Heho Airport

Heho Airport serves as the main aerial gateway for travellers dreaming of seeing the famous Inle Lake and immersing themselves in the unique culture of Shan State. Despite its modest size and simple appearance, this aviation hub plays a key role in Myanmar's tourism sector, connecting the mountainous region with the country's major cities. Immediately upon landing, guests feel the calm rhythm of the province, while views of the surrounding green hills set the mood for the beginning of an exciting adventure.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Convenient location for tourists. The airport is the nearest arrival point for those heading to Inle Lake. A taxi ride to the region's main tourist hub, the town of Nyaungshwe, takes about 45 minutes, allowing quick access to hotels and attractions.

Compactness and simplicity. The airport terminal is small, making navigation intuitively clear, and security control procedures usually do not take much time. There are no confusing corridors here, eliminating the risk of getting lost.

Picturesque surroundings. The airport is located on a plateau surrounded by mountains. Take-off and landing are often accompanied by breathtaking views of agricultural lands and the hilly landscapes of the Shan Plateau, making the flight aesthetically pleasing.

Accessible transport. At the terminal exit, one can always find taxis offering transfers to popular resorts. Drivers know the area well and often act as guides, giving initial advice on staying in the region.

Finding current and centralised contact information for Heho Airport (HEH) can be challenging, as it does not have a single public information centre like major international hubs. Below is the most reliable information and recommendations.

• Official Website: Heho Airport does not have its own official website. The main regulator of aviation activity in the country is the Department of Civil Aviation of Myanmar, but detailed information on regional airports is often limited on its resources as well.
• Inquiry Service Phone: There is no single confirmed phone number for inquiries. Some sources mention the number +95 81 60 037, but its functionality is not guaranteed. It is most reliable to contact your airline directly.
• Airport Address: Heho Airport (HEH), Heho town, Shan State, Myanmar.
• Email: A public email address for general passenger inquiries is not provided.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain official pages on social networks.
• Lost Luggage Information: Issues regarding lost luggage are handled directly by the airlines. In case of problems, you should immediately contact a representative of your carrier in the arrival hall.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For resolving any issues related to tickets, schedules, or flight rules, please contact your airline's support service.

There are several ways to get to Heho Airport (HEH), which serves as the main aerial gateway to Inle Lake and popular trekking routes in Myanmar. The choice of transport depends on your budget, departure point, and desired level of comfort. Most travellers head to the airport from the town of Nyaungshwe (on Inle Lake) or from Kalaw, rather than from the town of Heho itself.

Taxi and Transfer — the most popular and convenient way to get to the airport. You can hail a private taxi directly on the street in Nyaungshwe or Kalaw, but it is more reliable to book a car through your hotel. The trip from Nyaungshwe will take about 45-60 minutes and will cost approximately 25,000–35,000 Myanmar Kyats (MMK). The drive from Kalaw takes about the same time. It is extremely important to agree on the price with the driver before the trip begins, as taximeters are practically not used. For budget travellers, there are shared taxis, where the cost is split among several passengers.

Public Transport in its classic sense (regular scheduled buses) is poorly developed in this region and is not a convenient option for travelling to the airport with luggage. However, one can use local marshrutkas — songthaews (pickups with benches in the back). They ply between settlements, including the road passing near the airport. This is the cheapest, but also the slowest and most unpredictable method. It is suitable for experienced tourists travelling light and having plenty of time.

Car Rental in Myanmar for tourists most often implies renting a car with a driver. Renting a car for self-driving is quite difficult for foreigners. This option ensures maximum flexibility and comfort, allowing you to plan a complex route with a stop at the airport. The cost will be significantly higher than a taxi and is usually calculated for a whole day or for a specific route. Such a service can be booked at travel agencies in Nyaungshwe or online in advance.

There is a parking area on the territory of Heho Airport. It is a simple open lot suitable for short-term stays — for example, to drop off or pick up passengers. If you are renting a car with a driver, the issue of parking will not concern you. For tourists leaving a car for a long term, this service is usually not relevant, as the majority arrive by taxi.

Heho Airport (HEH) is a small regional airport serving the popular tourist destination of Inle Lake in Myanmar. Its structure is extremely simple and clear, making it very convenient for travellers.

The airport consists of one small terminal, which serves both domestic and limited international flights. The terminal building is a single-storey structure where all zones are within walking distance of each other. Thanks to its compact size, it is practically impossible to get lost here, and there is no need for transfers between terminals.

The airport layout is very logical:

• Departure Zone: Immediately upon entering the terminal, airline check-in counters are located. After receiving a boarding pass, passengers proceed to a small security screening area, and then to the general waiting hall. There are several rows of seats here, a small souvenir shop, and a café where one can have a snack before the flight.
• Arrival Zone: The arrival hall is located in another part of the same building. After disembarking from the aircraft, passengers walk to the terminal and enter the baggage claim area. There is only one baggage belt, so waiting usually does not take much time. Immediately after the arrival zone is the exit from the airport, where tourists are met by taxi drivers and hotel representatives.

Completing all formalities at Heho Airport typically happens very quickly. Check-in and security screening rarely take more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5 hours before the departure of a domestic flight to check in luggage without haste and find your boarding gate. Thanks to its simplicity and small passenger flow, HEH airport leaves a pleasant impression on tourists as a convenient and fast transit hub.

The history of Heho Airport (HEH) is closely linked to the events of the 20th century and the development of tourism in Myanmar. Initially, it was not a civil but a military facility. The airfield was built during World War II, in the early 1940s, by the Japanese army and was used as a strategic airbase. Its location in the mountainous terrain of Shan State made it an important stronghold.

After the end of the war and the country's independence, the airfield was converted for civil use. For a long time, it remained a small regional airport with basic infrastructure. A key stage in its development was the growth in popularity of Inle Lake — a unique natural and cultural site located nearby. As the flow of tourists increased in the 1990s and 2000s, an acute need arose to modernise the region's air gateway.

Significant reconstruction of the airport began in the 2010s. Within the framework of a project implemented with the support of international partners, large-scale modernisation was carried out. The runway was widened and lengthened, allowing it to accommodate larger aircraft, such as the Airbus A320. A new, more spacious and modern passenger terminal was also built, capable of serving the growing number of domestic and international flights.

Today, Heho Airport is one of the busiest in the country after Yangon and Mandalay, playing a key role in the economy of Shan State. It may not boast passenger traffic records on a global scale, but its main achievement is providing access to one of the most amazing places on the planet. An interesting fact: despite the modern infrastructure, landing in Heho still offers passengers breathtaking views of picturesque hills and valleys, reminding them of its unique location.

Heho Airport (HEH) is the key aerial gateway for travellers heading to Inle Lake and Shan State. Despite its modest size, the airport provides a basic set of services to make waiting for a flight more comfortable.

Dining and Shopping. In the terminal, you will find several small cafés and eateries where you can order local dishes, sandwiches, coffee, and soft drinks. Souvenir stalls are also open, offering traditional handmade items, textiles, and other memorable gifts from the region. The selection here is not as large as in international hubs, but quite sufficient for a snack and buying last-minute souvenirs.

Waiting Areas and Facilities. Public waiting areas in the airport are quite simple. Some local airlines may offer access to small lounges for their business class passengers. The availability of free Wi-Fi may be limited, and the signal unstable, so it is better to have a local SIM card with you. Charging points for electronic devices are rare, so it is recommended to bring a portable power bank.

Financial and Other Services. For passenger convenience, there are currency exchange points and several ATMs in the airport. If necessary, one can contact the medical post for basic medical assistance. There are no specialised mother and child rooms or play areas for children, but basic amenities are available in the washrooms. Passengers with reduced mobility are recommended to notify their airline in advance about the need for assistance so that airport staff can provide escort and support.

Accommodation and Business. There are no hotels within the airport building itself; however, many accommodation options — from guest houses to luxury resorts — are located a few minutes' drive away, in the town of Nyaungshwe and on the shores of Inle Lake. Specialised conference halls or business centres are absent at Heho Airport.

Heho Airport (HEH) is a small regional airport serving the popular tourist destination of Inle Lake. Therefore, dining options here are quite modest but sufficient for a snack before departure. Do not expect a wide variety of restaurants as in major international hubs, however, you will not go hungry.

The main dining points are concentrated in the single terminal, predominantly in the public zone before security control (landside). Here you will find several small cafés and eateries. After passing security (airside), the choice is usually even more limited, so it is better to plan a full meal before this stage.

As for the menu, in local cafés, you can try simple dishes of Burmese cuisine. Pay attention to Shan noodles — this is the region's calling card. You can also find fried rice, light soups, and various snacks. For a quick bite, sandwiches, pastries, and packaged snacks are suitable. Beverages offered include local tea, coffee, soft drinks, and bottled water.

Specialised dietary offers, such as gluten-free or strictly vegan dishes, are practically impossible to find here. However, vegetarians will find it easier: the menu often includes rice and vegetable dishes. Prices at the airport are moderate, slightly higher than in the cities, but quite affordable. The opening hours of establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule and serve passengers throughout the day. If you have enough time, the best decision would be to have a full lunch in the town of Nyaungshwe or another settlement before travelling to the airport.

Travelling through Heho Airport, the main aerial gateway to Inle Lake and Shan State, usually proceeds calmly, but knowing a few nuances will make your trip even more comfortable. This is a small regional airport, so all processes here are simpler than in major international hubs.

For domestic flights within Myanmar, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure. This time will be sufficient for check-in, baggage drop-off, and passing security control without haste. The check-in and screening process here often takes place in a more "manual" mode than in large airports, so keep all documents — passport and ticket printout — close at hand.

When choosing a seat on a plane flying to or from Heho, give preference to a window seat. You may be treated to stunning views of the mountain landscapes of Shan State and Inle Lake. If comfort and the ability to stretch your legs are more important to you, choose an aisle seat.

Hand luggage rules are standard. Liquids must be in containers up to 100 ml and packed in a transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited. Be careful when buying souvenirs: some items, especially antiques, may require a special export permit.

Since Heho Airport mainly serves domestic flights, complex transfers are rare here. If you have a connecting flight, check with the airline whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Customs control is undergone only by passengers arriving on international flights (which is a rarity for Heho), and the procedure is standard — it is necessary to declare large sums of money and valuable goods.

To save time and money, arrange a transfer to your hotel on Inle Lake or in Nyaungshwe in advance. There are many taxi drivers at the terminal exit, and you can bargain, especially if you are travelling in a group and are ready to share the cost. Food and drinks at the airport may be more expensive than in the city, so it is better to have a snack before arriving here.

In case of a flight delay, contact your airline representative. Capabilities at the airport are limited, so just in case, have a book, a charged power bank, and films or music downloaded to your device. Wi-Fi may be unstable or absent, so it is better not to rely on it for work or entertainment.