Page 325 - The Rough Guide to Myanmar (Burma)

KyauKme and around NortherN MyaNMar 323
Kyaukme is flanked to the east and west by pagoda-topped hills. In the west, Sunrise
Hill can be climbed via covered staircases leading from the town, and holds a small
monastery set around the Loi Kaun pagoda, while Sunset Hill on the east side of town
has excellent open views.

arrIVaL aND DePartUre KyaUKMe
By bus Buses to most destinations leave from the bus Lashio (3 daily; 3hr); Mandalay (daily; 5hr); Pyin Oo Lwin
station on Aung San Rd, just north of the railway line. (6 daily; 3hr); Yangon (daily; 13hr).
Hsipaw-bound buses leave from the southwest corner of By train Kyaukme’s railway station is slightly northwest
the central market each morning at 7am, and a few of the town centre, about a 10min walk from Northern
buses to Lashio leave from here as well. Your hotel can Rock Guesthouse (see below). There’s a popular
help book tickets, as can the friendly Kyaw Swar – also teahouse in the station, which is handy if your train is
known as “Mr Ticket” – who works at the bus station running late.
(T09 403 719 692). Destinations Hsipaw (daily; 1hr 30min); Lashio (daily;
Destinations Hsipaw (6 daily; 1hr); Kalaw (2 daily; 12hr); 7hr); Mandalay (daily; 11hr); Pyin Oo Lwin (daily; 5hr).
GettING aroUND
By motorbike Motorbikes can be rented from One – he’ll also deliver them to your hotel.
Love Hotel for K10,000/day or K5000/half day, and By bike Bikes can be rented from Northern Rock
from Joy (T09 403 706 076), who charges Guesthouse for K2000 if you’re staying there – though it’s
K10,000/day for scooters and K15,000/day for dirt bikes still worth asking if you’re not.
aCCoMMoDatIoN
A Yone Oo Shwe Phe Oo Rd T082 40669. Until 2015, (including, bizarrely, a German Iron Cross) is displayed in 8
this hotel – owned by a well-connected local tea trader – a cabinet in reception. $18
was the only option for foreigners. There’s a wide variety of Northern Rock Guesthouse 4/52 Shwe Phe Oo Rd
basic rooms arranged around a large courtyard, with prices T082 40660, Enorthernrock.kme@gmail.com. Run by
for doubles ranging from $18 (fan, shared bath) to $32 the friendly family of Dr Khin Mg Nyo (who also runs a
(a/c, en-suite bathroom). If you can, opt for one of the small clinic here when he’s in town), this rambling wooden
rooms in the 1940s building out front. Larger rooms are house has small partitioned rooms with fans and basic
also available, for up to five people, and there are also some shared bathrooms from $6 per person, as well as two rooms
spartan, cell-like rooms – though you probably won’t even with a/c and en-suite bathrooms in a newer building
be offered them. $18 behind (from $20). Bikes for rent at K2000, or free if you’re
Kaw Li Lashio–Mandalay Rd T09 9724 5100. staying in the better rooms. Their hand-drawn photocopied
This ambitious hotel is the brainchild of Nelson, the map is crammed with detail. Breakfast K3000. $12
owner of A Yone Oo, and it’s based a few kilometres ★ One Love Hotel 1/139 Pinlon St T082 40943, Eone
along the road to Mandalay. On site there’s a large dining lovehotel.kme@gmail.com. This clean, modern building
hall, swimming pool and a spa/beauty salon/foot is already the best hotel in town, and the new block that’s
massage parlour, overlooked by a terrace bar, and almost complete behind it is slated to be even better. Twin
rooms come in all shapes and sizes – right up to a rooms have balconies, and doubles don’t but are a bit
monstrous $150 suite overlooking farmland. However, larger. Family rooms sleep three and have bathtubs. All
the whole thing seems cheaply constructed – and rooms have en-suite bathrooms and a/c, TVs and fridges.
although it’s not quite finished, it’s already starting to The receptionist speaks good English. Motorbikes can be
crumble. The owner’s collection of worldly goods rented for K10,000/day or K5000/half day. $30
eatING
During the day, stalls inside the covered market serve moun-di and mi-shay noodles. If this doesn’t appeal, there are also
several restaurants on the street one block south.
Banyan Coffee and Tea 2/418 Aung San Rd T09 960 place to ask for local advice. Mon–Sat 7am–7pm.
615 962. Run by David, an expat Texan, this little coffee Love Village Head north up Aung San Rd and turn
shop is building a strong local fanbase with its tea, coffee right after the stream. This little place serves good
(from K2000) and Western food – doughnuts, pancakes, authentic Shan food, including some pretty exotic things
burgers and a K3500 American breakfast. This is also a good – though you may have to point to order. Try the

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