Hill Tribes of Myanmar’s Shan State
The mountains in Shan State in the far east of Myanmar, near the borders with China, Laos, and Thailand, is home to several hill tribes including the Wa, Wa Ann, Palaung (Ta’ang), Akhu, Akha, Lisu, Lahu, Loi, Ann, and the Pa O.
Base yourself in the pretty town called Kyaingtong (also referred to as Kengtung or Keng Tung), and from here take day trips in almost all directions. The hikes are challenging but not difficult. Spending time with these hill tribes is such a special experience.
While Kyaingtong has much to offer and can easily keep you occupied for a few days, the main reason why foreign visitors come here is to head out of town. So grab your hat, sunscreen, walking stick, and your mandatory local guide. The guide and his driver will make sure everything goes smoothly and you will pass through a few checkpoints without any hassle. Do take along your passport.
Every night you will need to return to Kyaingtong as foreigners are currently not permitted to stay overnight in the villages, or anywhere outside of town.
It is possible to hike to various hill tribe villages in all four directions. Some of the most accessible villages are a short drive out of town followed by a short walk. These are typically the most-visited villages, though you may not come across any fellow travellers, especially in the green (low) season.
The more remote villages are further out of town and hiking can be up to three or four hours away in any one direction.
If foreigners were allowed to overnight out of town, then the more remote villages could be explored. Even so, an early start to the day with a brisk hike can take you some distance into the hills to reach some of the remote villages which hardly ever encounter foreigners.
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Globerovers Magazine December 2017
Pang Pack, a Lahu-shi village
Pan Lea village of the Ann tribe
Pang Pack, a Lahu-shi village
Pan Lea village of the Ann tribe
Hiking around Shan State
Wa Ann ladies of Man My village, east-northeast of Kyaingtong
Pigs live below the house in Wan My village
Ko Yin Lay Monastery near Wan My village
The Kabar Aye Monastery
The Akhu village of Wan Sai
The pipe-smoking ladies of Wan Sai Akhu village
Ho Kyein Htet Akha villages
Akha women in Ho Kyein Htet village
Ho Kyein Htet Akha villages
An Akha woman in Ho Kyein Htet village
An Akha woman in Ho Kyein Htet village
A typical living area with a kitchen of an Akha home.
Pang Pack, a Lahu-shi village, nestled in the mountains of Shan State
Pang Pack, a Lahu-shi village
Lahu-shi people at Pang Pack village
Lahu-shi kids at Pang Pack village
Having tea with the Lahu-shi people at Pang Pack village
Having tea with the Lahu-shi people at Pang Pack village
The friendly women of the Ann (or Eng, Enn) tribe
This large drum will be beaten while the drunken people dance to the drumbeat
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Globerovers Magazine December 2017
Globerovers Magazine acknowledges with great appreciation the sponsorship of our visit to Myanmar’s Shan State by Pro Niti Travel, based in Yangon, Myanmar. Trust these professionals to create unforgettable travel memories for you! Contact them at sales@pronititravel.com.
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