Anisakan Falls
Nestled in a rugged gorge and framed at the base by a buddhist temple, anisaken falls make a good half day hike from pyin u lwin. mandalay bound pick-ups 300kyat drop you at the village of anisakan tell the driver you're going to the falls and he'll drop you at the road to the falls rather than in the village itself. from there, follow a long road about 2 km through the village, across a railway line, by a monastery, and through fields to the start of the trail. alternatively, take a taxi from pyin u lwin to the trail-head and back about us$15. stalls at the trailhead sell water, soft drinks, and snacks. the trail is steep but short, 35-45 minutes from the trail-head to the bottom of the falls. you can then return the way you came or hike up to the top of the falls on a steep trail that runs along the falls itself. if you hike up the falls, you'll notice with heart pounding from the steep climb that the falls are actually three falls and the view of the lowest level becomes increasingly delightful as you head up. once on the top, it is a short walk back to the trailhead. if you came by pickup, walk back to the main road and flag a pyin u lwin bound pickup, there are plenty.
Pwe Kauk Falls
Known as hampshire falls in british times. not much to look at by the standards of falls elsewhere but they are a popular picnic spot and seeing burmese families picnicking and enjoying themselves is the main reason to go. a precarious bridge crosses the stream and disappears into a fig tree. the falls are on the way to lashio so you'll need to hire a taxi but, if you want to save money, hang around long enough at the lashio taxi stand and you'll find a share share taxis to the falls wait for you and bring you back. a one hour hike from the falls take a guide, it is easy to get lost gets you to the natural caves of u naung gu where you'll find several buddhas.
Pyeik Chin Miang
Further along the road to lashio are these deep caves full of buddhas. almost everything is new so don't get carried away! a huge pool a little way down is a popular swimming hole. share taxis to pwe kauk falls often make the trip here as well.
Shan villages
If you're not planning to go on to hsipaw or kyaukme, you can stop by at the shan villages of mogyopit, yechando and ye negye on your way to pwe kauk falls.