Travel to Hakha City

Travel to Hakha City, Chin State, Myanmar with Mr.Hotsia

When talking about a hidden gem of beauty in the high mountains of Myanmar, Hakha City in Chin State must be one of the names Mr.Hotsia strongly recommends. This is not just a small town hidden at 1,865 meters above sea level, but also full of Chin culture that remains remarkably traditional and natural beauty that I consider one of the most beautiful cities in Myanmar.

Routes to Hakha

There are two main land routes to Hakha that I have tried: from Mandalay and from Kalay (also spelled Kale or Kalaymyo). Each route offers different challenges and atmospheres.

The first route from Mandalay to Hakha takes a very long time, about 15 hours or more. The bus travels south of the city. This route is currently under road construction, expected to be completed in 1-2 years. When I traveled, the road was quite rough and time-consuming. Buses run daily but you must prepare well as the road is winding and can be slippery during the rainy season.

The second route is from Kalay, a town in the Sagaing region, which I highly recommend flying into first because it is more convenient and saves time. I flew with KBZ Airlines from Mandalay to Kalay on March 17, 2016. The ticket cost 110 USD, which is more expensive than other domestic flights but worth the speed and comfort. The flight attendants were also quite beautiful.

From Kalay to Hakha, buses and vans run once daily. There are local large buses and more comfortable vans. The bus takes about 12 hours, passing steep mountains and some dangerous sections, especially in winter when it snows. Each year there are reports of 4-5 bus accidents falling into ravines, but don't worry because drivers here are very experienced and have their own ways to handle risks, such as having passengers walk during dangerous sections. On my return trip, I chose the van because it was faster and more convenient.

Currently, Hakha is building its own airport. Although it is not finished and will take several years, once completed, flying from Mandalay to Hakha will take just over an hour. This is good news for travelers who want to experience the charm of this mountain town without enduring long land travel.

Accommodation and Atmosphere in Kalay

Kalay is a town with few hotels for tourists, about five that accept foreign visitors. I found three suitable ones. Accommodation prices are relatively high compared to other parts of Myanmar, averaging over 40 USD per night. I stayed at Taug Za Lat Hotel, located opposite Kalay airport. The room cost 48 USD, which was worth it for the convenience and quiet atmosphere, perfect for resting after travel.

Exploring Hakha: Chin Lifestyle and City Atmosphere

On March 19, 2016, I, Mr.Hotsia, seriously explored Hakha City. The capital of Chin State is located on a very high mountain with cool weather all year round, especially in January when it is very cold and snows annually. I visited in April, with an average temperature of about 15 degrees Celsius, which is comfortably cool for someone used to hot weather like me.

Hakha is a small town without tuk-tuks or public buses within the city. You must walk or hitch a ride on local motorcycles to get around, which is a warm and fun experience because the locals are very kind and friendly. I enjoyed walking along small streets filled with beautifully carved wooden houses in the traditional Chin style.

The Chin people speak the Chin language and have very interesting culture. They once had their own script but now use English instead. The spoken Chin language is divided into several groups, such as the Sakna and Kachin groups, who, although related, cannot understand each other’s languages and must use English or other local languages to communicate.

Visiting Old Chin Houses in Hakha

One of the activities I was impressed with and recommend everyone try is visiting old Chin houses that are well preserved. These houses are made of wood, raised on stilts, with beautifully carved patterns on walls and doors in traditional style. Most Chin families sleep together in one room including parents, children, sons-in-law, and daughters-in-law. A very interesting feature is the bathroom, which is connected by a pipe behind the house for convenience at night.

The old Chin houses are not far from the town center and can be reached easily by walking or motorbike. I walked around the peaceful surroundings filled with the scent of nature and ancient culture. These old houses are like an open-air museum that lets us truly experience Chin life. For more details and photos of the old Chin houses, you can read atOld Chin Houses in Hakha City

Food and Markets in Hakha

Although Hakha is a small town, life here is simple and local food has a unique flavor. I tried local dishes at a small restaurant in the central market. Most dishes focus on fresh ingredients such as local vegetables, wild meat, and local herbs. The taste is spicy in a mountain style, perfectly blending heat and aromatic herbs.

The market in Hakha gathers villagers from nearby villages selling fresh and dried goods and local handicrafts. Interesting souvenirs include carved wooden items and handwoven fabrics that truly reflect the Chin way of life.

Travel Tips

If you plan to visit Hakha, I recommend planning your trip at least 1-2 days in advance, especially for bus or van tickets between Kalay and Hakha because they often sell out quickly. You can ask your hotel to help book or, if not, buy tickets at the bus station yourself.

Traveling within Hakha requires being prepared to walk mostly and do not expect convenient public transportation like in big cities. But this is part of Hakha’s charm, allowing travelers to experience real local life up close.

Connecting Travel in Shan State and Myanmar

For those interested in traveling in Shan State and nearby areas, visiting Hakha is a very interesting destination and can connect to other cities like Kengtung, which I have recommended in previous articles.Travel to KengtungOr continue to visit Loikaw, which has equally rich lifestyle and nature.Loikaw, Myanmar

For those who want to learn more about local culture and history, I also have articles about beautiful pagodas such asKyaikthanlan PagodaLocated in Mawlamyine, another major city in Myanmar.

Summary of Experience from Mr.Hotsia

Traveling to Hakha with me, Mr.Hotsia, was an experience full of challenges and unforgettable impressions not easily found on typical travel routes. I encountered stunning nature, fascinating Chin culture, and extremely friendly people. The cold mountain weather, long and patient travel time are the price to pay for the peace and beauty this city offers.

If you are an adventurous traveler wanting to experience the "real" Myanmar from a lesser-known perspective, Hakha is the answer I, Mr.Hotsia, want you to open your heart to and experience for yourself.