Shan State Overview

The high plateaus of Myanmar’s Shan State are most well-known for Inle Lake, which draws a sizeable number of tourists each year. Shan State is quite large, covering more land area than any other state in the country. Bordering China, Laos and Thailand, this region is home to numerous ethnic minorities, adding layers to Shan State’s cultural diversity.

Much of the Shan State’s interior is characterised by hilly plateaus, with the highest being in the state’s northern and southern reaches. The economy benefits from lead, silver and zinc deposits. Rice and teakwood are also harvested in rural areas.

Not surprisingly, the Shan tribe is the predominant ethnic group in this state. This demographic has historically clashed with the Burmese military regime; and tensions have led the national government to concede a small measure of autonomy to the region, though much of this is superficial.

Buddhism is deeply ingrained in this region, as the abundant stupas, shrines and pagodas testify. The region around Inle Lake is particularly rich in religious sites, and tourists who visit this region are greeted with ample hotels to accommodate their stay. Hotels range from government-run establishments to quaint, privately-owned lodgings with plenty of charm.

Visitors can shop at Lake Inle’s floating markets, trek through the hilly plateaus, and visit remote monasteries tucked into the mountains. Caves in Pindaya hold more than 8,000 Buddha images spanning three centuries. Each small town has a stupa or temple worth investigating.

Above all, the people of Shan State are warm and inviting. Wherever you travel, you’ll find locals ready share their experiences. Handicraft workshops offer insight into age-old crafts while religious ceremonies and festivals proceed as they have done for centuries. Above all, locals are kind, unassuming and eager to connect with visitors.

Sometime around the 13^th century, the whole of Myanmar was ruled by the Shan. This was after the 11^th-century introduction of Buddhism and the subsequent 'Golden Age' of Myanmar. The country's prosperity was reflected in the perpetual construction of stupas and temples. In fact, so many were constructed that the kingdom appears to have overextended itself. The centuries to follow saw material wealth replaced by foreign occupation.

British colonial forces first arrived in 1824; and by 1885 they controlled the whole nation. The remnants of the Shan empire were used to form the Federated Shan States by the British in 1924. The Burmese were notoriously unhappy with the colonisation and quickly joined forces with the Japanese during WWII. The Japanese declared Burma's independence, but showed no sign of pulling out. As the war progressed, Burma joined with the Allies and forced out the Japanese.

Following independence and the elections of 1947, there was rumour of succession. The Shan Federal Movement and later the Shan State Army took steps toward distancing the region from the socialist coup and growing military stranglehold on Shan State's citizens. However, Shan State progressively lost its autonomy. The Constitution of 1974 saw more power diverted to the centralised Burmese government; and to this day the Shan people are granted virtually no voice under this totalitarian regime.

Today's military junta has succeeded in maintaining its power by silencing dissenting voices. Buddhist monks, who have traditionally led public activism against Myanmar's harsh regimes, are notoriously not exempt from arrest or violence by the government.

Following the third imprisonment of Nobel Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, international sanctions were levied against Myanmar, prompting international banks to quickly withdraw from the country. Locals are forbidden to speak with foreigners regarding the government and all emails are read by government officials before they're released into cyberspace.

Shan State's climate enjoys three distinct seasons: cool, hot and rainy. The rainy season begins sometime in May and can continue as long as October. Temperatures vary throughout the year, with seasonal lows dipping below 20°C and highs climbing to 35°C and beyond. The summer rains, while bringing welcome relief from the heat, can cause some trekking trails to become impassable. However, waterfalls are at their best at this time of year.

The onset of the cool season is a great time to visit Myanmar. Tourist crowds are larger, but for good reason. Keep in mind that areas of high altitude can become downright chilly this time of year, and Kalaw sees temperatures approach freezing. Make sure to pack warm clothing for evenings and trekking.

During the first months of the year, temperatures progressively rise until they reach their ultimate highs in April. During these months it’s a good idea to plan excursions around the heat of the day—rising early and breaking at noon to let things cool off.