Overview

Taunggyi is the capital of Shan State and home to a vast variety of traditional ethnic communities. 

Taunggyi in Myanmar – Land of Secret in the Shan State
Overlooking Taunggyi (Shan State)

Numerous popular tourist attractions, including historical, cultural, and natural attractions, are located in the area.

A busy market in the city is home to a significant community of Pa-O, who can be easily identified by the vibrant towels that the women wear on their heads. Additionally, a selection of delectable native Shan cuisines and beverages are available nearby.

Pa-O, or Pao, Shan State, Inle Lake, Myanmar
Pa-O, or Pao, Shan State, Inle Lake (Myanmar)

Due to the ethnic diversity here, Taunggyi is home to many religious buildings, such as Chinese Buddhist monastery and Catholic cathedral.

Besides, you might participate in many interesting holidays here, which help you learn more about the culture and traditions of the locals.

If you are going to explore this place, Asia Private Travels will support you for the best experience. Don’t hesitate anymore, a peaceful Taunggyi is waiting for you!

What to do and what to see

To have the best Myanmar tour, you should know about interesting activities you may enjoy during the trip.

Enjoying the landscape is one of the must-do activities you have to list in your plan. The Floating Garden should be mentioned when you visit Taunggyi. Floating Gardens is located on Inle Lake, one of Myanmar's largest bodies of water. The farmers cultivate their crops on top of the lake, which is what makes this lake unique. Farmers often harvest crops such as beans and cucumbers, depending on the seasons. You should travel there to see how the farmers plant their crops in the floating gardens since it is a magnificent sight.

Floating gardens
Green Floating Gardens -  Inle Lake

In Taunggyi, the Maing Thouk Wooden Bridge is another popular tourist destination. It is located near Inle Lake, which is also the location of the floating gardens. You may go for a boat ride on the lake or take a stroll along the bridge in the evening to see the sunset. There are also restaurants around that can serve you some fresh seafood if you're hungry.

Wooden pillar bridge of Mine Thauk village is connection between land part and restaurant on the water.
Wooden pillar bridge of Mine Thauk village 

One of the must-visit locations in Myanmar is Inle Lake. The second-largest lake in Myanmar is called Inle Lake, and it is situated right in the middle of the nation. Mountains encircle the lake on all sides, providing a stunning natural view. You may observe some of the rarest species in this area, which is home to a variety of animals and plants. Several ethnic communities of Myanmar that have well-preserved customs and cultures live around the lake.  You'll get the chance to meet the people and learn about some of their customary farming, fishing, cooking, and handicraft-making practices when you go there. The inhabitants are welcoming and eager to interact with visitors. When you talk with them, you'll realize how kind they are.

Inle Lake - the Lake of Life - Fishingman
Inle Lake - the Lake of Life

When you take a Myanmar tour, you should spend time visiting religious buildings. If you're in the area, St. Joseph's Cathedral is absolutely worth a visit, regardless of your religious affiliation. Despite having a long history dating back to 1873, this church was completely reconstructed in 1975. In regular, the church is closed to the general public, but if you'd like, you can talk with the priest and ask to see the inside.

St. Joseph's Cathedral, Taunggyi
St. Joseph's Cathedral, Taunggyi

In addition, Kakku is another wonderful location that you ought to see while you are here. The Pa-O people's main place of worship is the pagoda complex at Kakku, which has hundreds of densely clustered stupas with tinkling bells on top, creating an appealing atmosphere. Unfortunately, many of the structures have experienced reckless restorations using concrete rather than the more typical brickwork, but the environment is still stunning.

Exploring the Spectacular Kakku Pagodas Complex
Kakku Pagodas (Taunggyi)

Behind the pagodas to the east is a magnificent rural view with the Shan hills going out into the horizon and a small river where you may swim. When you discover this area, taking part in the Fire Balloon Festival must be an unforgettable memory. The Taunggyi Fire Balloon Festival, one of Myanmar's most well-known annual events, lasts for several days around the Full Moon of Tazaungmon, a national festival that signifies the end of the rainy season (early November). The celebration includes competitions for style and height achieved, as well as fireworks and a stunning array of diverse balloon designs. Large animal-shaped balloons are used for family entertainment during the day, and events continue into the evening and into the night. In the early morning of the following day, the enormous balloons that are laden with a massive number of fireworks will be launched. The cost of accommodations increases significantly during the festival, and transportation to Taunggyi should be reserved well in advance. You won't have to worry about this issue thanks to Asia Private Travels, and you can participate in this fascinating celebration with convenience.

The Magnificent Taunggyi Fire Balloon Festival
Taunggyi hot air balloon festival: a different kind of Myanmar

Exploring the market is also an interesting activity if you want to learn more about local life. Taunggyi features an amazing five-day market called Myoma Market. The market is where locals gathered to buy and sell their own goods (traditional dishes and different kinds of fresh vegetables) just once every five days. It is now the busiest area in Taunggyi. The market currently opens every day and is crowded with visitors. Looking around the market, you will see that many national races live in Taunggyi. In spite of rapid urbanization, market day is still significant in rural areas.

Myoma Night Market
Myoma Night Market

What to eat and what to drink

You might concern about the cuisine in Myanmar and what you could try in your Myanmar travel tour, let’s find out more about this issue.

The Shan state of Myanmar has its own special cuisine that has been developed over a century using regional ingredients.

One of the most well-liked foods in Myanmar is shan noodles, which is quite simple to find in any restaurant or tea shop. With sautéed tomato and peanuts as a topping, shan noodles are often served as either a soup or a salad. While round rice noodles are used in the salad, flat rice noodles are used in the soup. Noodles with shredded chicken or vegetarian options are available.

Shan Noodles - One of the Best Burmese Cuisine - Myanmar Tours
Shan Noodles - One of the Best Burmese Cuisine - Myanmar Tours

Shan Yellow Rice Cake with Tomato Sauce: This dish is created with steamed Shan sticky rice and turmeric. It is often served as a round cake with a topping of fried garlic and sautéed tomato on top.

Shan state cuisine is often made with thin, flat rice noodles topped with garlic oil and roasted dry chiles and served with chicken or pork. Vegetable pickles are offered as a side with them.

Besides, Chickpea tofu soup and Shan fish rice are also worth sampling.

When to visit

Time to visit is one of the most important Myanmar travel information when you make a plan to visit this country. Let’s spend time grasping about weather patterns in Taunggyi.

The dry season, which lasts from December to March, offers long sun hours and bright skies, making this the ideal time to explore Taunggyi.

The ideal time to visit Taunggyi is from December to March
The ideal time to visit Taunggyi is from December to March  

April is the warmest month in Taunggyi, and the rainy season lasts through November. 

If you're visiting Taunggyi in the summer, be prepared for rain and wetness.

Tours

If you are looking for a Myanmar travel website and Myanmar travel agency, Asia Private Travels is a great choice for you to have the best Myanmar tour. Besides, you should consider some Myanmar travel information for a well-prepared trip. Let’s take a look at some tours you can take in Taunggyi.

Taunggyi full-day tour: Taunggyi is a beautiful place which includes many natural landscapes and religious buildings. You might immerse yourself in the tranquil scenery here. Moreover, you could interact with local people and learn more about their daily life. It would be an amazing Myanmar tour, don’t hesitate anymore.  

Taunggyi bike tour: A great way to explore a beautiful Taunggyi is by bike. You might have a chance to get the peaceful landscape while riding a bike on the tranquil roads. You might catch many stunning scenery on the way, don’t forget to take many pictures to save the best moments. 

Inle Lake tour: When you travel to Taunggyi, Inle Lake is s must-go place for you. This is a beautiful place for you to explore. You could learn more about the daily life of the locals here. Moreover, enjoying the sunset on Inle Lake will be one of the most interesting activities you have. The sunset in Inle Lake is really romantic; you will never forget this great experience!

See the sunrise on Inle Lake
 See the sunrise on Inle Lake

Kakku Pagodas full-day tour: When visiting Myanmar, tourists shouldn’t miss exploring pagodas because Myanmar is always famous for its pagodas. The Kakku Pagoda is a series of pagodas in the hills of the Pa-Oh region. It contains over 2,000 stupas with origins dating back many centuries. Most stupas are of similar shape and size, and are found in long rows closely put together in a square field. They are so special to discover!

Trekking Kalaw to Inle Lake: This is a great chance for anyone who loves trekking. You might walk through the quiet mountains, past small indigenous villages, and surrounded by stunning scenery. On the way, don’t forget to interact with local people because they are really friendly and they are willing to share with you about the culture and traditions here. It must be an unforgettable experience you have during a Myanmar tour. 

Trekking from Kalaw to Inle Lake
Trekking from Kalaw to Inle Lake

Hope that you already have enough information about Taunggyi. If you still have any questions about Myanmar travel, contact Asia Private Travels for the best support. 

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