LodgeKeinnara Loikaw
Loikaw
A boutique lodge of garden bungalows — the most comfortable base for exploring Kayah's villages and hills.
The far south-east
Kayah State
Hill tribes and community tourism
Tucked into the south-eastern hills and closed to visitors until recently, Kayah is one of Myanmar’s most rewarding frontiers — and a model for community-led tourism. Its capital, Loikaw, sits among karst outcrops and seven sacred lakes.
This is the home of the Kayan, or ‘long-necked’, women of Pan Pet, whose brass coils are worn with quiet pride, and of animist villages where hunting shrines and traditional music still hold sway. Weaving centres, social enterprises and home-cooked Kayah food round out the experience.
It takes a little effort to reach, which is exactly why it remains so unspoilt.
Good to know
- Best time
- October–March; markets rotate (Demawsoe falls on Wed & Sat)
- Ideal stay
- 2 nights
- Getting there
- Fly to Loikaw from Yangon, or drive over from the Inle / Kalaw area
What to do
Highlights of Kayah State.
01
Pan Pet & the Kayan
Meet the brass-ringed Kayan women and learn the story behind the tradition.
02
Animist villages
Hta Nee La Leh, its sacred hunting shrine and traditional music performances.
03
Seven Lakes by ox-cart
A gentle sunset ride out to the sacred lakes around Loikaw.
04
Kitchens & weaving
Kayah sausage-making, the Loikaw weaving centre and local social enterprises.
Where you’ll stay
Our favourite stays in Kayah State.
LodgeJourneys that visit
See Kayah State on these routes.
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