Myanmar Golden Triangle Trek

Kengtung, Shan State, Myanmar · Myanmar

Moderate7 daysAsia~£500 est.

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Overview

Kengtung is the capital of Myanmar's Golden Triangle — the far-eastern Shan hills near the Thai and Lao borders — and its treks reach villages of the Akha, Lahu, Ann and Loi peoples through terraced rice, tea gardens and forest ridges. Walks start from the lakeside market town, climbing to stilted bamboo settlements where the Ann women's lacquered black teeth and the Akha silver headdresses belong to living tradition, not costume; overnights in village homes come with rice wine, wood-fire cooking and conversation through your guide. Go carefully and with current information: Myanmar's civil conflict has closed regions and border crossings on and off since 2021, and most Western governments advise against travel to much of Shan State — research thoroughly, book through operators with genuine local standing, and be ready to wait for the moment when going is responsible again. A licensed guide is mandatory for village access regardless. The cool dry months of November-February are the season. On the ground it is inexpensive — guide, homestays and meals around £500 a week — with kyat cash the only money that works.