This Kalaw itinerary will give you an understanding of what to see, and do in off the beaten track Kalaw, Myanmar. Please note, this is not a “top ten” guide but my experience to show you how you can also enjoy Kalaw.
Guide to off the beaten track Kalaw, Myanmar
Contents
- Guide to off the beaten track Kalaw, Myanmar
- 1. See the Aung Chan Tha Zedi
- 2. Visit the Myoma Monastery
- 3. Check out Kalaw Heritage Hotel
- 4. Participate in the community tour at The Hotel – Kalaw Hill Lodge
- 5. Walk around Kalaw
- 6. Lunch at the Sprouting Seeds Cafe and Bakery
- 7. Play Golf at Aye Thar Yar Golf
- 8. Have a massage and spa
- 9. Dinner at the Everest Restaurant
- What I used to take these photos:
- Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II Digital Camera
- Accessories For Canon GX7 Mark ||
- GoPro HERO4 Silver
- Accessories For Go Pro Hero 4
- SanDisk 64 GB Memory Cards
- All-in-One Memory Card Reader
1. See the Aung Chan Tha Zedi
This pagoda was at the heart of Kalaw. It was just before dinner (more info below) when I went to see it and its shiny exterior made up of thousands of pieces of mirrored glass. The next day, I saw it again but thought it looked better at night.
2. Visit the Myoma Monastery
How extra is that exterior of the monastery? love it! It was also right in town beside the market. (couldn’t check out the market as it was shut when I arrived, think after 5 pm). PS: be patient when google maps need few tries to find this spot.
3. Check out Kalaw Heritage Hotel
While traveling I like to check out a different range of hotels and this was definitely one of the best in Kalaw. I’m not surprised why this heritage hotel has become a landmark in Kalaw. They also offer wineries tour, cultural sites, market tours, birds safari, and hikes.
4. Participate in the community tour at The Hotel – Kalaw Hill Lodge
Now, this is the place to check out if you like to get down and dirty and have a lot of fun. You can experience guided community walks, exploring community homes, milk a cow, feed the chickens and goats, hikes and treks. You can get personal and up close to the local life without comprising on the comfort and luxury. You can read the full review here.
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5. Walk around Kalaw
I believe walking is one of the best ways to get to know the new place. So I had to include walking around in this Kalaw itinerary.
Walks around the local Kalaw area were lovely and quite different than any other Burmese town that I visited. The streets were very clean and there were flowers and vegetables growing in abundance in people’s gardens and walkways. I walked all around town, passed the church, monastery, mosque and to the historic train station. Love the look of pine trees scene too.
6. Lunch at the Sprouting Seeds Cafe and Bakery
I believe all paths lead to food. Traveling to remote places isn’t always easy but when you find the best organic breakfast in 3 days, I am all smiles. I also love the idea of this bakery. They are helping the community by training the local Kalaw youth and giving them jobs. Perhaps you would be able to check out their recent addition to the cafe and bakery – eco shop and yoga classes.
7. Play Golf at Aye Thar Yar Golf
I was surprised to find the British sport was very much alive in Kalaw. There is 6 famous golf course in Myanmar, out of which 4 are located in Yangon, 1 is in Bagan and last one, 18 hole golf course about an hour and a half drive away from Kalaw. Near Taunggyi, the capital of Shan state. You can hire cubs and balls. Great way to spend a novelty afternoon in Kalaw surrounded by stunning mountains and valleys.
8. Have a massage and spa
After all the walking around, the spa and wellness center is what I was after. There are a handful of choices in Kalaw but I chose the spa and wellness center in the hotel- Kalaw hill lodge. They offer Swedish massage, oil, Ayurvedic massage, Burmese massage, body and foot scrubs, facials, manicures, and pedicures. The prices were reasonable and I couldn’t be happier getting pampered in the middle of the mountain setting.
9. Dinner at the Everest Restaurant
If you know me, you know I love some MOMO which is a Nepali dumpling dish. But was slightly disappointed to know it had to be pre-order 24 hours in advance. So, I ordered the rice with mutton curry. To my surprise, it came with all the side dishes and they would refill it without extra charge. Happy to report the food was amazing and the staffs were polite and friendly.
I hope this Kalaw itinerary gave you an idea of what to see and do in Kalaw, Myanmar.
What I used to take these photos:
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II Digital Camera
This has been my favorite Camera so far. I love how my pictures come out crisp and colorful. It also has a screen which is useful when vblogging. You can check out what I meant on my Instagram which is here.
Accessories For Canon GX7 Mark ||
Check it out here
GoPro HERO4 Silver
This is the good old Go pro that I take with me everywhere. I recommend it because it is small, lightweight and waterproof. I have had made many memories with this trusted item and looking forward to more.
Accessories For Go Pro Hero 4
Check it out here
SanDisk 64 GB Memory Cards
I have been using SanDisk since my first camera which was back in 2009. They build quality memory cards. I recommend getting at least two, just in case something happens to one of them.
All-in-One Memory Card Reader
Do you think it’s a hassle of plugging your camera into your computer? This memory card reader will fit cards of all sizes and make an easy transfer to your computer. The reader supports all popular SD memory card formats, including SD™/SDHC™/SDXC™ memory cards, UHS-I SDHC/SDXC memory cards, and microSDHC™/microSDXC™ memory cards. It is also compatible with the latest UDMA 7-enabled CompactFlash cards.
Let me know in the comments if –
- you have any questions about this Kalaw itinerary.
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The massage and spa looks right up my street. It looks like you had such a great time exploring all this place has to offer!
Wow I love the gorgeous buildings. I think I would definitely check out the food though, trying something new in a new country is always a good idea!
-Jackie
My goodness! I never realized that Myanmar is so beautiful! Now, I am including it in my bucket list. At last, it’s near to my country, the Philippines.
Myanmar is beautiful my friends say. I would love to be there.. I right now don’t have plans to be there or visit there because there’s already too much on my plate (perks of being workaholic) but may be someday.. I loved the pics hun must say they are wow.
This place is the perfect balance of picturesque and busy. I love it. Your shots are amazing! I love the mirrored glass at night. Although the colour stands out better diring the day.
Your pictures are amazing. I’ve been planning to buy the Canon GX7 Mark II! After seeing your pics, I am now more eager to buy one. Among the things you mentioned, I think I’d go for the massage and spa in Myanmar
Your Instagram brought me here and am glad I found you. So inspiring even though you come from Nepal!! Kee going
you are so humble ! it is a really good guide… and the photos are wonderful!
This is a very good guide to Kalaw in Myanmar. We have been to the country, for a brief visit when we were backpacking North East India. That was a visa-free entry as one of the most popular places of a visit from and for Mizoram is Rih Dil lake which is in current day Myanmar as in the past the geographical lines were not like today. We fell in love with food, drinks, surroundings and people and all these have been so beautifully reflected in your pictures! We have to go back slow travelling there. Added Kalaw on the list!
OK! So before I stated reading your post, I was totally lost in your pictures! Beautiful photography and you have captured the essence of this place so beautifully. That Aung Chan Tha Zedi architecture is just breathtaking!
The Kalaw Heritage Hotel is beautiful. The accommodations look relaxing and the scenery is breathtaking. Your photos do a great job of really capturing the essence of Myanmar.
Amazing scenery and you had some really beautiful shots capturing Myanmar.
Myanmar looks amazing! I have never been but you have added a place on my bucket list! The myoma monastery looks exquisite! The architecture is breathtaking and your photography brings to life the rich and extraordinary culture on offer!
Thank you very much.. for taking me along with you! It’s like i’ve seen it with my own two eyes! Your visuals are awesome!!! And the way you described everything is very detailed. Now i am doubly excited to see it in person.
your photos are stunning! you really capture the beauty of each spot you visited… Now, I want to go there ; )
Great guide!
Very nice guide to some of Kalaw’s best spots, and gorgeous photos! <3
I miss the spas of South East Asia. When I was in Myanmar a few years ago I had a number of memorable spa treatments when I was in Rangoon. I didn’t make it to Kalaw, but if I ever visit again it will be on my list.
I haven’t been to Myanmar, but it looks a lot like Thailand from what I see in your post. Jealous of the food you’re eating!
Love all of the pictures, the buildings are amazing. We just added Myanmar to our bucket list.
Your pictorial post, a guide to off the beaten track in Kalaw Myanmar, is indeed useful for any traveller planning for that part to visit.
I have never been in this Myanmar but it looks like a nice place to visit and it is a great experience exploring their beautiful view and spots. I will definitely add this into my bucket list and once I go here I will try to taste their local foods.
Wow, such a detailed post that would be so helpful to plan a great trip to Myanmar. Loving the pictures so much.
I have never heard of Myanmar before but it looks like a really nice place to visit. The pictures are lovely and the food looks good.
I only rarely hear or read about Myanmar and that’s such a pity because it is a fabulous country! Your pictures are so good, really beautiful and your food pictures made me hungry!
I love the Myoma monestry. Such a beautiful place..So glad u had a great time 🙂
Thank and welcome again from from homeland. Kalaw is like a paredise. You guys all should not miss the chance to see it.❤