Kale-Myo

Kale-Myo, a border town in Myanmar that still retains the charm of traditional lifestyles

I, mr.hotsia, recently had the chance to visit Kale-Myo (Kale; Kalaymyo, Kalemyo) in Sagaing Division, Myanmar, in March 2016. To be honest, this place is unlike typical tourist cities you might expect. Instead, it offers a travel experience that truly feels like stepping back in time.

Kale-Myo is just an hour's flight from Mandalay, Myanmar's second largest city, via KBZ Airlines, with tickets around 110 USD. I chose to fly because traveling by car from Mandalay through Monywa takes nearly ten hours. Traveling by boat along the Myittha River is only possible during high water levels. From the Indian border at Tamu, it takes about 4 hours by car on reasonably good roads. This route remains an important trade passage between Myanmar and India, which are only 165 kilometers apart.

Unique Town Atmosphere and Lifestyle

Kale-Myo is a small valley town with two main markets: the morning market and the evening market. There are no tall buildings or the hustle of big cities here. I stayed at the Taug Za Lat Hotel, located opposite Kale Airport. The hotel rate was quite high at 48 USD per night, but it offered convenience and security, with airport staff strictly checking names for entry and exit.

What impressed me most was the town's night market, which still has no official electricity. Most vendors use generator power, and sellers light candles to sell their goods. The soft yellow candlelight illuminates fresh vegetables and fruits, creating a warm, nostalgic atmosphere. I enjoyed walking through this market, which is unlike typical night markets brightly lit with electric lights. It felt like being transported back to a past era that Thailand once experienced.

Delicious Local Food You Must Try

If you visit Kale-Myo, don't miss tasting local dishes at the morning and evening markets, especially Khao Soi or Shan noodles sold roadside at the evening market. Locals eat these a lot, and the flavor is rich and unique compared to other places. I also tried shrimp paste fried rice sold roadside opposite the morning market entrance, which is prepared in a distinctly Burmese style, different from what we have at home.

Additionally, near the Majesty Hotel where I stayed before heading to the Indian border, there are affordable and tasty bars and night food stalls. A cold beer helps cool down the evening as the mountain air starts to get cooler.

Travel and Preparation

For travelers interested in visiting Kale-Myo, the most convenient way is to fly from Mandalay with KBZ Airlines or other carriers servicing this route, taking about 1 hour. Compared to an 18-hour car ride from Mandalay through Monywa or a boat trip during high water, flying is much easier. Traveling onward to Hakha, the capital of Chin State, takes about 12 hours by car from Kale-Myo. I recommend planning ahead and checking road conditions, which are continuously being improved for safety and comfort.Read more about traveling to Hakha

If you want an in-depth trip in Sagaing Division, stopping in Monywa to transfer to Kale-Myo is a good option. I have recommended this before.Hotels in MonywaConvenient and affordable accommodations, though be prepared for limited internet speed.

What mr.hotsia Appreciates About Kale-Myo

Kale-Myo is a town that clearly retains the essence of traditional lifestyles despite the world's development. I felt like I traveled back in time to our own past, where electricity was not available everywhere but people lived peacefully and simply. The beautiful and unique candlelit night market was a highlight that impressed me greatly.

If you are a traveler who enjoys experiencing real lifestyles, not just tourist spots that have been commercialized, Kale-Myo will offer you a new perspective on Myanmar and its borderlands, which remain naturally authentic. It is not far from Monywa and Mandalay and serves as an important gateway to Chin State, which I have previously introduced in my articles.Chin State, MyanmarWhat You Should Experience

Recommended to Try

• Visit the morning and evening markets, especially the candlelit night market
• Taste Khao Soi and Shan food at the evening market
• Buy Chin patterned fabrics as souvenirs at the market in front of the market
• Stay at hotels near the airport or downtown, such as Taug Za Lat or Majesty Hotel
• Plan onward travel to Hakha to explore more Chin culture

For those who want to see the real atmosphere of Kale-Myo, I recommend watching the candlelit night market video I recorded. I guarantee you will feel like traveling back in time with mr.hotsia.