Chin State, Myanmar

Chin State, Myanmar: The Charm of Hakha City through mr.hotsia's Eyes

When talking about Chin State in Myanmar, many may think of a remote land still preserving the rawness of nature and interesting tribal lifestyles. For mr.hotsia, traveling to experience the capital city Hakha on March 19, 2016, was truly an exhilarating trip. This place is not just a high mountain city with annual snowfall but also full of cultural stories and the warmth of locals that are hard to find elsewhere in Myanmar.

Journey to Hakha City

Before arriving in Hakha, I chose to travel from Mandalay through Kalay, which is currently the most convenient route, although it takes about 15-20 hours. For those interested in full travel details, you can followTraveling to Hakha Citywhich I have written. Land travel routes are available from Kalay and Mandalay, but for future convenience, Hakha Airport is nearing completion, which will reduce flight time from Mandalay to Hakha to just over an hour.

Hakha: The Intriguing Capital of Chin State

Hakha city is located on a plateau over 2,000 meters above sea level. The weather here is cool and very cold in winter, with temperatures dropping as low as -8°C. Importantly, it snows every January, making Hakha an interesting city for those wanting to experience snow in Myanmar without traveling far to Kachin State.

I spoke with Chin locals here through a Thai-speaking person and learned that most Chin people in Hakha are Christians. On Sundays, the streets are quiet because everyone goes to church, and no vehicles run to Kalay at all. This atmosphere made me feel like I was in a charming and warm small town.

Lifestyle and Culture of the Chin People

The Chin people in Chin State consist of several subgroups, one of which is the Sakna group, with whom I had an in-depth conversation. The Chin migrated from Tibet through Mizina and have close relations with the Kachin people, though their spoken languages differ, making communication not easy. Additionally, the Chin in Hakha have a local language that once had its own script before switching to English transliteration.

The old Chin houses located in the city impressed me greatly. These wooden houses are elevated with intricately hand-carved patterns. The simple bedrooms accommodate parents, children, sons-in-law, and daughters-in-law sleeping together in one room, with a central stove providing warmth in winter. There is also a connected outhouse for nighttime use, reflecting a traditional lifestyle still preserved today. Those interested can visitOld Chin Houses in Hakha City

Local Foods Not to Miss

Arriving in Hakha, I must say the taste of Chin cuisine is unique. A popular dish I tried was boiled offal with corn and spices, fragrant and flavorful without any unpleasant smell. There is also a sour pickled mustard greens soup that helps cut through richness. Hakha's food includes both Burmese and Chin dishes, especially in the modest morning market filled with fresh and local products.

However, it must be admitted that food and goods here are more expensive than elsewhere because most are transported from Mandalay. For example, shampoo I bought cost nearly twice as much as in Thailand, but rice is sold very cheaply, only 30 baht for a large pot.

Challenges of Water and Environment

One problem the people of Hakha face is water, especially insufficient tap water supply. Residents have to buy water at 10 baht per container from homes with deep wells, which cost tens of thousands of baht to drill. This is a reality I personally experienced on site. It is a lesson that traveling to remote lands is not only about beauty but also involves hidden hardships.

Activities and Attractions in Hakha

For tourists visiting Hakha, besides strolling around the city and seeing old Chin houses, there are viewpoints offering beautiful mountain and city views. Don't miss visiting the strawberry farm, a popular spot among local youth, where you can taste strawberry wine in a chill atmosphere perfect for relaxing and experiencing local life.Visiting the Strawberry Wine Farm in HakhaThis was another experience I prepared for the next day.

Summary of Impressions from mr.hotsia

Chin State and Hakha may not be popular tourist destinations for the general public, but for those who enjoy deep travel, want to experience authentic tribal lifestyles, highlands with annual snow, and the warm atmosphere of a small community, I highly recommend visiting at least once in your life. Traveling to Hakha is not just a trip but a learning and understanding of a new world through mr.hotsia's perspective.

For those interested in more travel stories in Myanmar, I recommend readingStories of Hakha CityandTraveling to Hakha Cityto prepare and plan your trip well.