptual ExaminationThe Buddhist Karen ethnic groups also holding the Scriptual Examination for the development of Buddhism in every year, Nayone (June). JulyWasothingan Donation EventUnder the supervision of the Kayin State Government, Wasothingan (yellow robes) Donation Event has been celebrating in every Waso Fullmoon Day.AugustWist-tying Event Wist-tying ceremony is one of the traditional event, celebrate at every Wagaung Fullmoon Day. Ancient Karen people believed that the cause of flooding, gradually decreasing of crops, increasing of eating costs were because if evils, that enter costs in to people and cling with people’s spirit. They often call spirit so that their spirit do not spread away. So Tie the hand with white thread that the spiritual do not spread away. And then pray and make affection to the spirit until the end of the world.SeptemberBoat Racing FestivalThe Karen people also hold boot races every Tawthalin Month (September) showing their unity and uniformity at the middle of the Hpa-an Township, Kantharyar. Not only the local people but also the foreign tourists watch boat races.OctoberLighting Ceremony, Fire Flood and Balloon Releasing FestivalLighting Ceremony, Fire Flood and Balloon Releasing Festival are traditionally held in fullmoon day, the day after fullmoon of the Thadingyut. Domestic and foreign tourists also participate in this celebration.NovemberTraditional Boxing Competition and Karen Done YaimThe traditional Karen Boxing Competition is held for four days, especially from November 7th, when Karen State Day is celebrated. All over the world of the Boxing fans can be competed in this competition. Done Yaim Dance is also held in November 7th to 10th and it reflects the beauty of the Karen People. They created it with Karen cultural and their own style instruments and kept it as a personal legacy. In the Kayin Region, when the grain harvested and threshed in the fields, the Karen men / women sing poems and linka together. So that the Karen Done Yaim Dance was borned. Karen Done Yaim Dance is performed by (16) people. DecemberTraditional Handloom and Jap Cutting CompetitionIn cooperation with the handloom school in Karen State and the looms in the rural areas, the weaving of Karen traditional clothes will not be overshadowed and the Karen traditional clothes weaving business will be more alive. In order to ensure that the priceless Karen traditional jap cutting heritage is not destroyed, it is led by the State Government team and is held annually on the first day of Pyartho (January). On December 26th, the Karen National New Year Day is celebrated, and the traditional Karen Jap Cutting Competition is usually held.Zwekabin Mountaineering Competition, Cycling Competition and Other Sport CompetitionsKayin State’s prominent commemoration, Zwekabin mountaineering race, cycling competition and other sport competitions are also held every year in December.ပေးပို့သူ- ဟိုတယ်နှင့်ခရီးသွားညွှန်ကြားမှုဦးစီးဌာန၊ ဘားအံရုံးခွဲ
IN August 2024, Ngwetaung Beach in Ngaputaw Township, Ayeyawady Region, saw 13,555 domestic visitors, according to Daw Ni Ni Mar, an executivefrom the Myanmar Tourism Entrepreneurs Association (Ngwetaung Beach). Ngwetaung Beach is a year-round destination for domestic travellers, particularly from the Yangon and Nay Pyi Taw regions, due to its proximity to the Myat Mawtinsun Pagoda.“During January, 35,455 domestic travellers visited Ngwetaung Beach, followed by 36,555 in February, 38,955 in March, 48,955 in April, 54,555 in May, 17,455 in June, and 14,155 in July. There has been a steady increase in domestic tourism, with visitors arriving throughout the year,” Daw Ni Ni Mar explained.Ngwetaung Beach provides a peaceful and safe environment for beachgoers. Visitors can enjoy services such as bicycle and motorboat rentals, as well as horse riding. In addition, market stalls offer local cuisine, accessories, and souvenirs for sale. — ASH/MKKS