Colonial Kalaw to Inle Lake by Train

Today’s tour will start at 08:00.

Meet with a local guide after checking out from the hotel and set off for a walking tour of Kalaw – an old hill station in Shan State founded by British civil servants escaping the heat of the country’s plains. The relaxing and refreshing climate make Kalaw ideal for a morning stroll on foot to discover the most important sites for local residents and visitors.

Start with a visit to Hnee Pagoda in the south west of the town, a 500 year old pagoda home to a bamboo Buddha statue. From there it is a leisurely 40 minute walk to the centre of Kalaw. As with many towns in Myanmar the market lies at the heart of Kalaw and is a hub of activity in the morning when villagers from the surrounding hills come to sell their wares. This will be the next stop of the tour where Shan souvenirs and local snacks recommended by the guide are available. During the walk to the market there are several reminders of the British colonial period, especially the architecture.

After the shopping and snacking, whet the appetite for lunch with a walk up to Thein Taung Pagoda and Monastery, just north of the market. The steep walk up the stairs offers great views of Kalaw and the surrounding hills. The monastery at the top of the hill is very peaceful and a beautiful place to relax, or interact with friendly monks. Rest for a short while before descending for a well-deserved lunch break.

Lunch at midday at a local restaurant where delicious Burmese or Nepali food (depending on client’s preferences) is served in a clean, comfortable environment.

After lunch take a short walk to Kalaw train station for the 13:30 departure to Shwe Nyaung, near Inle Lake. Luggage from the hotel will be waiting at the station entrance along with car and driver from the hotel. Once both luggage and passengers are safely on board it is time to say farewell to the local guide and begin the 50km (3.5 hours) adventure through the countryside. Myanmar has the longest rail network in Southeast Asia and the train is a fascinating way to travel from Kalaw to Inle Lake because the gentle pace allows time to really appreciate the scenery. The open windows in the upper class carriage provide the best in natural air conditioning and the train gives you an interesting insight into the lives of local people in the Shan hills. There are a few stops along the way to stretch the legs and buy a drink or snacks.

The rail adventure will end at 17:00 at Shwe Nyaung station where a new guide and driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel for the night in Nyaung Shwe town (30 mins by car) or on the shores of Inle Lake (up to 1 hour by car). (L)

Note:

- Arrival at Inle Lake is after dark so transfers only possible to hotels with road access because boats will not be available.

- Surcharges will be applied for transfers to the hotels on the shores of Inle Lake.

Inclusions:

🥘 Lunch

Notes:

- Arrival at Inle Lake is after dark so transfers only possible to hotels with road access because boats will not be available.
- Surcharges will be applied for transfers to the hotels on the shores of Inle Lake.

Time: 08:00 -18:00

Socially Responsible Travel: The local guide for the walking tour is from the town of Kalaw itself.

Environmentally Responsible Travel: Most travellers journey between Kalaw and Inle Lake by private car. Travelling by local train reduces the environmental impact.