Floating villages and a distinctive rowing style

Shan State is known for floating villages where people row boats using only one leg. This unusual rowing style puts a specific movement at the center: it is not just the boat, but the way of rowing that shapes the cultural image. For travelers interested in local culture, this is a striking feature alongside the landscape and festival themes.

Shan State is mountainous, and the Thanlwin River flows through it. Visitors can hike and trek in the hills and mountains. This creates a clear connection between landscape and activity for nature enthusiasts: the mountain ranges provide a setting for outdoor pursuits, while the river adds a second perspective to the geographical picture.

A festival held in March

The Pa-O people celebrate the harvest festival in March at the Kekku Ancient Pagoda Complex near Taunggyi in southern Shan State. Its specific location and month make the festival a distinct seasonal occasion. As the festival dates and access may vary, check the latest dates and access conditions before visiting.

The floating villages also differ in their timing: there, the rowing style shapes the cultural motif, while the harvest festival offers an occasion associated with March. Thus, a cultural detail and a seasonal occasion appeal to different interests.

Hiking, trekking and cave destinations

Taunggyi and Kalaw are listed as destinations for cave exploration. The main difference from hiking and trekking is one of scale: those activities relate to the hills and mountains of Shan State, while cave-related experiences are associated with two specific places. When choosing a theme, you can therefore focus on the broader landscape and outdoor activities, or on named cave destinations.

Myanmar in the wider travel picture

In the wider travel picture of Myanmar, Inlay Lake offers a distinct natural feature: according to reports, the freshwater lake is the country’s second-largest inland lake. According to UNESCO, Inlay Lake’s wetland ecosystem is home to 267 bird species, including 82 wetland bird species, as well as 43 freshwater fish species, otters and turtles.

The 82 wetland bird species are part of the 267 bird species; the 43 freshwater fish species form a separate group. Together with otters and turtles, they present a picture of different animal groups within the same ecosystem. The size comparison and species counts answer different questions: the comparison places the lake in a national context, while the animal groups describe its wetland ecosystem.

In the Inlay Lake region, Intha farmers practice floating island cultivation, locally called “Yechan,” a form of hydroponic farming. The local name refers to the practice, while “hydroponic” classifies it as a type of cultivation. The lake describes the ecological setting, while Yechan is a form of agriculture; together, they add different perspectives to the wider picture of Myanmar.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Taunggyi, Kalaw, Hsipaw, Lashio, Aungpan, Kyawkku, Keng Tung, Tachileik, Taunggyi, Pindaya, Kyaukme, Pang Hseng, Pekon.

For the broader travel overview: Myanmar.