Kengtung

Spectacular and exciting walking in the formerly lurid and dangerous Golden Triangle area of far eastern Myanmar.

Rough mountains nestle remote and intact tribal villages in their irrigated fields. You can move between several ethnic groups in a day's walk.

There is a wide range of day walks to choose from. You will do well to choose a walk starting a bit of a way off, as you will get into remoter country more easily. Ovenight expeditions are not doable (2012).

Guides are a good idea, and are easily arranged on the spot.  Agree the parameters and price before you start.  Walking here is exceedingly cheap, so don't be too tough on the bargaining: every penny helps the oppressed locals.

As of 2012, Kentung was only accessible by air from within Myanmar. While it is possible to get there from Thailand, you can't then go further in Myanmar.

Lonely Planet's Myanmar has reasonable starter information  on the area.

Exotissimo (www.exotissimo.com) provide what look like fabulous treks at Kengtung and Inle and a 4 day Kalaw to Inle trek.

To go or not: until recently, there were major issues with visiting Myanmar, with the money and affirmation that the regime receives - with counter-arguments to the effect that money to the desperately poor locals and foreign contact is more important. These were well put in the 2009 Lonely Planet. But, with the release of Aung Sang Suu Kyi, the dabate has for the time being changed; she cautiously welcomes visitors coming to Myanmar.

THIS PAGE IS AT AN EARLY STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT: ALL SUGGESTIONS AND PHOTOS WELCOME!