Nearly a quarter of Myanmar's geographic area is occupied by the Shan State. It's the most mountainous state in the country, divided down the middle by the huge north-south Thanlwin (Salween) River. To the west of the river lies the 1000 meter high Shan Plateau, to the east a jumble of north-south mountain ranges and international borders with China, Laos and Thailand.

HEHO
Heho has a dusty market area just off the highway that hosts the largest of five-day markets in the southern area of the Shan State.

INLE LAKE
The second largest natural lake in Myanmar located in the middle of the greatest depression in Nyaungshwe valley between the two parallel mountain ranges running north to south in the southern Shan State. 35 km from the nearest airport at Heho. There are flights from both Yangon and Mandalay. Yangon 660 km by road, Mandalay 330 km. Inle Lake is shallow, 22 km long and 11 km wide, 1328 meters above the sea level among the hazy Blue Mountains.
Inle Lake is well known for its floating villages and gardens, colorful markets and the native Intha people whose one legged rowers compete each year during the Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda Festival in September / October.

KAKKU
A unique temple complex of more than 2500 stupas has lied hidden in the Pa-O heartland of Southern Shan State for centuries. Unknown to the outside world and to most of Myanmar until recently, these exquisite can now be visited. A day trip from Inle Lake is sufficient.

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KALAW
It is a peaceful summer resort with many lovely walks and fragrant pinewoods and situated about 71 Kilometers (44 miles) west of Taunggyi. A beautiful hill station surrounded by mountains, it is trekking area to the vicinity of Kalaw. The destinations for trekking are Ywa Thit, Yar Yaw, Nyaung-Gone, Shwe Min Bone, Pain Ne Bin villages on teh hill where Danu, Pa-Oh and Palaung hill tribes live. Kalaw also has a five-day market where you can see hill tribes people in their colourful costumes.

KYAINGTONG ( KENGTUNG )
Situates in the Eastern Shan State and the capital city of the Golden Triangle Region, is situated about 1,190 Km (about 1 hour 30 minutes' flight) northeast of Yangon. Paradise for those searching for ethnic and tribal value. Its market is always busy with colorful hill tribes who still believes and use only the British coins as hard currency. Apart from it tribal value Kengtung also is a treasure trove of traditional architecture with old-style houses with intricately designed wooden balconies so characteristic of Shan architecture. It serves as one of the most suitable places for eco-tourism activities like trekking, mountain-biking and adventure tours.

LOIKAW
The capital of the Kayah State is situated about 130 miles southeast of Kalaw. A very unique feature of this state is the Padaung ethnic tribe (Giraffe Necked Women) whose necks are elongated with layers of brass rings. The beautiful and pleasant surroundings of the Lawpita hydroelectric power plant and the Baluchaung fall are not far off. It can be reached by road, rail and air. Although it is restricted area at the moment if on the relaxation of the restrictions it will definitely be a tourist attraction.

PINDAYA
Pindaya, situated about 45 km north of Kalaw, is a peaceful town famous for its caves in which thousands of centuries-old Buddha images are seated. The road from Kalaw to Pindaya passes through countrysides of magnificent scenic beauty.

TACHILEIK
Located on the Myanmar - Thai border in the eastern Shan State, is being upgraded as a gateway to the heart of the Golden Triangle. The Friendship Bridge across the small Mae Sai stream links Tachileik with the northern Thai border town of Mae Sai. The area is currently being developed for tourism and cross-border trade with Laos, Thailand and China. One can fly direct from Yangon to Tachileik in an hour. There is a ferry-landing site at Wanpon port on the Mekong River at the Myanmar - Laos border, 29 km from Tachileik. The port also handles goods shipments to and from Thailand and China. Wok is under way to develop to town as a exchange center for trading goods.

TAUNGGYI
Taunggyi is situated in the Southern Shan State and is the capital of Shan State. It is 4,712 feet above sea-level and has a moderate climate. It is situated on Shan Plateau surrounded by high mountains.