When Traveling Is Caring ❤️
လွိုင်ကော်Kayah State, Eastern Myanmar
The small capital of Kayah State, with a hilltop pagoda and nearby Kayan and Kayah villages. Here is what to know, including how to visit villages respectfully.
Loikaw is the small capital of Kayah State, in the hills south of Inle Lake. Its best-known landmark is Taung Kwe Pagoda, a cluster of white and gold shrines built on top of jagged limestone outcrops, with views across the town. Around it are villages of Kayah, Kayan and other communities with distinct traditions.
Some Kayan women wear brass coils around their necks, a tradition that draws visitors. The respectful way to visit is through a community-run programme with a local guide from the village, where fees go to the community and visitors learn about daily life rather than just taking photographs. Access to Kayah State has been badly affected by conflict, so plans here depend entirely on the current situation.
Any visit here is private and tailor-made, planned only when our local team considers it safe, with ethical, community-run village visits.
We tailor every trip. Want more time in Loikaw, a different pace or a mix of places? Design my trip →
The experiences our travellers enjoy most, in order of what we would not miss.
White and gold shrines on sharp limestone peaks in the middle of town, reached by stairways. Go at sunset for the view.
Visit with a guide from the village to learn about daily life, weaving and traditions. Ask before every photo and follow your guide's lead.
Traditional villages with their own distinct dress, totem poles and customs, best visited with a local guide.
Gentle walks through farmland and hills around the villages, with simple meals cooked by local families.
Plan your private, tailor-made Myanmar trip for 2027 now and get $100 off. Tell us your travel dream and we will design it with you.
Customise My TripHistorically, visitors drove south from Inle Lake or took a limited flight from Yangon. Routes and access in Kayah State have changed greatly, so we confirm the current situation before any planning.
Places that pair well with Loikaw, with approximate travel times.
November to February is the best time, dry with cool mornings and pleasant days. March to May is warm, and the monsoon from June to October makes rural roads and paths muddy.
A general guide. Weather varies from year to year, and we plan each route around the season.
Quick answers from our local team. Anything else, just ask your travel specialist.
Ask us on WhatsAppIt can be, if done thoughtfully. Choose community-run visits with a guide from the village, where fees support the community and you learn about daily life. Avoid places that display women for photographs, and always ask before taking pictures.
It depends on the current situation. Kayah State has been seriously affected by conflict, and access has often not been possible. We check carefully and will tell you honestly whether a visit is sensible.
Historically by road from Inle Lake in about 4 to 5 hours, or by a limited flight from Yangon. Both depend on the current situation, so we confirm options before planning.
Travel advice for Myanmar changes often, and many governments advise against travel to some or all of the country. Check your government's latest advice and your travel insurance before planning. We only suggest routes our local team considers safe at the time, and we will tell you plainly if a place is not a good idea right now.
Tell us what you have in mind and a local travel specialist will design a private itinerary around you. Free, with no obligation.
Three quick questions and we will match you with the right journeys.
