Kachin State is the northernmost state of Myanmar. It is surrounded by China to the north and east, Shan State to the south and Sagaing Division and India to the west. The capital of the state is Myitkyina and has other important towns such as Bhamo, Putao and MohNyin. Kachin State has Myanmar’s highest mountain called Hkakabo Razi which is 5889 meters height and Myanmar’s largest lake, Inndawgyi Lake. Hkakabo Razi is Southeast Asia's highest mountain and which located in the northern part of Myanmar. Inndawgyi Lake is the largest inland lake in Southeast Asia which is located in MohNyin Township in the Kachin State. The population of Kachin State ranks 10thin size compared with other States/Divisions in the country. The state is well known for its lavishness of jade and gold. Kachin State is one of the famous sightseeing places where one can relax and enjoy the environments.

 

Myitkyina

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The capital city of Kachin State, Myitkyina, is at a high region situated on the bank of Ayeyarwaddy River. It is also a railway terminal city and many national races live there. You can see farmlands and gardens cultivated on the silt land along the Ayeyarwaddy River. One can find and buy the World's best jade and gems in Kachin State. You can also buy Kachin Traditional dresses, handicrafts and other national cultural textiles and foods. In downtown area of Myitkyina, there is a large indoor marketplace where you can buy a Burmese gong. The outdoor markets have varieties of interesting local oddities such as mugs which are made out of monkey skulls.

 

Putao

Putao is 218 miles north from Myitkyina and people can get there only by air. Many national races reside there. In Putao, you will find the Mulashidi suspension bridge about 7 miles away which is built crossing the Mula River. It is a rare opportunity to explore the beautiful northern frontier's breathtaking scenery, flora & fauna and to visit the villages of the Jingphaw, Rawang, Lisu, Tai and Kamati hill tribes. The enthusiasts of nature will be richly rewarded with these awesome natures.

 

Bhamo

Bhamo is smaller than Myitkyina but set prettily amid with many hills. The surface of the ground is much cut up by ravines which fill and dry up according to the rise and fall of the river. When the Irrawaddy River is at high tide, the lower portion of the town is flooded but that usually doesn't take very long time. There is a railroad from Myitkyina to Katha and people can access through river to Bhamo. You can see many colorfully dressed natives such as Lisu, Rawan, Kachin, Shan and Palaung races can be seen in town especially on the festival days. Some street bazaars open at 4 am in the morning with flickering candles dimly showing fruits, flowers and vegetables.

 

Myit Sone

It is located at 45 kilometers to the north of Myitkyina. Myit Sone is the scenic confluence of the Mayhka (N'Mai) and Malikha rivers which marks the start of the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River. The journey, which is rough in some parts, takes one and a half hours and cost 50,000 Kyats by taxi (motorbike taxi will be cheaper though).

 

Inndawgyi Lake

Another interesting place to visit in Kachin State is Inndawgyi Lake in MohNyin Township. It is the biggest inland lake in Myanmar and also has the Inndawgyi Wildlife Sanctuary. Shwe Myintzu Pagoda is in the middle of the Inndawgyi Lake and which is very well-known pagoda in Kachin State. Inndawgyi Shwe Myinzu Pagoda lies on the sandbank named Linlon about 1,500 feet from the west bank of Inndawgyi in MohNyin Township, Kachin State. In the 11th century, Sayadaw U Nyi Hsu of Taung Thone Lone in Inndawgyi set out from Hpa Nan Mon areas with disciples endowed with Sila, Samadhi, Metta and Kammathana, conveying the three stones. When they got to the venue of the pagoda he set up his staff on the sandbank and strengthened its position with the three stones. As instructed by U Nyi Hsu, Sayadaw U Thawbita laid the foundation of the pagoda on 1230 New Year day. Then, five relics were obtained from the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon on 13th waxing moon day of Kason (22-4-1869) and conveyed on the boat in a gold casket to be enshrined there on the platform. The pagoda was completed on the 6th waxing moon day of Kason. The height was over 15 feet. Further renovations brought the height to 50 feet with a base about 39 feet 10 inches. The pagoda was built with different terraces each adorned with stone statues. There are also 152 satellite pagodas. It lies resplendent in MohNyin Township, Kachin State.

 

Hsu Taung Pye Zedidaw(Buddhist Temple in Myitkyina)

This ‘wish-fulfilling’ pagoda is the town’s most eyes catching religious building sitting on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River at the north end of Zaw John Road. Opposite side of the Stupa, there is a 98feetlong reclining Buddha and a nearby standing equivalent were funded by a Japanese soldier who served here in WWIIto commemorate 3400 of his comrades who died during the war.

 

Myo Ma Market

Myo Ma Market is the main market in Kachin State. It is buzzing with commerce throughout the day and the surrounding streets come alive for the night market in the evening. Shopping in Myo Ma Market is very enjoyable because you can find varieties of handmade costumes of Lesu, Yawon, Kachin and Shan tribes and all of these are very colorful.

 

Sri Saraswati Temple

Sri Saraswati Temple is one of the biggest temples in Myanmar with very nice decoration, great statues and has very luxurious look. This temple is stunningly gold painted temple which is not far from the river.

 

Kiss Me Restaurant

This restaurant is beautifully located next to the Ayeyarwaddy River. Good varieties of dishes (Chinese, Myanmar and Kachin) are available there with fair prices. They also offer the English menus and it is very popular among locals of Myitkyina. The restaurant is located next to the Hsu Taung Pye Pagoda.

 

Day Trip to Moe Kaung

In the morning, the foreign travelers can purchase a ticket to travel to the nearby town called Moe Kaung for new experiences. The town is well known for its gems and a number of cultural activities that took place in this town. The train back to Myitkyina departs around 5 p.m. on most of the days. Taxis back to Myitkyina will cost around 30,000 Kyats or may cost more depending on the individual service.

 

The Kachin Manaw festival

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The Kachin Manaw festival is a week-long festival that takes place in Myitkyina in January and is sacred event to the Kachin people. All people come from surrounding towns and villages to participate in this big festival to perform the mass dances in tribal costumes.

 

Transportation of Kachin State

Myitkyina is the northernmost river port and railway terminal in Myanmar. Myitkyina Airport is the main airport connecting to the other cities likePutao and Mandalay. Mandalay to Myitkyina railway has been used for around 100 years without repairing and maintaining the tracks. It usually takes almost 24 hours because of old and bad railway tracks. This railway is major transportation for all kind of goods and people use tricycle for the local transport in Myitkyina.