Adventure and Myanmar. The two pretty much go hand in hand. After all, the country is rarely visited, ensuring the lands, animals and people you meet along the way are untouched by the outside world. One town, and area, in particular comes highly recommended. Over in Eastern Burma, close to the borders of Thailand and Laos (yes, the famed Golden Triangle) is Kengtung. Here, you’ll get your dose of Burmese nature and meet indigenous peoples who’s loves remained the same for generations.

The town has some roots with its neighboring country, Thailand. It was founded by the first king of Chiang Mai in the 13^th century. With the spread of the Lanna Kingdom into the area, more and more Tai people migrated to Kengtung. Today, their influences can be seen, as well as the the Akha’s, the Palaung’s, and the Shan’s, just to name a few. Imagine going to the market and seeing all these colorful clothing people trading goods in a sea of activity.

The town of Kengtung is also inclusive of cultural and historical sites for you to admire. There are a group of 19th century temples and structures in the center of town such as Maha Myat Muni Pagoda, known in Shan and Thai as Wat Phra Jao Lung and Zom Kham Temple, known in Shan and Thai as Wat Jom Kham. Most sites in Kengtung will have two names because of the cultural influences of the Shan and Thai languages. Sitting above the town on a hill, Wat Phra That Jom Mon is a good place for a view of the town. A visit to a nearby hot spring is also a must. And if the soothing atmosphere of a lake is your cup of tea, then head over to Naung Tung Lake, the largest in Kengtung located in the western part of town.

The area is not without its natural features of course. After all, we are in the Golden Triangle, where rain forests, hills, mountains, rivers and lakes reign. This makes trekking and even cycling must not miss activities for adventurer seekers. And if you’re looking for a genuine trek through the Golden Triangle area, perhaps our Kengtung Adventure will satisfy your thirst for a hiking journey. You will be rewarded with captivating insights into the area, and its authentic hilltribe cultures.

Your Burmese adventure does not have to be restrictive to Kengtung. See what other adrenaline pumping journey are waiting for you with our Myanmar adventure tours.

www.exotravel.com/