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176EASTERN MYANMAR THAZI TO INLE LAKEALONG CAME A SPIDERAs you enter Pindaya, keep an eye outfor the official town symbol – an archerand a giant spider. According to legend,seven princesses took refuge in ShweOo Min cave during a storm, and wereimprisoned by an evil nat (spirit being)in the form of a giant spider. Luckily forthem, Prince Kummabhaya of Nyaungshwe(Yaunghwe) was strolling nearby.Hearing their pleas for help, the heroicprince killed the spider with an arrowand freed the princesses from thecave. You can see some Disney-esquesculptures of the spider and prince bythe entrance to the Shwe Oo Min cavecomplex.Other StupasDownhill from the main cave on the dirtpath to Pone Taloke lake, the gorgeous HsinKhaung Taung Kyaung was constructedfrom carved teak panels in the late 19th century.The steps to the main cave start justbeyond the kyaung (monastery) – the pathis lined with ancient crumbling zedi.At the north end of Pone Taloke Lake, theKan Tau Monastery features some heavilyrestored stupas and a fine teak kyaung witha large collection of antique buddha imageson ornate plinths.TreksA few local guides lead day and overnighttreks in the area. Most head straight forYazagyi, an attractive and modern Palaungvillage located in hilly tea-plantation countryabout five hours’ walk from Pindaya.Treks start at about $10 a day per person,and experienced guides include U MyintThaung at Old Home Tour InformationCentre (p 177 ) and Soe Soe at Golden CaveHotel (p 176 ).zFestivals & EventsThe main annual paya pwe (pagoda festival)at Shwe Oo Min takes place on the fullmoon of Tabaung (February/March). Expectall the usual singing, dancing and handoperatedfairground rides.4SleepingThe only cheap option is in the town itself, a20-minute walk from the caves.oPindaya Inle Inn BOUTIQUE HOTEL $$$(%66029; www.pindayainleinn.com; MahabandoolaRd; r/chalets $45/100) Located at the entranceto town, across the lake from Shwe Oo MinPagoda, this is a surprisingly sophisticatedplace to stay – for a small town like Pindaya.Rooms are set in either bamboo or stone cottagesin a lovingly tended garden centred ona longhouse-style restaurant and bar.Conqueror Resort Hotel HOTEL $$$(%66106; www.conquererresorthotel.com; bungalows$55-80, ste $100;s) There isn’t a bladeof grass out of place at this immaculatelymaintained resort hotel near the main entranceto the caves. Rooms are set in cottagesaround a central restaurant and a large,inviting pool. Choose from bamboo villas,wooden stilt houses or stone chalets – all areluxuriously appointed, with a TV, a minibarand a stylish bathroom.Myit Phyar Zaw Gji Hotel HOTEL $(%66403; 106 Zaytan Quarter; s/d $10/15) Nextto the market and close to the lake shore,this is the closest Pindaya has to budgetaccommodation. It’s tidy and friendly andgood value for money. Some rooms face thelake.Golden Cave Hotel HOTEL $$(%66166; www.goldencavehotel.com; r $20-35) Awarm welcome awaits at this unassumingmidrange hotel a short walk from the startof the steps to the Shwe Oo Min cave. Thesmarter superior rooms in the annexe havebalconies looking towards the caves, and arealso equipped with a TV and a minibar.5EatingMost of Pindaya’s dining scene is very workaday.If you don’t require doilies with yourdinner, check out one of the options below,otherwise you may want to stick with therestaurants at Conqueror Resort Hotel orPindaya Inle Inn.Green TeaRestaurant INTERNATIONAL, BURMESE $$(mains K2000-7000; hlunch & dinner) Locatedbetween the market and Shwe Oo Min Pagoda,this open-air dining room lookingover Pone Taloke Lake is definitely one ofthe posher places in town to dine. The menuspans several cuisines and the Myanmarfood is better than you’d expect from a placelike this. There are even a few local (Danustyle)dishes on the menu.