Northern Shan State by Train

This tour starts in Mandalay. We will take a scenic two-hour drive to Pyin Oo Lwin (Maymyo), the former British hill station of Myanmar. It was a summer retreat during British rule, its altitude of 1,070m and relatively cool climate allowing the British ruling class to escape the fearsome heat of Mandalay and lower Myanmar. It features many examples of colonial architecture including brick and timber houses, transport in traditional stagecoaches and a beautiful botanical garden. Pyin Oo Lwin also called city flowers, you would see many type of flowers which blooms here all year around. Pyin Oo Lwin is home to many ethnic tribes as well as a considerable numbers of ethnic Nepalese and Indians who migrated here during the British occupation.

Upon arrival Pyin Oo Lwin, we will take a visit to Church of the Immaculate Conception. This 100 years old brick church is one of the oldest church building in Pyin Oo Lwin. Then we visit Candacraig Hotel, an unspoiled example of British colonial architecture in Asia. It was originally, British Club of Maymyo (now Pyin Oo Lwin) built in 1904. This beautiful and atmospheric colonial relic in peaceful grounds is also used as a filming location by local film maker. After that, we will stop at Botanical Gardens (National Kandawgyi Gardens) - 177 hectares of leafy gardens home to a diverse mix of botanical species from around the world. In 1915, a Forest Researcher Mr. Alex Rogers founded the Botanical Garden. He planned, chose, located, and established it as an international garden. After leisurely stroll around the gardens, explore the Colonial town centre by horse-drawn wagons for a time travel.

Overnight in Pyin Oo Lwin hotel.

After the breakfast at your hotel, you will be transferred to Pyin Oo Lwin train station for a 7-hour locomotive scenic journey to Hsipaw to Hsipaw via the Gokteik Viaduct, is the highest bridge in Myanmar. Located in the center of the country about 60 miles (100 kms) northeast of the largest city of Mandalay, the rail line was constructed as a way for the British Empire to expand their influence in the region. The train pass between beautiful Shan Mountains, rice fields, flowerbeds, strawberry farms and small villages, you can enjoy watching farmers working on their farmyard.

Upon arrival at Nawngpeng Station, meet with your driver then take a short transfer to Hsipaw by car. Hsipaw, or Thibaw, a pleasant small town on the banks of the Dokhtawady River. It was an ancient capital of the Shan state. It is a great place for taking leisurely strolls on foot while exploring local culture to see Myanmar in a different way! Overnight in Hsipaw hotel.

This morning, our Asia Senses will come to pick up then transfer you to to the trekking point which is located at outskirt of Hsipaw (northern part) by tuk tuk. The ride will take about 20 minutes. Upon arrival at starting point, we will start our full day trek to villages of Palaung and Lisu people. The trek takes us through the most unique and remote villages and panoramic landscapes, lush green hills, perfectly tilled farm plots of all manner of vegetables, lots of sunflowers, farmers working their land with buffaloes, perfectly manicured rice paddies. Along the way you will have to chance to explore tea plantations, which is the main career and income of Lisu and Palaung people. Lunch will be served at a local house and then we continue the trek to a village of Lisu people. Our guide will give you a wealth of information on the indigenous populations of the area, their agricultural habits and other interesting tidbits of knowledge. You will meet with friendly farmers who are working hard with buffaloes on their terraced rice paddies.

After trekking for a little over eight miles we arrived in village, head straight for our homestay to drop our bags off and meet our friendly host. With the help of our guide, you will be able to learn more about their culture and tradition. Enjoy dinner prepared by villagers: Lahpet pickled tea salad, Shan chickpea tofu, stir-fried vegetables, with rice.

Today, we will walk up to the hills and pass through beautiful mountain ranges to reach a village of Palaung people. Along the way, you will visit monastery and will have an opportunity to learn about the life of the local monks. We also meet friendly tribal people from different ethnic groups who are working on their fields. Our guide will tell you stories, lives and traditional custom of Palaung.

Upon arrival village, we will visit one of the local house and learn the interesting process of making wet tea, dry tea and sweet tea powder from the fresh green tea. Your lunch will be prepared by villagers, with traditional dishes of Palaung people such as leaf soup, beef curry, fern leaf stew… After having lunch and a short break it's time to say “good bye” and walk back to our starting point. Then you will be transferred back to hotel by tuk tuk. Have your dinner. Overnight at hotel in Hsipaw.

Wake up early and take a short visit to morning market which is one of the most attracting sights for a morning walk in Hsipaw. This is where all the nearby villages would come to buy and sell produce such as potato, tomato, beef, pork, chicken and other products. It is also a good chance to explore the local daily life. After that, we visit Shan Palace to learn more about the town and its history. The Palace is still well preserved. It was built in 1924 for Sao Kya Seng who was the last Saopha of Shan state. On the way to palace, we will wander around town, enjoy some sightseeing of this peaceful town and beautiful Dokhtawaddy River. Then, take a visit to Bamboo Buddha Monastery which hosted a 150 year old Buddha statue made entirely out of bamboo and covered my many layers of gold.

We also take a look a Nat shrine and Hsipaw Little Bagan, ancient brick stupas, some overwhelmed by vegetation in vaguely Angkorian style. It is located at the Northern suburb where is photogenic for your memory. For sweeping views across Hsipaw and Dokhtawady River, we will to Thein Daung Pagoda, also known as Nine Buddha Hill or Sunset Hill. Enjoy dawns in Hsipaw with the panoramic view of the tranquil valley below and the peaceful river. Stay overnight in Hsipaw hotel.

Free at leisure at hotel, check out from your hotel then be transferred back to Mandalay via the beautiful scenic roads. Upon arrival, your guide and driver will transfer you to the airport for your onward flight or destination.