PINDAYA FARMHOUSE

 

Thanks to Aye Aye Thant’s garden, Pindaya Farmhouse is always alive with colour

 

There are very few properties in Myanmar that come close to rivalling the character, hospitality and family-warmth of Pindaya Farmhouse. This family run guesthouse is the brainchild of Aye Aye Thant, a former Inle Princess Resort employee; for those of you not familiar with the name, this is one of the most popular, luxurious and longest established traditional resorts in the country. Having worked there for quite sometime, it’s fair to say that Aye Aye knows a thing or two about hospitality.

 

Two of Aye Aye Thant’s most prized possessions; her grand-daughter and garden

 

Running the property alongside her husband, Ko Yangon, the traditionally inspired, five bedroomed, farmhouse is about as close as you can possibly get to a homestay in Myanmar (without breaking any laws!).

 

A Shan paper lamp hangs above Pindaya Farmhouse’s main entrance

 

Although the rooms are basic, they’re by far the most comfortable and best-equipped in the Pindaya region. The balconies of the top floor rooms offer far-reaching scenic views, and the terraces of the bottom floor rooms lead directly out onto one of Aye Aye’s most prized possessions, her garden. Inside here you’ll find olive, banana and mango trees, along with an impressive selection of salads and herbs.

 

Sunset from the top floor bedrooms is always a pleasure (only two of the three top floor rooms look out in this direction)

 

Although they don’t benefit from the far-reaching view, the bottom floor rooms have direct access to Aye Aye’s magical garden

 

Views from the balcony and garden aside, perhaps the most photogenic side of Pindaya Farmhouse is its communal / restaurant space; this top floor area is used for breakfast, lunch, dinner and general relaxation. The floor to ceiling windows here afford stunning views over the surrounding countryside, a pleasure that’s best enjoyed with a steaming bowl of home-cooked Shan noodles.

 

Pindaya Farmhouse’s communal dining area is bright and airy thanks to the floor to ceiling windows that open up

 

A bowl of Pindaya Farmhouse’s signature Shan noodles

 

With the farmhouse being a two-minute drive, or 15-minute walk from Pindaya town, we’d like to remind anyone looking to stay here that it’s not exactly central. This does however come with a few advantages in the sense that it’s quieter, greener and more in keeping with the side of Pindaya most people imagine. Thankfully, half-board and full-board dining options are available, so you certainly won’t need to worry about going hungry.