Airports
 Myanmar's Mandalay International Airport, while opulent and impressively modern, is not the usual gateway for inbound international visitors. However, it is possible to arrive here on a connecting flight from Chiang Mai, Thailand. Mandalay International Airport is the only airport in Myanmar with direct connections to airstrips in Shan State.
 Many visitors arrive at Yangon International Airport, where the bulk of international flights land. Flights connect Yangon with Delhi and Kolkata in India; Hong Kong and Kunming in China; Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia; and Singapore. Airlines operating at Yangon International Airport include Air China, Air Mandalay, Indian Airlines, Malaysia Airlines and Myanmar Airways International.
Passengers should note that it is wise to confirm your outgoing flight, as Yangon International Airport is known to cancel flights without warning. Two additional carriers, Silk Air and Thai Airways, also operate out of Yangon and are reliable. Flights booked with these latter two airlines typically do not require reconfirmation.
Yangon International Airport has modest facilities that only cover the bare necessities such as toilets and telephones. From the airport, there are buses bound for Shan State. Alternatively, it is possible to hire a car and driver to make the connection.
Public Transport
It is possible to cross the border into Shan State on foot via the border crossing between Mae Sai, Thailand and Tachilek, Myanmar. Tachilek is about four hours' drive from the trekking village of Kengtung.
 Buses are the main form of transportation connecting Shan State to other regions in Myanmar, though there are often restrictions on routes that tourists are allowed to take. In some cases, it is necessary to make a connection by air before continuing overland.
Although it is the most frequent form of domestic travel, bus transport is often plagued with breakdowns and poor travelling conditions. In some places, the roads aren't wide enough for two buses to pass at once. It is important to buy a ticket in advance of your journey if you want an actual seat as opposed to standing room only. Privately-run bus companies also operate, but the quality and comfort of each bus can vary however newer models are usually quite satisfactory.
If you prefer to hire a car, you'll need to hire a driver as well. This is marketed as a complete package that includes a vehicle, driver and fuel. Be prepared for drastic fluctuations in cost, as fuel rates in Myanmar are tied to the black market.
 Myanmar is home to a vast network of navigable rivers. While travel by boat is markedly slower than road transport, tourists often enjoy the opportunity to slow down and absorb the scenery along the river. Keep in mind that river accessibility is often seasonal, especially on the tributaries.
 Once you have reached your destination, there are several options for getting around town. Bicycles are available for hire in virtually every town and village. Meanwhile, vintage taxis are a nostalgic means of getting from point to point. Bicycle rickshaws and large Japanese-made pickup trucks also cart passengers around town. Many of the small towns in Shan State are best traversed on foot.
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