Kyaing Tong

The road to Kyaing Tong is heavily patrolled for 2 reasons. It's in the middle of the Golden Triangle where the borders of China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand meet. In the past this was the centre of  opium production and sales. Although this has been reduced dramatically it is still an area of cross border drug trade and human trafficking. To complicate things it has been an area of ethnic conflict between the Shan tribe and the military. On the surface all is quiet now.

We flew here from Kalaw to avoid the road. Tourists are required special permits to travel this  long section of road that requires an overnight en route.
The area is no longer closed to western tourists so the local population is trying  hard to figure out what appeals to them. The number one draw is hill tribes. You can't do homestays yet and you must go with a guide.






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