Travel to Hakha City

Traveling to Hakha City, Chin State, Myanmar with mr.hotsia

If anyone asks me, mr.hotsia, why I chose to visit Hakha City (Hakha), Chin State, Myanmar, the answer is the challenge and charm of this place unlike anywhere else in Myanmar. Traveling to this city is not easy; it requires good planning and preparation because Hakha is located in a highland area, surrounded by valleys and rich natural scenery, which I have truly experienced.

Two Main Land Routes to Hakha

For land travel to Hakha, there are two popular routes. The first route is from Mandalay, a major city in northern Myanmar. I traveled from Magway to Mandalay and stayed overnight before continuing to Hakha. This road is currently under renovation and is expected to be completed within two years. The bus journey from Mandalay to Hakha takes quite a long time, at least 15 hours. Buses run daily, but you must be prepared for winding roads and some sections of dirt roads.

The second route, which I personally chose, is flying from Mandalay to Kale-Myo (Kalaymyo, Kalemyo) in Sagaing Region because it is more convenient and faster. I flew from Mandalay to Kale with KBZ Airlines; the ticket costs about 110 USD. The flight is short, about one and a half hours. The flight attendants here are attractive and provide very good service.

Upon arriving at Kale-Myo, I stayed at Taug Za Lat Hotel, located opposite the airport. The price is 48 USD per night. This hotel is very convenient for travelers continuing to Hakha because vans and buses operate all day. I recommend booking tickets 1-2 days in advance as vehicles fill up quickly, especially when there is no snow. Vans are the best option because they are faster and more comfortable than buses.

Experience the Journey from Kale to Hakha

The journey from Kale-Myo to Hakha takes about 12 hours. The road is winding uphill and some parts are dirt roads. In January, when I heard from locals that there is snowfall, buses are the main option because they can carry a lot of cargo. However, caution is needed due to accidents; about 4-5 buses fall off cliffs each year. Even if a bus falls, the driver is the most at risk because passengers are asked to get off at risky points for everyone's safety.

I chose to take the bus going there to experience the atmosphere and talk with locals. On the return trip, I chose the van, which is faster and more convenient. You can arrange transport through your hotel or buy tickets directly at the bus station. Advance booking is necessary because vehicles fill up very quickly.

Hakha City, Capital of Chin State

Upon arriving in Hakha, I, mr.hotsia, felt like I had entered a completely different world. This city is peaceful and simple. The town is situated at a high altitude with cold weather year-round, even snow in winter, which I personally experienced. The day I visited was March 19, 2016. Most people here speak Chin languages, which have many subgroups, such as the Sakna people. I spoke with some who could speak Thai. They told me that the Chin people have cultural ties with Tibetans and Kachin, but their spoken languages differ, making communication difficult.

The food of the Chin people is very interesting. A popular dish here is boiled offal with corn, which I tried and found very tasty, fragrant, and without any unpleasant smell. There is also a sour and delicious pickled mustard green stew that blends uniquely with Burmese cuisine.

I had the opportunity to visit an ancient Chin house, a small wooden house with one bedroom. Parents, children, and son-in-law sleep together in one room with a central fireplace to keep warm during winter when temperatures can drop to -8 degrees Celsius. It was a very warm and simple atmosphere.

Feelings and Experiences from mr.hotsia

This trip to Hakha was a unique experience for me, mr.hotsia, as I saw the lifestyle of people who still strongly preserve their old culture and language despite changes. The city's tranquility and the friendliness of the locals impressed me greatly.

For those who want to experience the real Myanmar from a less touristy perspective, traveling to Hakha is an excellent choice, especially if you stop by Kale-Myo (read reviews and accommodation recommendations in this city atKale-Myo) or transfer from Monywa (read details about Monywa city and hotels here atMonywaandRecommended Hotels in Monywa) to make your journey smoother.

For those interested in in-depth information about the Chin people, Chin State, or local culture, you can read more atChin State, Myanmarwhere I have detailed information.

Summary

Hakha is not an easy or convenient city for general tourists to travel to, but if you are ready for an adventure and want to experience the true nature and culture of Chin State, Hakha is a destination I, mr.hotsia, highly recommend. Traveling from Mandalay via Kale-Myo by plane and then by bus or van to Hakha will save you time and reduce fatigue. Don't forget to book accommodation and transport tickets in advance for a comfortable trip.