Language
The official language of Myanmar is Burmese. However, English is also widely spoken in tourist areas. In Tachileik, you will also hear people speaking Thai, as it is a border town with Thailand. In Pindaya, you will mostly hear people speaking Burmese and Shan.
Currency
The official currency of Myanmar is the Myanmar kyat (MMK). You can exchange currency at banks, hotels, and money changers. Credit cards are not widely accepted in Myanmar, so it is best to bring cash.
Distance
The distance between Tachileik and Pindaya is approximately 270 kilometers (168 miles). It takes about 6 hours to drive from Tachileik to Pindaya.
How to Reach
There are several ways to get from Tachileik to Pindaya.
- By bus: There are several buses that run from Tachileik to Pindaya each day. The journey takes about 6 hours and costs around 15,000 MMK.
- By car: You can also rent a car and drive from Tachileik to Pindaya. The journey takes about 6 hours and costs around 50,000 MMK for a one-way trip.
- By private taxi: You can also hire a private taxi to take you from Tachileik to Pindaya. The journey takes about 6 hours and costs around 80,000 MMK for a one-way trip.
Expenses
The cost of traveling from Tachileik to Pindaya will vary depending on your mode of transport and your budget. However, you can expect to spend around 50,000 MMK for a one-way trip.
Best time to go
The best time to visit Pindaya is during the dry season, which runs from October to April. During this time, the weather is cool and dry, making it ideal for exploring the caves and surrounding area.
What to Eat
Pindaya is known for its delicious Shan cuisine. Some of the most popular dishes include:
- Shan noodles: A type of noodle soup made with pork, vegetables, and spices.
- Shan tofu: A type of tofu made with chickpea flour.
- Shan curry: A type of curry made with pork, vegetables, and spices.
Where to Go
In addition to the Pindaya Caves, there are several other attractions in the area that are worth visiting.
- The Shwe U Min Pagoda: A large pagoda located on a hilltop overlooking Pindaya.
- The Pindaya Lake: A beautiful lake located near the town of Pindaya.
- The Shan State Museum: A museum that tells the history and culture of Shan State.
FAQ
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about traveling from Tachileik to Pindaya.
- How long does it take to get from Tachileik to Pindaya?
- It takes about 6 hours to drive from Tachileik to Pindaya.
- How much does it cost to get from Tachileik to Pindaya?
- The cost of travel will vary depending on your mode of transport. However, you can expect to spend around 50,000 MMK for a one-way trip.
- What is the best time to visit Pindaya?
- The best time to visit Pindaya is during the dry season, which runs from October to April.
- What are some of the things to do in Pindaya?
- Some of the things to do in Pindaya include visiting the Pindaya Caves, the Shwe U Min Pagoda, the Pindaya Lake, and the Shan State Museum.