Depart early this morning for the ever-bustling and colourful Demoso market, one of the best markets accessible to tourists in Myanmar. Taking approximately 30 minutes to reach by car, a stop here is a great way to experience the region’s rich ethnic diversity first-hand, and to appreciate the smells, sights and sounds that make up this busy place of trade.

Note: Demoso market is open on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday only.

In the event your travel date does not coincide with this, a visit to the 105-year old Kandarawaddy Haw Nan Monastery will be offered as an alternative. Built by the former Chief of Kayah (Saw Bwa Saw Ptar Du Sat Khun Li) around the time of the First World War, taking a look around inside provides a fascinating insight into the building’s history along with others like it. It may also be possible to converse with one of the resident monks, but that will depend entirely on how busy their morning schedule is.

From Demoso market (or Kandarawaddy Haw Nan Monastery), drive approximately one hour to the settlement of Pan Pet, which is technically a large village made up of five smaller hamlets. Predominantly inhabited by members of the Kayan Lahwi, a visit here offers a fascinating insight into the customs and culture of this world-famous tribe. With the help of a local community guide, we’ll visit the houses of some willing residents to learn more about the village, their lives and respective professions. Many people still rely on traditional industry such as weaving and metal work to make a living here, the likes of which we’ll get to witness first-hand whilst sipping on a large pot of fermented rice wine.

After saying farewell to your hosts, embark upon a moderately challenging trek to a remote hilltop pagoda. Various edible plants can be found en route, with some believed to have lifesaving medicinal properties. The community guide will point these out, whilst sharing some of the popular myths and legends still recited by the village elders to this very day.

Before reaching the summit, recharge your batteries and appetite with a pre-prepared jungle picnic under some shade. It’s then only a short walk until you reach the summit and your eyes are rewarded with a 360-degree view of Pan Pet along with its picturesque rural surrounds.

Traversing the mountain all the way to the other side, we’ll reconvene with our driver, who’ll escort us to the house of some singer songwriters for a live performance and a refreshing cup of tea. Here you can also try your hand at traditional billiards, a board game that involves flicking circular coloured plastic counters into holes.

Return to your hotel via Thiri Mingalar Taungkwe Zedi or Thit Ta Pin Pagoda; both are ideal spots to take in the region’s frequently vibrant sunsets.