Kalaw stands high on the western edge of the Shan Plateau. It is 70 km west of Taungyi, about halfway along the Thazi-Taungyi road. This was a popular hill station in the British days and it is still a peaceful and quiet place. At an altitude of 1320 m it is also pleasantly cool and a good place for hiking amid gnarled pines, bamboo groves and rugged mountain scene.
     A former colonial British hill station, this small town offers cool temperatures( Kalaw sits at 1,300 meters elevation )and plenty of trekking opportunitines.The population is mix of Shan, Indian, Muslims, Bamars and Nepalis ( Gurkhas retired from British military service ) , many of whom are missionary educated.Travelling by car, it's about two hours west of Nyaungshwe on the western edge of the Shan hills.