Kengtung (Keng Tung) is a remote town in the Shan State of eastern Myanmar, not far from the Golden Triangle - the confluence of Burma, Thailand, and Laos. It is best noted for its hill tribe trekking.
King Mangrai’s grandson founded Kengtung at the time of the migration of the Chiang Mai dynasty to Lanna Thai in the 13th century. As a result, you may notice Kengtung has a bit of a different populace to the rest of the Shan State region. Kengtung was later home to a Shan Saopah and also had a Sawbwa palace.
Most tourists come to Kengtung for the hill tribe trekking, which can be independently arranged or through just about any guesthouse in town. There is some fantastic, remote country in this region of Myanmar, similar to what is in northwest Thailand, for those who are familiar with that region of Southeast Asia.
Burmese curry restaurants and cheap rice whiskey are must tries in the town.
Getting There & Away
The bus from Mandalay takes all day to get to Kengtung and goes via Meiktila, or you could take a faster bus or shared taxi if you are in Tachilek, on the border with Thailand. Mandalay International Airport is an hour or so from downtown Mandalay by taxi and has connections with Yangon, the main gateway to Myanmar.
Things to Do
Kengtung Attractions
- Kengtung trekking
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This is the big draw to kengtung, where there are many tai hill tribe regions worth walking to.