Community Base Tourism enables travelers to experience the local culture while empowering the communities they visit to preserve their natural and cultural heritage. For travelers, it means a more authentic experience; and for locals, it leads to an upskilled workforce, and increased employment.
There are quite a few CBT project in Myanmar and you can see through this link: https://tourism.gov.mm/community-based-tourism/
We focus on CBT of Pan Pet, an ethnic Kayan community. It’s supported by International Trade Centre’s NTF IV Inclusive Tourism project (ITC). Pan Pet is in Loikaw area and about 5 hours drive from one of major destination of Myanmar, Inle Lake.
Pan Pet, an ethnic Kayan community
After breakfast at your hotel we set off to visit the Kayan (Padaung) minority villages of Pan Pet. The Kayan ‘Long Neck’ Ladies are famous for their traditional brass ring necklaces that appear to elongate their necks. On arrival visitors are met by their local community guide. After a quick welcome, the community guide leads us along a nature trail, for approximately 2 hours, finally arriving at a beautiful viewpoint, with a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains, rice fields and 5 hamlets of Pan Pet. As we climb the hill (moderate walking), the guide stops to explain important cultural sites on the way. These include a monument which honours the village clan, an animist bird totem, and a guardian spirit cave. Guests are usually accompanied by licensed, English speaking tour guides who help the community guide to translate, and assist visitors to ask questions. Difficulty grade: easy trek, with moderate steep sections.
After a picnic lunch at the scenic spot, we continue to the hamlet of Salong Kana where you will be able to meet with members of the Kayan community to get an insight into the local life and culture. During your time at the village you will also have a chance to visit traditional Kayan homes and observe artisans making Kayan bracelets, weaving traditional textiles, carving wooden statues and other handwork. After a full day spent with these fun loving and artistic people, we say our farewells and return to Loikaw in the late afternoon.
Any service not mentioned
Myanmar Shalom Travel aims to maximize the positive effects of tourism on individuals and local communities, while minimizing negative social, environmental and economic impacts. When travelling around Myanmar we attempt to tread as lightly as possible, gently engaging with the local communities.
In December 2019 The Travelife Partner award was received today by Myanmar Shalom Travels. The award is recognition for the long-term efforts and frontrunner position of Myanmar Shalom Travels regarding sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility.
