Taunggyi is a mid-sized town that is navigable on foot in the centre, though the distances involved in getting around the outskirts are better covered by motorbike taxi (easily flagged on main roads) or shared pick-up trucks that ply the main routes.
For day trips to Inle Lake (about an hour's drive), shared taxis and pick-ups depart from the main bus area; agree a price beforehand. Motorbike taxis will also make the journey for a negotiated fee and are faster.
The town sits at around 1400m elevation, which keeps temperatures moderate year-round but means that mornings and evenings can be cold, especially in November to February. A light jacket is useful even in what passes for summer.