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Key Info for Visitors
- Currency: MMK
- Languages: Burmese, Shan, English
- Climate: Subtropical highland
- Timezone: Asia/Yangon
- Population: Approximately 20,000 residents
- Best Time to Visit: best time to visit Kalaw is during the cool, dry season from November to February.
- Visa Requirements Visitors to Kalaw, Myanmar generally require a visa to enter the country. Citizens from many countries, including the US, EU, and UK, can apply for an e-visa online before arrival. Some nationalities may be eligible for visa on arrival, but it is recommended to check current regulations before travel. Visa-free entry is limited and usually applies to neighboring countries or special agreements.
About Kalaw
Kalaw is a charming hill town nestled in the Shan State of Myanmar, known for its cool climate, scenic landscapes, and colonial-era architecture. Once a British hill station, it retains a peaceful atmosphere and serves as a gateway for trekking adventures into the surrounding hills and ethnic villages. The town’s elevated location offers refreshing air and panoramic views, making it a popular retreat from Myanmar’s hotter lowlands. Visitors are drawn to Kalaw for its blend of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and outdoor activities. The town is a melting pot of ethnic groups, including Shan, Pa-O, and Danu, providing a rich cultural experience. Kalaw’s markets, monasteries, and local eateries offer insight into traditional Burmese life. Its proximity to Inle Lake makes it an ideal base for exploring the region. Whether you seek adventure trekking through hill tribe villages, relaxation in a tranquil setting, or cultural immersion, Kalaw presents a unique and rewarding destination.
Top Attractions
1. Palaung Hill Tribe Villages – Experience the traditional lifestyle and crafts of the Palaung people in nearby villages. 2. Kalaw Market – A bustling local market offering fresh produce, handicrafts, and ethnic textiles. 3. Elephant Training Camp – Observe and learn about elephant care and training in a natural setting. 4. Shwe U Min Pagoda – A historic Buddhist temple with beautiful architecture and serene surroundings. 5. Trekking Trails – Scenic routes through pine forests, waterfalls, and ethnic villages around Kalaw.
Popular Activities
Trekking is the top activity in Kalaw, with trails ranging from easy day hikes to multi-day treks connecting to Inle Lake. Visitors can explore ethnic villages, interact with local communities, and enjoy nature walks through pine forests and waterfalls. Other activities include visiting elephant camps, cycling around the countryside, and exploring local markets and temples. Cultural tours and homestays offer immersive experiences to learn about the diverse ethnic groups in the area.
Kalaw Tours & Experiences
- Top Attractions: Highlights of Myanmar
- Duration Range: Trekking is the top activity in Kalaw, with trails ranging from easy day hikes to multi-day treks connecting to Inle Lake. Visitors can explore ethnic villages, interact with local communities, and enjoy nature walks through pine forests and waterfalls. Other activities include visiting elephant camps, cycling around the countryside, and exploring local markets and temples. Cultural tours and homestays offer immersive experiences to learn about the diverse ethnic groups in the area.
- Group Size: Private or shared tours
- Difficulty Level: Beginner to Advanced
- Recommended For: The best time to visit Kalaw is during the cool, dry season from November to February. Pack layered clothing for cool mornings and evenings, comfortable hiking shoes, and rain gear if visiting in the wet season. Respect local customs by dressing modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Carry cash as ATMs are limited, and credit cards are rarely accepted. Stay hydrated and use insect repellent when trekking. Learning a few basic Burmese phrases can enhance interactions with locals.
Average Tour Price: $80
Lowest Price Tour: $39
Highest Price Tour: $250
12 Available Tour Excursions in Kalaw
Kalaw Southern Shan State Myamar Kalaw is an interesting place with colonial style houses surrounded with cherries, pine trees, jacarandas and orchards.It is located in Southern Shan State on the Union Road from Thazi to Taunggyi highway. It derived the name from Palaung dialect Kalawk which means basin. The hill tribes Palaung , Inntha ,Danaw, Danu, Taungyoe, Pa-O and Shan live around Kalaw. My name is Rohit��
Price: $170.00
Duration: 72 hours
We will take a taxi to a small village for 40 mins. We walk for 3 hours to lunch point, and walk 3 more hours to the village where we sleep in a really traditional farm house. The next day, we will walk 4 hours, we’ll get a lunch in the village at the lake, after having lunch, we have to take a boat taxi around 1 hour and half, we’ll pass Floating Garden, floating villages, traditional fisherman and other beautiful sights on the lake. The trek ends in Nyaung Shwe town 30 to 35 km, in 2 days Not included - Any kind of Drink and Entrance Fee
Price: $130.31
Duration: 29 hours
If some body who want to see life style of hill tribes and amazing landscape in a quiet place so far.
Price: $15.39
Duration: 58 hours
Auspiciousness to you all, Warmly Welcome Southern Shan State , Kalaw , Myanmar! You can study our traditional culture , custom of the hill tribe like Taung Yoe , Da-Nu , Palaung , Taung Thu , Pa O' and In Thar. You will see reality of their cultivation , way of life! The real attraction of surrounding hazy mountain and beautiful scenery along the way.Even though ,the way is ardous.It is the real worthwhile once in your life! All the fresh air,green nature , beautiful scenery , smiling and hospitality of the different indigenous peoples are waiting you.All the beautiful mountain and hills around are amazing to do trekking and hikking in our regions.We would like to recommend for Kalaw to Inle trekking. If you would like more information about this unique experience please send me a message or email. I am looking forward to helping your experience the real myanmar. Thanks Yours Sincerely, Ko Kyaw Kalaw Trekking Team
Price: $190.00
Duration: 77 hours
My Trekking is Not only for walking. Enjoy the View.Take photos.talking with local peoples and you can ask alot of questions about local & about Nature
Price: $250.08
Duration: 72 hours
Auspiciousness to you all, I would like to inform you new way of trekking from Kalaw to InLe Lake.We can provide trek tour to very less tourist place area.The new way is perfect way to explore the hill tribes traditional culture and custom.So,if you choose this trek for its promise of an unforgettable off the beaten track experience.You will see very beautiful scenery and friendly, smiling local people from a variety of rarely visited villages on your journey.The new route,all accommodation will be at the traditional house of the local villagers. We would like to recommend 2 days 1 night trip from kalaw to inle with new way of trekking. Thanks Your Sincerely, Ko Kyaw Kalaw Trekking Team
Price: $150.00
Duration: 78 hours
During this 4-day trip that starts from Kalaw we take you by car and boat for an adventure discovering several communities, have a look into their daily lives, their customs and believes and their fascinating stories.
Price: $569.24
Duration: 96 hours
We start walk from your hotel at 8:30 we cross rain forest and going up to view point there we gonna take lunch.before the lunch we have to walk 2:30 hours and after the lunch we have to cross two villages Name call Tar yaw and Ywa Thit village.
Price: $40.90
Duration: 24 hours
Auspiciousness to you all, 3 day 2 Night trip or 2 day 1 Night trip from kalaw to pindaya.I would like to tell you about kalaw to pindaya trekking.We have excellent experience with leading groups through this trail.I can ensure you some of the most beautiful landscapes in Myanmar.You will see really beautiful landscapes and friendly,smiling people from a variety of rarely visited villages on your journey.You will taste traditional,delicious and plentiful food during the trek, as well as local and traditional customs.Many people choose this trek for its promise of an unforgettable off the beaten track experience.You will see very few tourists and have the paths all to yourself.You will stay overnight at very interesting places such as a monestary and a homestay in a traditional village. If you would like more information about this unique experience please contact to me.I am looking forward to helping you experience the real Myanmar. Thanks Yours Sincerely, Ko Kyaw Kalaw Trekking Team
Price: $240.00
Duration: 77 hours
- Enjoy spectacular views across the Shan valleys - Have a picnic lunch out in the sun - Be guided by a local expert
Price: $40.00
Duration: 8 hours
Get to Pindaya or Heho airport and transfer with private car to start this exciting trekking tour from Htut Ni village of the Danu tribe, pass through farming areas where Danu people cultivates cheroot plants, tea plantations, damsons and mangoes on the hillsides, cross the valley floor and stop for simple lunch in Danu village. Keep trekking through jungle paths and villages after lunch, until you get to a village for night spot. It’s not luxury but you can get unforgettable experiences in this area, where only a few tourists have been before.
Price: $160.26
Duration: 48 hours
Trekking to Palaung Villages by passing the forest way and observe the tradition, culture and cultivation system of ethnic groups and learn their ways of plantation and their culture.
Price: $30.77
Duration: 6 hours
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Important Tour Information
- Bring comfortable walking shoes and appropriate clothing
- Check tour cancellation and refund policies
- Arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes early
- Carry valid identification and tour booking confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions
Local Food & Cuisine
Kalaw’s cuisine reflects traditional Burmese flavors with influences from Shan and other ethnic groups. Signature dishes include Shan noodles, spicy salads, and grilled meats. Fresh vegetables and herbs are staples, often accompanied by sticky rice. Local markets offer street food such as samosas and fried snacks. Noteworthy dining spots include cozy local restaurants serving authentic Shan dishes and cafes offering tea and Burmese coffee. Sampling local tea leaf salad and homemade pickles is a must.
Getting Around
Kalaw is accessible by bus or private car from major cities like Yangon, Mandalay, and Inle Lake. The nearest airport is in Heho, about an hour away by road. Within Kalaw, transportation options include motorbike taxis, bicycles, and walking, as the town is compact and pedestrian-friendly. Hiring a motorbike or bicycle is popular for exploring nearby villages and trails. Costs for local transport are generally low, but it is advisable to agree on fares beforehand.
Travel Tips
The best time to visit Kalaw is during the cool, dry season from November to February. Pack layered clothing for cool mornings and evenings, comfortable hiking shoes, and rain gear if visiting in the wet season. Respect local customs by dressing modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Carry cash as ATMs are limited, and credit cards are rarely accepted. Stay hydrated and use insect repellent when trekking. Learning a few basic Burmese phrases can enhance interactions with locals.
Culture & Customs
Kalaw is home to diverse ethnic groups with rich traditions. Visitors should show respect by removing shoes before entering homes and temples and avoiding public displays of affection. Festivals such as the Shan New Year and local Buddhist celebrations are important cultural events. Hospitality is a key value, and it is polite to greet with a slight bow or smile. Photography of people should be done with permission. Sharing meals and participating in local customs is encouraged for a deeper cultural experience.
