20 April
By Thiha, the Traveller @ Thiha Lulin
The traveller blogger had been to Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State on a working visit before, but nowhere was visited during that time. This time his visit to Myitkyina coincided with Thadingyunt holidays. He told about the reasons for how to accompany. He seldom makes a tour plan, but the visit to Myitkyina by 2+1 VIP car held attraction for him. He mentioned he noted the trip held attraction for him even though he thought it took him quite a long time in the car from the delta to the northernmost point of Myanmar.
Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State
Myintkyina is situated above sea level of 476 feet and it is a hill station not so high. Myitkyina is close to the existence of Ayeyawady river where Maykha and Malikha rivers flow together and become one. It was named after the town near the river. Myitkyina has been an important trading town between China and Myanmar since the eras of ancient Myanmar kings. Myitkyina is officially designated as the capital of Kachin State on 10 January after independence was regained in 1948.
The ways how to get to Myitkyina
Myitkyina can be reached from Yangon and Mandalay by special 2+1 VIP, 1+1+1 VIP and various regular highway buses. There is daily high-class highway bus service providing from Yangon to Myitkyina. People can make a variety of choice of vehicles. There is also Manawdagun highway bus line. Nay Pyi Taw and Mandalay have Jeinphawt Shwe Myay highway buses to ply to Myitkyina. People can make choices of buses to go to Myitkyina. It takes about 24 hours to get to Myitkyina. Some take a Mandalay-Myitkina train. Flight will be the best way and flight ticket is a little expensive with it taking around two and half hours.
Places of interest in Myitkyina
Travel & Tours specially arrange for travel to Myitkyina. Those who are willing to go to Myitkyina can go there of their own plan. On arrival at Myitkyina, they can visit all parts of Myitkyina by hiring a car. If you go by Travels & Tours, you can make friends while you are taking a highway bus. You can visit most of worth-visiting places together with the guide. It can bring savings not only in time but also in cost. Going to Myitkyina of own plan can cost more. Well, let’s see where to visit across Myitkyina.
Manaw Grounds
Don’t miss a chance of visiting Manaw Grounds that can be noticeably seen in the downtown when you arrive in Myitkyina. Manaw Grounds usually host ceremonial events, where the highly erected pillars are spotlighting a symbol of arriving in Kachin State. Manaw festival is annually held there and it is one of the most ancient and grandest festivals for Kachin people. Manaw festival, used to be held in January is celebrated from five to eight days. Kachin ethnic Aung La N Sang, Myanmar’s world famous MMA boxer, the pride of Myanmar, whose statue is set up in Manaw Sports Ground where the visitors can take photographs of impressive views. There is a restaurant at the back side of Manaw Grounds and it has won the support of the customers. The name of the restaurant is Lung Ga Pa. It faces Ayeyawady River.
Lawka Manaung Hsutaung Pyae Pagoda, Standing and Reclining Buddha Images
Lawka Manaung Hsutaung Pyae Pagoda, known as the most ancient stupa in Myitkyina, attracted the attention of the pilgrims.
The pilgrims don’t forget to pay obeisance to the Reclining Buddha Image.
The Standing Buddha Image is also a worth-visiting place. The Reclining Buddha Image also has stone inscriptions written in Japanese and it was built and donated by the Japanese after World War II at a time when they retreated because of being defeated. It is unique in that there is a small memorial erected in remembrance of fallen Japanese soldiers in WW2, and within the main hall are two paintings by a Japanese artist gifted in remembrance as well.
Hindu Temple in Myitkyina
The place I feel like taking a photograph in Myitkyina is Hindu Temple and it is situated near People’s Square.
Hindu Temple gives a faint glow of golden colour. It was learnt that Hindu Temple was newly reconstructed. This Hindu Temple looks strange, bringing back the buildings existing in Jaipur of India.
People’s Square
The People’s Square in Myitkyina is not only a worth-relaxing site but also a worth-visiting place.
Myoma Market
There are two market—market-1 and market-2 in Myitkyina. Textile and personal goods are available in the market-1 while foodstuffs are available in the market-2. I have an excellent memory for buying traditional attire from the market-1 and Khawpoke, local eatable product from the market-2 was taken to home as gifts.
Night-market
Myitkyina is also famous for its night-market. It is a worth-visiting site for every traveller. A further fame together with the night-market is egg with sticky rice brew (Kyet-oo Gazaw).
I think it is a little strange. It is not the one that I am used to drink. It is good to drink like the rice gruel.
The buyers have to jostle for egg intoxicating brew. Foodstuff, clothing, toys and fruit can be mostly found in the night-market. Except the beverages, I have somewhere to go at night and it is satisfactory for me.
Aungzay Yanaung Stupa, Lawka Ayechan Stupa and Thabyay Tahtaung Stupa
It is TatU Stupa and monastery that are situated near Myitkyina airport. Lawka Ayechan Stupa is located next to Aungzay Yanaung Stupa. It looks like Bagan-era style.
The most remarkable sight is that numerous Buddha images are concentrated in a single place and it is also a good place to take photographs.
Ja Jubilimasat Nawkuhting Nu Church
The Christian churches are many in Myitkyina, some are age-old ones and some are newly-built ones. There is a wide variety of buildings in Myitkyina and some are high-rises. This church design looks up-to-date and it is one the largest churches in Myitkyina.
Minyat-Jameh central mosque
Minyat-Jameh central mosque is situated near the downtown of Myitkyina and it was learnt that it is the largest one. Small shops are adjacent to Jameh central mosque where is always packed with people and it is also an interesting site.
The sale centre of Kachin local products
I would like to see the places like this everywhere. But the shops should be kept neat and tidy. There is a wide variety of choice for shops and souvenirs shops are on display at the sale centre. The time I arrived was the late evening so some shops were closed. The visitors can buy all Kachin products ranging from traditional clothing to medicine herbs and foodstuffs. If the sale center is repaired a little, it will be better-looking. This place is the one that tour highway bus stop for a while. (Translated by Htut Htut (Twantay))
