Tea Plantations in Shan State, Myanmar's Best Kept Secret
myanmar It houses more than 130 national ethnic groups. Each one with its culture, its language, its traditions, its gastronomy... It seems obvious that missing this cultural cosmic journey It would be a mistake if you have a few extra days in the Asian country and want to know more than what the travel guides suggest.
An excellent option is to visit Hsipaw and enter the heart of Shan state, an ethnic minority of Buddhist religion who lives in the northeast of the country. The Shan are the largest group behind the Bamar, the majority ethnic group in Myanmar.
From Mandalay it is very easy to get there: the train leaves Mandalay at 4 in the morning, although the most recommended is to take a shared taxi to Pyoonlwin and from there take the scenic train to Hsipaw and cross the famous and extraordinary Gokteik Viaduct , the tallest in the country, built during the British colonial era.
The journey can also be made back from Hsipaw to Pyoonlwin. There are several options to get to the Shan state, so the traveler can choose the one that suits him best.
Hsipaw is a lively and vibrant city, much more authentic than cosmopolitan Yangon or noisy Mandalay. If you want to absorb true essence of Burma, is a must visit. Once there you can carry out different activities and schedule some curious visits.
Crossing the Gokteik Viaduct is one of the experiences that you cannot miss in Myanmar
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN HSIPAW:
SHAN PALACE
Knowing the incredible story of Princess Inge Sargent explained by one of her relatives is priceless.
Recently opened and for the modest price of 5 euros the ticket, you can visit the Shan Palace, where did they live Inge Sargent, her husband Sao Kya Seng and her two daughters until Seng disappeared during the military dictatorship.
Sargent met Sao Kya Seng in the United States, while she, of Austrian origin, was enjoying a Fulbright scholarship at university.
Sao Kya Seng was a Shan prince, but he never told her. They fell in love and only when they arrived in Burma did she realize who he was.
They settled in Hsipaw, and Sargent soon adjusted to Burmese life. Adored throughout the region, the happiness of the Shan princes was cut short when Sao Kya Seng disappeared under the clutches of the military dictatorship.
Her body was never found Inge Sergent and her two daughters had to flee Burma. All three currently live in the United States.
To know more about this story, the traveler can read Twilight over Burma. My life as a Shan princess, biography written by Sergent herself.
The Shan are an ethnic minority of Buddhist religion that lives in the north of the country
ONE DAY EXCURSIONS
Surely the best option during the visit to the Shan State is to take an excursion for one or several days. If you're short on time, a day trip will give the traveler an idea of what it's like to live in this small but interesting part of the world.
There are several options, all of them interesting. Day trips are usually a combination of rice fields, tea plantations, waterfalls, visit Shan villages and river boat ride.
They last 6 to 8 hours. For the more adventurous and those in better shape, there are also excursions with longer and more demanding hikes.
The prices of day trips range between 15 and 18 euros, depending on the chosen modality.
The guides They are always local guys who know the villages very well and are knowledgeable about the traditions and culture.
It doesn't hurt to give them one tip , since there is a big difference between what the traveler pays and what they receive. Many of them they study at the university and work as guides during the weekend in order to support the family.
A canoe ride on the Myitnge River is the ideal activity if you are looking for peace and tranquility
**SEVERAL DAY EXCURSION (TREKKING) **
If you have more days, it is almost obligatory to make an excursion of two or three days. There are usually different options, depending on the interests of the traveler.
There are excursions more focused on visit to villages and craft stalls in the mountains and excursions where the objective is to see nature and jungle.
If you choose a multi-day excursion, you should first check if the walks are difficult or not, since some options require you to be in good shape.
You also have to know that if you travel in the rainy season (approximately May to October monsoons), some options are not available.
The price of these excursions will vary depending on the modality and whether the group is large or not. It is convenient reach an agreement before leaving.
It is also advisable to go prepared, whether you go out for a day or if you choose one excursion from several: the traveler must not forget some basic medicines (paracetamol, ibuprofen, antibiotics), as well as mosquito repellent, bandaids, gauze, disinfectant...
You have to think that, in rural areas, medical assistance is scarce, and, although nothing almost ever happens, it is worth being cautious.
It is also advisable to carry, above all, the suitable footwear: During the rainy season everything is usually muddy and you need good boots with adhesion or sneakers for walks.
The oilskin It is a must, if you travel during the monsoons. Although it is hot, the temperature in Hsipaw is very different from that of Mandalay or Yangon: It is a good idea to bring a sweater or sweatshirt for the evenings, since when it gets dark it cools down, even in summer.
Pan Kam, one of the Shan villages well worth a day trip
MARKET
Someone once said that you don't know the soul of a city or town until you visit its market. Hsipaw Market perfectly defines the Shan spirit.
In the stalls of this market you can find fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, knickknacks, household items, clothing and footwear and also some handicrafts (Basically peasant hats, like the ones they wear when they go to the fields).
Getting lost in the alleys of this covered market will delight any traveler. Totally recommended if you want to live a Authentic Burmese experience.
The traveler should not forget to check the opening hours, since people in Myanmar get up very early and shops tend to close relatively early.
Getting lost in the alleys of the Hsipaw covered market will delight any traveler
LITTLE BAGAN
Little Bagan has no nothing to do with Bagan, unmissable destination in Myanmar, but someone must have come up with this name as a tourist attraction.
A series of pagodas (most of them destroyed) constitute this small but curious religious complex. It is not an essential visit, but if there is some left over in the morning it is a good option.
Travelers rarely pass by, although it is easily walkable from downtown Hsipaw. Recommended if you are looking for a bit of tranquility and solitude.
Little Bagan, a small and curious religious complex that will not leave you indifferent
The accommodation options are not infinite, but you can choose: guest houses (guest house), hotels, pensions of all prices and youth hostels where you can share a room.
This last option is very convenient if you go alone and want to hire a guide for an excursion. Single rooms cost around 8-10 euros per night.
In low season (rainy season) it is not necessary to book in advance, but If you visit in high season, you should have something beforehand and play it safe.
Hsipaw is definitely one of the mandatory stops in Myanmar. Get to know the Shan villages up close, delve into the story of Princess Inge Sargent, get lost in the alleys of the market and enjoy a romantic evening by the river should be reason enough not to think twice.
Food stalls alternate with arts and crafts stalls at Hsipaw Market