Loikaw is the capital of the Kayan state (pop. 140,670 as of 2013) in Eastern Myanmar close to the Thai border.
The region is known for the Kayan people, especially the Kayan Lahwi / Padaung (women) with their golden brass neck coils that seem to stretch their neck (but actually cause a lower shoulder).
- Kayan people village(s). Ask around which village(s) are good for visiting or organise a local transport/tour to go around (5,000-10,000 kyat).
- Taung Kwe Pagoda. Impressively build on a big rock with many smaller pagodas sticking out. 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. Free but camera fee of 300/500 kyat (photo) or 1,000 kyat (video).
- Sunboon village. 50m 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.
- Ngwe Daung Dam.
Kayan people village(s). Ask around which village(s) are good for visiting or organise a local transport/tour to go around (5,000-10,000 kyat).
Taung Kwe Pagoda. Impressively build on a big rock with many smaller pagodas sticking out. 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. Free but camera fee of 300/500 kyat (photo) or 1,000 kyat (video).
Sunboon village. 50m 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.
Ngwe Daung Dam.
- Take a walk around the local market in the morning and spot different tribes selling their goods.
- Cross the old wooden footbridge without tripping.
- Walk around the lake, see the sunset in the evening.
- Rent a bicycle or motorbike at Loikaw Souvenirs (No(1), Kandayawadi Street across the street of Mingalar Hotel.). Victoria, the owner of the shop is very kind and would be very happy to help you. She also organizes tours to go around Loikaw and villages.
Many local foods and products at the market.
Since it's Myanmar and a small town don't expect much open after 21:30 or before 08:00. Cheap noodles 500K at a small shop just north from the wooden bridge on Highway 5. Usual tea houses with fried food freshest early in the morning. Small market with food stalls north of Shwe Thaung Monastery. Dumpling stuffed with tofu and spring onions, 1,200K good for two.
There are numerous tea shops selling fried dough snacks. No notable bars or restaurants.
To Yangon goes via Kalaw to Aung Mingalar station in Yangon. Cost 12800K (October 2015) departs 12:00 and 15:00. The route can be popular so best book in advance. The 15:00 bus arrived at 07:00 in Yangon to Nyuengshwe leaves very early in the morning.
To Kalaw and Shwenyaung (Inle Lake) you can take a train on the branch line. You can continue down the hills to Thazi, which is on the main railway line between Yangon and Mandalay.
The ferry to Nyuengshwe departs from Pekon around 9am.