An old colonial hospital in Loimwe (still used to this day)
Once the capital of the infamous Golden Triangle, Kyaingtong can be found in the far eastern reaches of Shan State, close to the borders of China, Laos and Thailand. Now considered one of most remote destinations accessible to tourists, the town exists today as a cultural melting pot, home to various tribes such as the Wa, Shan, Akha and Lahu. Although pleasant, the town itself has relatively little to offer tourists, with the main attractions being the morning market, One Tree Hill (a ginormous 250-year old tree) and several picturesque lakes. In order to truly appreciate the region’s diversity, a short journey into one of the surrounding villages is a must. Here you will find an abundance of culture and breathtaking trekking routes, many of which lead through beautifully terraced landscape and deep into the heart of the region’s tribal wilds. One of the most popular terminates in Loimwe, the former location of the headquarters of the British District Commissioner in colonial Burma.
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