Map of Yong, Yuu, Kengtung, Lah, Maesai coffee

Map of Yong, Yuu, Kengtung, Lah, and Maesai coffee in Shan State, Myanmar

Hello, I am mr.hotsia with deep travel experiences into the land of Shan State, also known as Tai Yai in Myanmar. Today, I will take you to explore the routes full of stories and colors of Yong, Yuu, Kengtung, and Lah, along with a stop to enjoy quality coffee at Maesai coffee that will make this journey unique.

When it comes to traveling through Shan State, many people mainly think of Kengtung because it is one of the most historically and culturally significant cities in northern Myanmar. But for mr.hotsia, visiting Yong and Yuu was an equally memorable experience.

Yong (Yong) - A small town hidden in the Tai Yai area

Yong is located about 180 kilometers from Tachileik. Traveling from Tachileik to Yong requires a Myanmar passport and visa; temporary passes are not accepted. I once traveled here with friends, renting a car with a driver for three days and two nights at 7,000 baht, which was very worthwhile to access this quiet area with almost no foreign tourists.

The route from Tachileik to Yong is not very good, especially the right turn towards Yong, which is quite rough and takes about 3 hours for only 80 kilometers. However, if you go straight to Pyay or Praek, the roads are better and allow for faster travel.

I recommend preparing well for a journey facing challenging road conditions. But once you arrive in Yong, you will experience the simple lifestyle of locals who firmly preserve the traditional Tai Yai way of life.

Yuu (Yuu) and the route to Kengtung

Yuu is an interesting stopover on the way to Kengtung. This town is peaceful with a natural atmosphere that invites relaxation before continuing to Kengtung, which is not far away.

For traveling to Kengtung, I have written a detailed articleTraveling to Kengtungwhich is a city full of Tai Yai history and culture blended perfectly. Especially if you visit during market days or festivals, you will see locals dressed in traditional costumes, with warm laughter and smiles from the people here.

For those with passports, obtaining a Myanmar visa at the embassy in Bangkok allows full access to explore Kengtung freely and travel in and out without hiring expensive guides. For those using ID cards, a travel pass and a guide are required.

Lah (Lah) - A key connection point and the atmosphere of the Tai Yai people

Lah is another important town on the Shan State route that I, mr.hotsia, had the chance to experience. This town serves as a gateway connecting Shan State with Thailand and has an atmosphere blending Tai Yai culture and the border trade vibe perfectly.

In Lah, you will see local markets selling products from both Myanmar and Thailand, including traditional woven fabrics, fresh fruits, and even quality coffee, which I will discuss in the next section.

Maesai coffee - Quality coffee from the Thai-Myanmar border

After traveling through Lah and Kengtung, I stopped at Maesai coffee, a small coffee shop located in the Thai-Myanmar border area. It is a warm and friendly resting point. The coffee here uses beans grown in Shan State and around Mae Sai, where the climate is suitable for high-quality coffee cultivation.

The taste of Maesai coffee is strong but not too bitter, with a subtle aroma of nuts and chocolate. It is perfect for those who like black coffee or coffee that is not too sweet. I, mr.hotsia, recommend trying the coffee here and enjoying the atmosphere of locals sipping coffee comfortably.

Connecting context with Hakha city and Chin State

Speaking of Shan State, I encourage everyone to also open their hearts to nearby Chin State. In the articleHakha cityI have shared that this city is located on high mountains, has cool weather all year round, and features a fascinating culture of the Chin people, which is completely different from the Tai Yai.

Traveling to Hakha is much more difficult than Shan State, but if you love adventure and want to discover the true beauty of nature, I recommend trying this route.Traveling to Hakhawhich I have documented in detail.

Feelings after traveling in Shan State

Many times I, mr.hotsia, have traveled to Yong, Yuu, Kengtung, and Lah. What impressed me most was the friendliness of the people and the cultural diversity that is still strongly preserved, whether in language, clothing, or a simple yet profound way of life.

Additionally, traveling in Shan State gave me the chance to experience nature that remains intact, including mountains, rivers, and vast green fields stretching as far as the eye can see. Enjoying a good cup of coffee at Maesai coffee after a tiring day of travel is a small happiness I will never forget.

If you are looking for a unique travel experience beyond the usual tourist spots, I, mr.hotsia, recommend exploring this route in Shan State at least once. You will realize that travel is about opening your heart to differences and truly learning diverse cultures.

For those interested in detailed routes and more information about Yong and nearby towns in Shan State, you can watch the videoMap of Yong, Yuu, Kengtung, Lah, Maesai coffeethat I have recorded.