Pindaya -to visit or not?
 

We are in the final stages of planning our trip to Burma in 2014. Santa Maria is recommending visiting Pindaya on the way from the airport to our hotel in Nwaunge Shwe, Pristime Lotus Spa resort. I have a couple questions. How long is the drive from the airport to Pristine Lotus Spa Resort. How much time would we add if we stopped off at Pindaya on the way? what are some opinions of Pindaya. We have four days at Inle lake,
thanks!

You have plenty of time at Inle Lake so a visit to the Pindaya Caves would not be a problem. We enjoy Buddhist caves. Each one we've seen has been different and Pindaya was interesting. The drive takes an hour and 15 minutes each way from Heho airport (you backtrack) and then it's about an hour to your hotel, which is in the same village as ours was. You may stop on the way to Pindaya at the market at Aungban, which is colorful and worthwhile. In addition to the caves at Pindaya, there is a small umbrella and textured paper-making shop, but that's about it. Our flight arrived late morning and we arrived at our hotel mid to late afternoon. Hope this helps.

I thought Pindaya Caves was underwelming. We spent 15 -20 minutes in the caves and left. I'd put the time into visiting Kakku instead, even though it would take more time. If interested in my take on both Pindaya and Kakku take a look at my Burma TR.

I you have to choose between Pindaya and Kakku, go with Kakku. However, Kakku is not on the way from the airport. It is in the opposite direction from your hotel on Inle Lake and can be done on any of your 4 days there.

We visited Kakku between the airport and our hotel. It's not "on the way" but it made sense to do it that way. We thought the stop at Kakku was worthwhile. But once we were on the lake, I don't think you could have pulled me away for a road trip!

Thanks for the feedback.