Situated high up in the western Shan State, Kalaw is a former hill station founded by British civil servants. It is something of a high-altitude resort – cool, calm and leafy – but is also widely known as a trekking Mecca in Myanmar, as those wishing to explore the surrounds can do so without prior permission. Its population is diverse, as Nepali Gurkhas, Indian Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims came here to build the roads and railway line during the British period. A wide variety of exploring options are available, including three-day treks to Inle Lake or Pindaya. At the town’s heart is its market, where villagers from the surrounding areas come to sell their produce and an eclectic range of foods. Visit the Aung Chang stupa, or take a ride to the Green Hill Valley elephant camp, founded in 2011 to care for ageing and ailing elephants.