EASTERN SHAN STATE (GOLDEN TRIANGLE)
Kyaing Tong:
Kyaing Tong is known for its scenic beauty and many
colorful ethnic tribes. Situated in the eastern Shan
State and 452 km from Taunggyi and 176 km from Tachileik.
Places of interest around Kyaingtong are, the Spa, Naung
Tong Lake, Sunn Taung Monastery, Central market and
Traditional Lacquer ware works and weaving factory.
There are many villages of various ethnic tribes resided
around Kyaing Tong. The tribes known as Gon, Lwe, Li, Wa,
Lah Hu, Thai Nay, Shan, Li Shaw, Li Su, Palaung, Akha,
and we can only differentiate the tribes by colourful
dresses which is different to one another.
There are regular flights from Yangon to Kyaing Tong.
Visitors coming from Thailand are allowed to cross into
this border town with border passes. Tachileik is also a
border crossing point through which visitors from
Thailand come to Myanmar. Regular air services are
available between Heho, Mandalay, Tachileik and Yangon.
|
|
|
Loimwe:
Loimwe, 38 km from Kyaing Tong, used to be the
headquarters of the British District Commissioner during
the colonial period. This 'hill station' features a
number of old colonial buildings and a century-old
Catholic church. The main attraction is the scenery on
the ascent to Loimwe, as you pass through forests,
terraced rice fields and past a lake.
|
Akha |
Tachileik:
Located on the Myanmar - Thai border in the
eastern Shan State, is a gateway to the heart of
the Golden Triangle. The Friendship Bridge
across the small Mae Sai stream links Tachileik
with the northern Thai border town of Mae Sai.
You can fly direct from Yangon to Tachileik in
an hour. There is a ferry-landing site at Wanpon
port on the Mekong River at the Myanmar - Laos
border, 29 km from Tachileik. The road from
Tachileik to Kyaing Tong is good and it takes
only 3 hours by car to get there. |
Tachileik |
Mong La (Mailar):
Located on the Myanmar – China border can be reached
from Kyaing Tong by road (2 ½ hours). Mong La is a
flourishing town where the border trade, especially the
tourist industry is booming. Tourist across the border
pour in daily to do shopping, see the highly popular
elephant circus and crocodile show or just to relax at a
pleasant picnic site surrounded by emerald green
mountains.
|
Mong La |
NORTHERN SHAN STATE:
|
|
Hsipaw:
Hsipaw is an ancient Shan town, the local capital of a
Shan principality of the same name which according to
its legendary history goes back to year 58 B.C. It is
said to have been founded by Sao Hkun Hkam Saw, the
fourth son of the Sawbwa (Saohpa) of Mong Mao named Sao
Hkun Lai. The Myanmar (Burma) people pronounce the name
as Thibaw and the last king of Myanmar, King Thibaw
(1875-85 AD) got his name from this town. Hispaw has a
large local market in the center of the town, with
cinemas, small guest houses and restaurants near the bus
stands. The old wooden traditional Haw, Palace of the
Sawbwa is at the northern end of the town and the main
pagoda, the Maha Myatmuni Phaya is right at the southern
end. The roads are parallel to the Namtu or Dokhtawaddy
River with its clear, cool waters against a backdrop of
hill and mountains.
|
Palace of the Sawbwa |
Lashio:
Capital of the northern Shan State, major settlement is
Shan and Chinese being bordering with Yunan province of
China. The famous Burma Road built by the British before
the War, interests with Ledo Road leading into the
Yunnan province.The highlight about this trip is to
enjoy the most spectaculars scenic views of the Shan
plateau traveling one way by winding road with elbow
crossing hilly drive and the other way by train with
twisting and turning hilly trek. Crossing over historic
Gokehtaik viaduct will be an unforgettable experience.
There is a hot spa near Lashio which is always crowded
with local pilgrimages to enjoy the nature warmed both
of they believe bathing here will purify body and mind.Muse:
Muse, a small town on the banks of the Shweli River, is
the main border gateway between Myanmar and Yunnan
Province (China). Located 190 km from Lashio, it is a
bustling trading center, Muse Motel has modern
facilities. Namkham and Kyukoke are nearby border towns. |
Lashio Market |
|
^
top ^
|
|
