Kyaukme

Kyaukme is surprisingly bustling small town. It is the market town of choice for the surrounding area, and now also features a Chinese quarter almost as big as the rest of the town itself, with the overwhelming majority of the Chinese immigrants engaged in the production of bamboo paper for the Chinese market.

The Mandalay-Lashio train stops at Kyauk Me. Arriving around 14:00 in Lashio and 10:30 in Mandalay. There are daily buses to Mandalay leaving at 05:30 from the bus station 3,500-4,000 kyat, 3 buses head to Hsipaw from 07:00-14:00, 1,000 kyat. It is possible to catch buses in the afternoon coming from Hsipaw and Lashio to Mandalay or Yangon from the main road around 2 km from town centre. You will need to flag the bus down, many do not actually go into Mandalay but only pass it on the way to Yangon.

To get around town, try motorbike taxis or just walk.

The town itself is not that interesting, but the surrounding Palaung villages in the hills are sublime and a great destination for trekking as an alternative to Hsipaw. Several Palaung/Shan and Bamar guides offer trekking and/or motorbike tours of the surrounding area, but it's all very small-scale. A local guide who speaks Palaung and/or Shan is preferable, as real interaction with the locals is then possible.

There are some bamboo/led paper workshops that are interesting. Also there is an English School that is looking for foreigners to drop in and help with lessons. You will likely be approached if arriving by train.

The golf course is good value at 2,000 kyat for a round.

• Thiripyitsayn Food & Drink, 4/54 Shwepeoo Rd (Across from main hotel), ☏ +95 8240340. They have good Shan noodles for 500 kyat, and also a very good avocado juice for 500 kyat. 

• A Yone OO Guest House. Government-run. Rooms are clean and well priced. Breakfast is basic. US$5-8. 
• Northern Rock (Across the street from A Yone). Friendly staff and basic rooms in this homestay. Shared bathroom and shower. Western-style breakfast is 2,500 kyat. 6,000 kyat. (updated May 2015)

People including tourists have been injured by mines in the area.

There are a few Internet cafes around town with cheap, but slow connections.