The staunchly independent-minded, culturally unique Shan State lies in Burma’s east on the China-Lao borderlands. On this short trip extension, we fly to Kengtung, Shan’s capital. After a short drive, we begin a series of lovely hikes, visiting Akha villages, famous for their women’s elaborate headdresses, then Ann villages, inhabited by animists, then Buddhist Tao Loi villages, and much intriguing multicultural else, returning each night to our Kengtung hotel.

Day 1: arrive in Kengtung • Days 2 & 3: day hikes and village visits in Kengtung • Day 4: depart Kengtung.