Visit Strawberry Wine Village in Hakha
mr.hotsia travel Myanmar Shan State (Tai Yai/Shan) HOT04557
Visit Strawberry Wine Village in Hakha, Shan State, Myanmar
For those who follow mr.hotsia's work, you probably know that I enjoy traveling to experience real places that are not often talked about. This time, I had the chance to visit Hakha, the capital city of Chin State in Myanmar, located 1,865 meters above sea level. The atmosphere was cool and comfortable even in April, with temperatures around 15 degrees Celsius.
But this time, I didn't just come to explore Hakha city. There is a newly opened tourist attraction in the past 4-5 years that I want to recommend to everyone, which isStrawberry Wine VillageLocated about 15 kilometers from Hakha city center
Strawberry Wine Village, Hakha
I clearly remember the day I visited here in April 2016. After traveling from Mandalay to Kalay and then taking several more hours by car to Hakha (you can read the travel details atTravel to Hakha), I had the opportunity to visit a strawberry farm that serves as a viewpoint and offers strawberry wine to tourists.
The strawberry farm actually covers a wide area far from the two houses that are set up as a display point for the public to see the local strawberry farming methods. But at the small house, there are seats to enjoy the mountain views and surrounding atmosphere while serving freshly made strawberry wine, which made me feel refreshed and warm with the simplicity of the local people here.
What impressed me the most was the atmosphere of the strawberry farm located among high mountains with cool breezes. I sat and talked with the farm owners who told me that growing strawberries in this highland area is very suitable because of the cool weather and good soil. The strawberries here are sweeter and more fragrant than elsewhere.
Lifestyle and Atmosphere of Hakha City
Hakha is a small city with a unique charm. Most locals follow the Chin culture, which has its own language and distinctive wooden houses raised on stilts with beautiful carvings (you can read more atOld Chin Houses in Hakha)
). While walking around the city, I had the chance to talk with many locals, some of whom spoke English and some Thai, which helped me understand that this city was once settled by Chin people who migrated from Tibetan lands. Although they still preserve their traditional culture, they warmly welcome tourists.
There is no public transportation like in big cities; you have to hitch a ride on motorcycles or walk. mr.hotsia sees this as part of the charm and sincerity of this city because we get to experience the real lifestyle, not just a tourist spot that is artificially created.
Travel Recommendations and Continuing Trips
For those interested in visiting Hakha, I recommend planning ahead and studying the travel routes carefully because the journey from Mandalay or Kalay to Hakha takes a long time and the roads are still under construction (you can find route information and travel advice atTravel to Hakha)
). If you have time, I suggest visiting the old Chin houses in Hakha as well, as it is another charm that helps us deeply understand the lifestyle and culture of the locals (read more atOld Chin Houses in Hakha)
). Or if you have the chance to travel further, you can plan to continue to Loikaw city, also in Shan State, which is another interesting destination with a different rural charm (details available atLoikaw, Myanmar)
Summary of mr.hotsia's Experience at Strawberry Wine Village
Visiting Strawberry Wine Village in Hakha made mr.hotsia feel like discovering a new side of Myanmar, which is not only about temples or big cities but also about the Chin people's way of life deeply connected to nature and mountains.
Sitting and enjoying the mountain view in a cool atmosphere while sipping strawberry wine made from fresh strawberries from the farm is a small memory I want everyone to experience themselves.
If you are looking for a peaceful destination with friendly people and beautiful nature in Myanmar, mr.hotsia recommends visiting Hakha city and this Strawberry Wine Village. I guarantee you will take unforgettable impressions home.