| Role | largest city and capital of Karenni State |
|---|---|
| Setting | Karen Hills area on the Pilu River |
| People | mostly Kayah, Kayaw and Kayan (Karenni) |
| Nearby | Lawpita Falls, about 20 km east, with Myanmar’s largest hydropower plant |
| Wards | 13 urban wards |
Myanmar – Getting to know Loikaw
On a wide area of level ground in Kayah State, within the misty landscape of the Karen Hills, nestles Loikaw: the state capital, and a regional focal point. Only recently reopened to visitors, this seemingly quiet and undeveloped town has several higher-education institutions, a hospital, busy markets, and air and rail links to Yangon and Mandalay, making it a comparatively thriving hub in this remote part of Myanmar. The satellite villages around the town are home to Padaung and Kayah tribal communities, who maintain many ancient customs, including the wearing of distinctive neck-lengthening rings.
Myanmar Loikaw Travel Guide
Ancient stories and customs form the cultural backbone of Loikaw, which is still untroubled by most trappings of modern tourism. The bumpy outer tracks give way to smooth inner roads which you can wander through on foot, and see the handful of new, glass and steel hotels juxtaposed against a skyline of low-rise traditional buildings.
What to do in Loikaw
The centerpiece of the city is the 13th century Thirimingala Pagoda, also known as Taung Kwe Zedi); a tall limestone outcrop topped with the gleaming, golden spires of a large temple complex. Climb to the top for fantastic views over Loikaw, particularly at sunset, and see the pagodas illuminated at night from the city below.
Trek into the surrounding hills to spend time in Paduang and Kayah community villages. Find out about their rural ways of life; learn about gathering edible and medicinal plants from the forested hillside; and, with helpful interpretation from your guide, share a few stories and giggles with the villagers.
Central to your Loikaw experience is your stay at eponymous Lodge, helping you to really feel part of this little visited corner of Kayah, closed to visititors until 2012. The owner Jens is a photographer and showcases much of this work at the lodge, making a stay a cultural journey in itself. Discover more
The Karenni capital
English Wikipedia describes Loikaw as the largest city and capital of Karenni State, in the Karen Hills area near the state’s northern tip, above an embayment on the Pilu River. Its inhabitants are mostly Kayah, Kayaw and Kayan. Myanmar’s largest hydropower plant, built by the Japanese as war reparation, stands at Lawpita Falls about 20 kilometers east. Karenni State has been affected by conflict, so we have not verified any sights, tours or prices in the older text. Check current government advice and written confirmation from your operator before considering a visit.
Sources (read in English, English Wikipedia): Loikaw. Last checked November 2026.
Loikaw: FAQ
What is Loikaw?
The capital and largest city of Karenni State.
Who lives in Loikaw?
Mostly Kayah, Kayaw and Kayan (Karenni) people.
What is at Lawpita Falls?
Myanmar’s largest hydropower plant, about 20 km east.
Which river is it on?
The Pilu River.
Is Loikaw open to visitors?
Check current government advice; the region is affected by conflict.