North Myanmar

KACHIN
Kachin State is a beautiful state located northern of Myanmar and is adorned by the king of mountains, the Himalayas. Hkakabo Razi, the highest peak of Myanmar is also located here. Kachin is also home to the largest inland lake of Southeast Asia – Indawgyi Lake and the birthplace of Ayeyarwady River. The lush green farmlands on the banks of the river interspersed with snow-capped peaks present a postcard-perfect scene for visitors to admire. The state is also famous for the abundance of jade and gold. The sight of people in groups digging a panning for gold is quite common to be seen on the sides of Ayeyarwaddy River.

SAGAING
Sagaing’s classical name, Zeyapura, means the ‘city of victory’. The region, located at the north-western part of Myanmar, was the capital of the Sagaing Kingdom. It was one of the few kingdoms that managed to rise despite the fall of the Bagan dynasty and was also known to be the princes’ province during the Ava period. The region plays an important role as a religious centre and is known to have a great many. The Sagaing Hill, one of the main places for meditation in the country, is also known to have great meditation centres. Sagaing is home to numerous Buddhist monasteries and pagodas located on hills and parallel to the river, creating a magnificent view that would awe tourists visiting the area. Sagaing is home to the famous Naga Festival where tourists from all over the world would come to witness this unique and culturally rich celebration.

CHIN
Located at the western side of Myanmar with Hakha as its capital, the Chin State/Chin Hills stands tall at 3,053 metres, attracting mountaineers and hikers to visit Chin. The state is bordered by the Rakhine State, Bangladesh, Sagaing Region, Magway Division, and India. It is best for tourists to travel to Chin from Bagan all the way to Mindat, the entrance gateway to Chin. Mindat can be reached via a boat ride along the Ayeryarwaddy River, passing Kanma, Pauk, and Kyaukhtu. Tourists can then enjoy a drive up to Mount Victoria, the highest peak of Chin Hills. The roads are cut along mountainsides and alleys, providing tourists with a picturesque view of the state’s scenery.

SHAN STATE
The capital state of Shan is Taungyi City. The Shan State was founded during the Pagan Kingdom. The Shan people prefer calling their land as ‘Muang Tai’, and they fondly go by the names of Tai or Dai instead of Shan. The Thais mostly call them ‘Tai Yai’, or ‘big Thai’. The second largest ethnic residing in Shan is the Wa people. The mountainous landscape coupled with the Thanlwin River that flows through the state provides a breathtaking view of the state. Shan is also known to house many beautiful caves that tourists would not want to miss.

INLE LAKE
Known as the heart of Shan State, Inle Lake is about 39 km away from the capital city of Shan State. The massive highland lake is located 900 m above sea level and is 22 km long. Mountain ranges that surround the area is reflected on the lake’s surface, offering an impressive view. The natural lake is untouched and clean. Its shores and islands are mostly populated by villagers called the Intha people who are famous for their unique leg-rowing method. Visitors can tour the lake by getting on motorboats or experience the one-legged rowing method of the locals by taking a tour in their canoes. The area of the lake is big enough to house a wildlife sanctuary as well as several pagodas, markets, and gardens. Tourists can enjoy visiting landmarks and villages around the impressive lake.

MARVELLOUS SCENARIES
Being the northernmost state, Kachin presents amazing natural views for tourists to enjoy. It is the birthplace of Ayeyarwaddy, the most important river of Myanmar. A short ride from Myitkina will take tourists to Myitsone, where MayKha and Malika rivers join together to form Ayeyarwaddy. The clear water and the cool climate is to be cherished. The extensive banks of Ayeyarwaddy are ideal for farming and hence, lush green farmlands are the most common view here. Kachin is also home to Indawgyi, Myanmar’s largest natural lake, a stunning and secluded destination for nature lovers. It is fairly untouched although adventure activities such as recreational fishing, kayaking, trekking and cycling are available.

SNOW CAPPED MOUNTAINS
Kachin is the only state in Myanmar which is home to the mighty Himalayas. The snowcapped mountains are the birthplace of innumerable large and small rivers, lakes, flora and fauna. Tourists looking to enjoy the cool weather need to head out to towns nestled in the lap of the hills. Khakaborazi, the nation’s highest peak at 5,882m, is found in Kachin State. A mountainous region in the far north of Myanmar. It is also considered to be the highest mountain in Southeast Asia. The peak is enclosed within the Khakaborazi National Park, a mountainous park characterised by broad-leaved evergreen rain forest, semi-deciduous forest and snowy forest. The entire region is a treat to anyone who loves mountainous terrain.

INTERESTING TOWNS
Kachin has a number of distinct towns each of which has a distinctive character to itself. Myitkina is the capital and is a busy town which is also the business centre of Kachin State. A clean city with a cool climate, Myitkina is ideal for enjoying the scenic beauty of the Kachin region. A notable town located further north is Putao which is famous for the variety of birds and rare orchids. The forests on the east and west of Putao are filled with magnificent black orchids and the area provides excellent base to view the scenic beauty of the Himalayas, included its forests and rivers.

Myitkina: Myitkina is the capital state of Kachin State and is renowned for its cultural, religious and ethnic diversity, attractive riverside or surrounds areas. A short drive from Myitkina takes a visitor to Myitsone, the largest inland lake of Southeast Asia. Myitkina has a lovely riverfront where a local market is operated regularly. A large standing and reclining Buddha image also adorn the river bank.

Myitsone: A journey of 45 kilometres to the north of Myitkina takes a visitor to Myitsone, the scenic confluence of the Mayhka and the Malikha rivers which join to form the Ayeyarwady river. The journey takes about one and a half hours and the road passes through breathtakingly scenic parts of Myanmar.

Inndawgyi Lake: Inndawgyi Lake, the largest inland lake of Southeast Asia is located in the Mohnyin Township in the Kachin State. The lake measure 13 km east to west and 24 km north to south. The lake has a wildlife sanctuary around it which contains a variety of species especially some rare mammals and birds.

Putao: Tourists looking forward to viewing some snow-capped peaks need to visit Putao, a quaint town nestled in the lap of the Himalayas. The town has a cold climate throughout the year and is characterised by people from a variety of ethnic backgrounds who are warm to tourists. Visitors will be able to see a number of flora and fauna here, especially rare species.

Shwe Mitzu Pagoda: Shwe Mitzu pagoda is an enchanting pagoda located on the west bank of the Inndawgyi lake. The pagoda consists of terraces, each of which is adorned with stone statues.

Kachin People: The hills of Kachin are inhabited by the Kachin or Chingpaw people who are characterised by a large number of tribes, sub-tribes and clans. Most numbers of Kachin people live in China and India and speak the Jinghpaw language and survive on farming on the hill.