Life in Remote Villages of Kengtung

Life in Remote Villages of Kengtung: Aspects Often Overlooked by Tourists

Kengtung, a small town in Shan State of Myanmar, is known by many as a border town where Tai Yai culture blends with the lifestyle of northeastern Myanmar. But for mr.hotsia, traveling to Kengtung means more than just sightseeing in town or visiting the Jaitalun Pagoda. I chose to have a guide take me to remote villages outside the town to truly learn about the daily life of the local people here.

An important restriction tourists must know is that in Kengtung, tourists are not allowed to ride motorcycles by themselves; a guide must lead the way. Even if you enter Kengtung by flight, which does not require a visa, the guides here not only take you to various spots but also act as cultural and language bridges that help us deeply understand the villagers' way of life.

Life in Remote Villages: Impressive Simplicity

Once outside Kengtung town, the housing conditions change immediately. Wooden houses with earthen roofs replace the large concrete houses found in town. Most villagers still have no electricity and rely on their own generators. Some houses belong to Tai Yai people, some to Palong, and others are a mix of Tai Khun and Lawa. I slowly toured each house, chatting with the friendly villagers who, despite limited Thai language skills, welcomed me warmly in a way that made me feel at home.

I also had the chance to cook Tai Yai food with the villagers, sitting in a circle in front of the house, listening to birdsong and smelling the aroma of cooking food. This kind of atmosphere is rare in busy big cities. These simple yet warm stories and lifestyles are the heart of Kengtung that I want everyone to experience.

Kengtung Tai Yai New Year Festival: A Celebration Full of Friendship and Culture

One unmissable experience in Kengtung is the annual Tai Yai New Year festival. This event is not just a simple celebration but an opportunity for Tai Yai people from Kengtung and other towns in Shan State, such as Sipaw and Taunggyi, to gather and fully showcase their arts and culture.

The Tai Yai New Year is usually held before the global New Year. In 2015, when I visited, the event took place on December 9th. There were sword dances, bird dances, drum dances, and Tai Yai dances on the main stage in the town center, open to everyone without VIP seats blocking the view. The atmosphere was lively with a Ferris wheel and a traveling circus troupe, which I believe is probably the last troupe still performing in this area.

What impressed me greatly was the performance by Chinese artists featuring bear shows, lion dances, Chinese stilt walkers, and the Iron-necked Lama, a spectacular and rare show at such festivals. There were also fun traditional games like 'Water Gourd Crab Fish' played by the villagers. I didn’t miss the chance to join in and record clips as memories.

Tai Yai Circle Dance: A Highlight You Should Not Miss

The highlight of the Tai Yai New Year festival in Kengtung is the authentic Tai Yai circle dance held throughout the event. It is organized by village groups, with young women from Kengtung dressed in bright, lively Tai Yai costumes. The live singing and dancing create an incredibly warm and friendly atmosphere.

If you visit and want a deep experience, I recommend buying tickets to join the circle dance with Kengtung girls for at least a couple of songs, or if you have more time, dance for two to three hours. I myself have danced until dizzy and had a blast with them. It’s a memory you can’t find anywhere else. Mr.hotsia says, “Such thrilling travel experiences can’t be found anywhere else.”

Connecting Feelings with Surrounding Towns in Shan State

If you have more time, traveling to other towns in Shan State such asHakaorYongis an interesting option. Each town has its own unique charm and culture. In Haka, mr.hotsia has shared that it is a small, warm town with beautiful old Chin houses full of intriguing stories.Old Chin Houses in Haka Townare among the places you should not miss.

Connecting experiences between Kengtung and other towns in Shan State will help you understand the overall lifestyle and culture of this area more deeply. I recommend preparing and planning your trip well because traveling to remote villages in Myanmar requires guides and proper documentation. Read more atTraveling to Kengtungwhich I have written in detail to help everyone prepare thoroughly.

Summary of Impressions from mr.hotsia

Kengtung is not just a small town in Shan State with beautiful temples and pleasant nature. Experiencing life in remote villages showed me another side of the world that many overlook: earthen roof houses, lack of electricity in many homes, genuine friendliness, and the simple yet beautiful Tai Yai New Year festival. These are memories I will cherish for a long time.

For anyone wanting to experience this, I, mr.hotsia, recommend not missing a trip to Kengtung. Remember, true travel is about learning and understanding the way of life of the people there, not just taking beautiful photos.