Things To Do
in Taunggyi
Taunggyi is the capital of Shan State, perched on the Shan Plateau at a cool elevation. The city blends bustling markets, pagodas, and hillside tea culture with sweeping views of surrounding hills. It serves as a gateway to Inle Lake and nearby hill villages, where Shan crafts and rural life are still very visible.
The climate is milder than lowland Myanmar, inviting relaxed days of exploring temples, markets, and scenic viewpoints.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Taunggyi and check into your hotel, soaking in the serene atmosphere of this picturesque town. Take a leisurely stroll around the local market to experience vibrant stalls filled with fresh produce and handmade goods. Enjoy a traditional breakfast at a local tea shop, savoring Burmese tea and snacks.
Visit the stunning Kakku Pagodas, a unique complex known for its thousands of ancient stupas surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Take your time to explore the intricate carvings and spend a few moments in quiet reflection at the peaceful site. Afterward, return to Taunggyi and relax at a local café, enjoying the region's famed coffee or tea.
As the day winds down, dine at a restaurant offering local Shan cuisine, where you can taste delicious dishes like Shan noodles and fresh fish. Experience the locals’ hospitality and enjoy live music as you unwind. Take a sunset walk down the beautiful lakeside promenade, capturing the colorful hues of dusk.
Visit the beautiful Shwe Yaunghwe Kyaung, a wooden monastery adorned with intricate carvings and a peaceful atmosphere. Witness the monks during their morning prayers and soak in the spiritual ambiance of this sacred site. Enjoy breakfast at a nearby café, trying out local delicacies.
Explore the Aye Thar Yar vineyard, indulging in a tour that reveals the vineyard's wine production process. Participate in a wine tasting experience set against stunning mountain views, savoring unique local blends. Enjoy lunch at the vineyard's restaurant, taking in the tranquil surroundings.
Return to Taunggyi and participate in an evening cooking class, learning how to prepare traditional Burmese dishes. Engage with locals who share their culinary secrets and enjoy a hearty dinner composed of your creations. Finish the evening by relaxing in a cozy spot with a good book or a conversation with fellow travelers.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a cafe | $1-2 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $15-40 |
| 🚆Intercity bus or local taxi ride | $5-15 |
| 🥗Lunch at a mid-range restaurant | $5-10 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Cooler climate and scenic hill country
- Easy access to Inle Lake and hill villages
- Friendly locals and vibrant markets
- Rich Shan culture and crafts
- Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
- Roads can be slow in rainy season
- Some areas require private transport for day trips
- Limited credit card acceptance in small establishments
- "မင်္ဂလာပါ" - Hello
- "ကျေးဇူးတင်ပါတယ်" - Thank you
- "စိတ်ချမ်းသာပါစေ" - Please (polite request)
- "ဘရာလေးရဲ့ကွိုင်း" - Excuse me (to get attention)
- "မနေ့ကဘယ်နေရာလဲ" - Where is this place?
Places to Visit in Taunggyi
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic central landmark; great for street life and sunset photography around the market area.
Popular hilltop spot offering sweeping views of Taunggyi and the surrounding Shan hills, especially photogenic at sunrise or sunset.
Extensive field of ancient stupas set in a rural landscape, ideal for landscape and architectural photography.
Food in Taunggyi
Taunggyi Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic fish-noodle soup popular for breakfast, found at many market stalls and eateries.
Must-Try!
A tangy, crunchy salad made with fermented tea leaves, peanuts, sesame, garlic, and sesame oil.
Shan fish with turmeric-flavored rice, often served with fresh herbs.
Hearty curries with aromatic herbs, commonly eaten with steamed rice in local homes and restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A vibrant hub for fresh produce, noodles, grilled snacks, and Shan specialties.
Snack on grilled eggs, mohinga, fried tofu, and traditional sweets along busy lanes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly, remove shoes where required, and speak softly in pagodas and monasteries.
Ask permission before photographing people and avoid intrusive angles in sacred or private spaces.
Show courtesy to elders, avoid raising voices in public, and use right-hand gestures when handing items.
Safety
Tipping in Taunggyi
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service. Small tips to guides, drivers, and hotel staff are common. Most places prefer cash; some larger establishments may accept card payments, but cash in Myanmar Kyat is widely used.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm daytime temperatures with cooler evenings due to elevation; carry sun protection and water.
Increased rainfall; trails can be muddy and roads may flood. Indoor activities and market photography are excellent during rain breaks.
Cool to chilly nights; pleasant days for exploring temples and markets. Pack layers and a warm jacket.
Taunggyi at Night
Hiking in Taunggyi
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular short hike offering city views and fresh air, suitable for a half-day excursion.
Longer day hikes in the surrounding hills with tea plantations and lake scenery.
Airports
How to reach Taunggyi by plane.
The closest airport to Taunggyi; serves domestic flights from Yangon and Mandalay and provides onward road transfers to Taunggyi and the Inle Lake area.
A larger hub offering more international and domestic connections; useful for multi-city itineraries that include Mandalay before visiting Taunggyi.
Major international gateway; commonly used for long-haul flights before domestic connections to Taunggyi via Heho or Mandalay.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
One of the largest ethnic groups in the area, with distinctive culture and crafts.
The broader national group making up a significant portion of the population.
Smaller communities contributing to the region's diversity in language and dress.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played at schools, clubs, and in community leagues across the region.
Common in gyms and youth programs; informal games are frequently seen in towns.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Taunggyi.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes are meat-based, but you can find vegetable curries, tofu dishes, and egg dishes. Ask for no fish sauce or shrimp paste and request vegetable-forward options when ordering.