Travel to Kengtung

Travel to Kengtung, Shan State, Myanmar with mr.hotsia

Kengtung is a small town hidden in Shan State of Myanmar, a destination I, mr.hotsia, want to share from my real experience. Visiting Kengtung is unlike traveling to big cities. Here, the traditional charm of the Tai Yai people is strongly preserved. People live simply, with ancient temples and a lifestyle blending Burmese and Tai Yai cultures in an interesting way.

Travel routes to Kengtung

For travelers holding a passport, there are several ways to reach Kengtung. The most convenient is to get a visa in advance at the Myanmar embassy in Bangkok, which allows a stay of about one month in Myanmar. After this, domestic flights to Kengtung are a good option. Alternatively, for an exciting land route, taking a car from Tachileik to Kengtung is an interesting choice. There is no need to hire an expensive guide costing 1,000 baht per day because locals there speak Thai and can provide good guidance.

I, mr.hotsia, have tried this method and can say that getting the Myanmar entry stamp and then hiring a local tuk-tuk to continue to the bus station or van queue is very convenient and economical.

If you do not have a passport and only have a Thai ID card, you can get a pass card to enter Tachileik. This card allows a 7-day stay but is limited to the Tachileik area only. To continue to Kengtung, you must notify Myanmar immigration officials and will receive 3 travel permits for round trips to Kengtung. In this case, Myanmar requires a local guide at a cost of 1,000 baht per day. I recommend guide Khun Jai Luang, whom I personally used. He is a kind local who knows the routes well. Khun Jai Luang (phone 089-9555059) and his son Wanchai (phone 083-7635633) will meet you at the border bridge and assist smoothly with all arrangements.

Transfers from Tachileik to Kengtung

For travel between Tachileik and Kengtung, there are 3 main transfer options:

• Public BusRuns twice daily at 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM, takes about 5 hours, costs approximately 400 baht per person.
• VanThree trips daily at 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 2:00 PM, takes about 4 hours, costs approximately 550 baht per person.
• TaxiPrivate hire, costs about 2,500 baht, travel time about 3.5 hours.

From my experience, I, mr.hotsia, recommend taking the bus or van for affordability and a better chance to experience local life compared to hiring a taxi. The route offers beautiful mountain and rural scenery. When I traveled in April 2015, the prices were reasonable.

Traveling and sightseeing in Kengtung town

Upon arrival in Kengtung, I, mr.hotsia, recommend renting a motorcycle for 300 baht per day with a full tank of gas included. This is cost-effective and offers freedom to visit various spots, including ancient temples and Tai Yai villages around town. For those not comfortable riding a motorcycle, local motorcycle taxis are available at reasonable prices for city tours.

If staying in central Kengtung, walking around the morning and evening markets and the walking street is a good option. Here, people still live simply, with local shops, freshly made snacks, and conversations with Tai Yai or Burmese locals, which is a charm I, mr.hotsia, highly recommend.

Feelings and atmosphere of Kengtung

Kengtung is not just a famous tourist town but also a place where I, mr.hotsia, experienced the warm and unique lifestyle of the Tai Yai people. The town is surrounded by mountains and nature that remains abundant, making it ideal for a slow, relaxing visit. Take a stroll to ancient temples like Wat Jong Kham and Wat Jong Klang or visit the traditional local market. In the morning, fresh local food markets offer authentic Tai Yai dishes such as sticky rice, grilled pork, chili paste, and local vegetables.

Additionally, there is a chance to meet ethnic tribes around the town. Most foreigners renting motorcycles daily explore Tai Yai, Lahu, and other tribal villages with unique crafts and activities. This cultural and eco-tourism experience is a must for those interested.

Connecting and expanding travel experiences in Shan State

For those interested in more routes and culture in Shan State, I, mr.hotsia, recommend reading about nearby towns such asHakhathe capital of Chin State with beautiful nature and unique culture, as well asYongwhich I have traveled to and has interesting connections to Kengtung.

Traveling and tourism in Shan State, Myanmar, is still relatively new for many Thai tourists. Knowing the routes, visa procedures, and contacting local guides is very important. I, mr.hotsia, am happy to share experiences and advice so everyone can truly experience the beauty and sincerity of the people in this land.

Summary of travel tips for Kengtung

• Prepare your passport and get a visa at the Myanmar embassy in Bangkok if you want to stay longer than 7 days and travel throughout Myanmar.
• For those without a passport, use your Thai ID card to get a pass card for Tachileik and request travel documents to Kengtung, hiring a local guide.
• Choose to travel from Tachileik to Kengtung by bus or van for affordability and to experience local life.
• Rent a motorcycle in Kengtung to tour the town and tribal villages, or walk around the town center if staying nearby.
• Don't forget to try local food and talk with locals to better understand Kengtung's culture and history.

Finally, I, mr.hotsia, invite everyone to travel and experience Kengtung for yourself. You will discover the true beauty of Shan State in Myanmar, waiting for brave travelers to explore.