Kalaw Township
A cool, British-era hill town on the Shan Plateau and the starting point for multi-day treks to Inle Lake.
Kalaw Township lies in western Shan State, Myanmar, at an elevation of about 1,300 m (4,300 ft). It was a hill-station retreat during the British colonial era, and colonial-style buildings and pine woods can still be seen in town. Trekking is the main draw: with a guide, you can walk through terraced fields, tea plantations and Pa-O and Danu villages, reaching Inle Lake in two to three days. The town's market also has plenty of local character. The weather is clear and cool from October to March, which is the best time to trek. The nearest airport is Heho Airport, and you can also arrive by long-distance bus or train from Mandalay or Yangon.