Kachin State

Kachin State: The Origin of the Irrawaddy River and Riverside Life

When it comes to a travel route that excites me like no other in Myanmar, it has to beKachin StateThe land located at the northernmost part of this country, where I, mr.hotsia, had the chance to travel and experience myself and want to share the beauty and seriousness of this trip. Most importantly, reachingthe source of the Irrawaddy Riverat Myitkyina city, known as “Myitsone,” the point where the Mali and N'Mai rivers converge to form Myanmar’s main river.

Journey to Myitkyina and Myitsone

For my route from Mandalay to Myitkyina, I took a VIP sleeper bus for about half a night. The bus left at 3 PM and arrived in Myitkyina in the morning. Traveling in Myanmar is now much more convenient, with improved roads significantly reducing travel time. For those interested in full travel details, I have written about it inthe travel article to Myitkyina citywhich recommends both bus and flight options for convenience.

Upon arriving in Myitkyina, I recommend renting a motorcycle from your hotel at about 350 baht per day, as the distance from the city to Myitsone is approximately 40 kilometers, taking about 1 hour. Riding through local villages and complex mountain views is an experience not to be missed. And don’t forget to wear a helmet, as traffic laws here are strictly enforced.

The Wonder of the Irrawaddy River Source

The Irrawaddy River, also known as the Ayeyarwady River, is Myanmar’s lifeline, stretching over 2,170 kilometers. The source I visited is near the Yunnan border in China, called Myitsone. This is where the Mali and N'Mai rivers meet, forming the Irrawaddy River that flows through the heart of Myanmar to the Andaman Sea.

Local legend says the name “Irrawaddy” comes from Lady Irrawaddy, mother of Irrawatha, a mythical character influential in Burmese culture. Thus, this river is not only a river of life but also a symbol of sacredness and prosperity for the Burmese people.

Myitsone: Riverside Life and Tranquility

When I arrived at Myitsone, the first thing that caught my eye was the peacefulness and the lifestyle of the riverside villagers. There is a small temple near the river and local shops selling simple but delicious local food. I tried some local dishes made from fresh ingredients caught by the villagers from the river.

Here, you can also swim in the shallow source waters to refresh yourself after riding a motorcycle for hours. This feeling made me, mr.hotsia, feel completely rejuvenated. Additionally, there are private boat tours available to explore the Irrawaddy’s source closely, allowing you to fully experience the nature and atmosphere of this great river’s beginning.

Myitkyina Morning Market: The Vibrant Life by the Irrawaddy River

Before heading back, I recommend visiting Myitkyina’s morning market located by the Irrawaddy River. This market is where Kachin and Burmese lives blend harmoniously.

At the market, I saw huge piles of fermented fish, a local specialty, as well as unique fish balls made from freshly grated and pounded fish meat wrapped in banana leaves. I liked how all fish were displayed on fresh green leaves, a charm rarely found in other Myanmar markets.

The atmosphere at Myitkyina’s morning market is full of life—from the calls of vendors, the aroma of food, to the smiles of the people. It opened my travel perspective again and made me want to return.

Connecting Travel and Culture in Kachin State

This trip to Kachin State not only showed me the source of an important river but also gave me a deep understanding of the Kachin people’s lifestyle and culture. Traveling through small villages and towns here made me realize Myanmar is not just about the big cities most people know but also about places where nature remains pristine and people live simply and peacefully.

If anyone is interested in experiencing the sincerity of the Kachin people and the untouched natural beauty, I recommend checking the travel details toIndawgyi Lakewhich is not far from Myitkyina, or stopping byMyitkyina Morning Marketthat I have shared to complete your travel experience in Kachin State.

Ending the Journey with Lasting Impressions

For me, mr.hotsia, seeing the Irrawaddy River’s source at Myitsone was a meaningful journey both in terms of nature and culture. Although the route is not as comfortable as others, the sincerity of the people and the beauty of nature made every kilometer I rode on the motorcycle worth it.

If you are ready to discover the secrets of the Irrawaddy River and the lifestyle of the Kachin people, I believe Kachin State will offer you an experience you will remember for a long time.