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Capital of Kayah State, Myanmar
Photo: Mrenglishben, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Loikaw is the capital of the Kayah state (population 140,670 as of 2013) in Eastern Myanmar close to the Thai border.
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Impressively built on a big rock with many smaller pagodas sticking out. Requires climbing several flights of stairs around the rock to reach the top. At night the temple is lit like a fairground with twinkling lights. Also a good place to weather watch or star gaze on darker platforms. Alternatively, go during dusk or dawn to watch the sunset or sunrise.
Tranquil lake in the middle of the city with a wooden bridge crossing it. Popular with local young adults as a hangout spot. Have a picnic here if the mood strikes you.
Over 400 artifacts and objects representing the various cultures and ethnic groups of Kayah State are displayed here.
A dam by the town of Demoso, which forms a mirror like lake. A picturesque spot to take pictures with the background fields and hills. The dam regulates the irrigation of surrounding fields
Htee Pwint Lake
Small pond by Demoso with mud that occasionally rise up in several places forming a mound that looks like an umbrella - likely from gas formation within the pond. Said to be lucky if you see one of these umbrellas bubbling up.
Staircase type waterfalls with a pontoon bridge crossing the water straddling Kayah and Shan states. A popular place for a dip with many people from the surrounding area visiting.
Seven Stages Lake
A series of lakes where it was said was formed by 7 mythological creatures who landed in the area. With a backdrop of surrounding hills, it's a scenic location.
Ya Sa Ku
A limestone cave with mysterious ancient wooden coffins inside ranging in sizes. Some coffins are located in hard to reach nooks within the cave. It was said that ancestors of the local population were interred in these coffins inside the cave. There are no visible skeletons or bones. There is a small monastery outside the cave. Within the cave is pitch black without lights (2017), so carry a flashlight or other light source.
Ask around which villages are good for visiting or organise a local transport/tour to go around (5,000-10,000 kyat). You will have to decide about the ethics of this form of tourism. Try to find a tour that benefits the local community.
50 m down, women can be seen sitting weaving with goods for sale. 500 m further on, there are a few wooden houses with Kayan. Older people don't understand Burmese, so an interpreter is suggested if you really want to interact.
Popular restaurant known for its Hin Htote (rice flour and meat steamed in a banana leaf), a specialty of the region. Eat it with chili sauce. Busy with both people eating in and buying hin htote for takeout.
Shop selling Shan noodles, which are rice noodles topped with a mix of spices, peanuts, and chilis. Busy during the breakfast-lunch hours.
Restaurant with a patio overlooking the Balu Chaung River. Serves traditional Burmese foods such as Burmese curries. Food available pre-made and made to order.
Motel with 12 non-smoking rooms (double, twin & family), all featuring AC, TV with satellite channels, private bathroom. Family run business. Breakfast included served from 06:30 to 09:00 on the rooftop. Free wifi accessible from all areas. Free parking. Free bicycle to borrow. Motorbikes can be rented. Guide & transportation can be organized from here. Payment by cash or Visa/Mastercard.
Basic and not recommended if you are a light sleeper. Single and double rooms available with shared facilities, popular with locals so advanced booking is suggested. Speak English slowly and clearly.
Basic accommodation with two different types of rooms. Basic breakfast included.
Local roadside market selling a variety of foods and goods. People travel from the surrounding region to buy and sell here. Go in the morning.
Large outdoor market with covered stalls. Many different items sold here including a range of grocery stalls, eateries, souvenir and general goods shops. Pharmacy and electronic stalls are also present.
Large outdoor local market in Demoso. People come here from the surrounding region to buy and sell. Large selection of foods and goods. If you're up for it, try the moonshine from the people selling liquid from what appear to be gas cans. You will see people offering you a liquid in small cups to taste before buying.
Most of the town can be covered on foot. Surrounding temples and villages are easy by bicycle if you are comfortable with traffic on busy roads. Alternatively, a tuktuk or taxi can be hired.
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Loikaw · Regional · LIW
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