Life of Jia working with baby in Kengtung

Life of Jia working with her baby in Kengtung, a small town in Shan State

Kengtung is a small town in Shan State of Myanmar, also known as Tai Yai by many. It is one of the towns where I, mr.hotsia, had the opportunity to deeply experience the real lifestyle of the locals up close. One of the most memorable images for me was that of “Jia,” a housewife working while holding her baby in her arms. This is not a scene you usually see at typical tourist spots, but a real life that shows the warmth and strength of women in Kengtung.

I arrived in Kengtung after a rather challenging journey from Tachileik, passing through mountains and rough dirt roads. But the atmosphere here completely made up for the fatigue. Most locals still live simply, following traditions and agriculture. Although this town is small, there are many interesting little stories hidden in every corner.

Mother Jia and her baby: A lifestyle I, mr.hotsia, will never forget

I clearly remember the day I was sitting in the morning market in Kengtung. There I saw a mother named Jia weaving baskets while holding her little baby in her arms. The tiny baby was peacefully sleeping amid the surrounding sounds. This mother never stopped working for even a second—whether weaving baskets, weaving cloth, or selling goods at the market. It was a scene that deeply touched me. Working while taking care of a child is normal for women here. I, mr.hotsia, see it as a true display of the strength and love a mother has for her child.

Although life here is not as comfortable as in big cities, the community is full of warmth. Everyone knows each other and always helps one another. I had the chance to talk with this mother Jia and learned that working in this way is not just for livelihood but also a way to preserve local culture and wisdom for future generations.

Journey to Kengtung and its connection to Shan State

For travelers who want to experience this lifestyle, going to Kengtung is not very easy but not too difficult either, as I have shared in my articles.Traveling to KengtungThe journey can be made by air or land, especially the route from Tachileik which still has challenging roads. But every kilometer of the journey is worth the experience gained.

Kengtung is located in Shan State or Tai Yai, which has a rich and diverse history and culture. Shan State is home to many ethnic groups, each with its own unique identity. The stories of the Shan and Tai Yai people represent this diversity. I, mr.hotsia, recommend exploring or visiting nearby towns such asMong Yawnor evenMong Hakhato experience the differences and immerse yourself in even more diverse lifestyles.

Kengtung Market: A meeting point of people and culture

Kengtung Market is the heart of the community. It is not just a place to sell goods but a space where people meet, talk, exchange news, and a small stage that clearly tells the lifestyle of the Tai Yai people. I, mr.hotsia, spent several hours walking around the market, learning local cooking methods, tasting traditional snacks, and buying handmade souvenirs to take home.

In this market, you will see hardworking mothers like Jia working while their babies sit in cradles or are held all the time. Sometimes the little ones help by holding small items for their mothers to sell or even carry bags of purchased goods. It is a scene that shows the bond and gentle, natural passing of wisdom from generation to generation.

Local food and drinks in Kengtung

Food in Kengtung focuses on local ingredients with flavors that are sour, salty, and slightly spicy in the Tai Yai style. I, mr.hotsia, tried Khao Ram Fun, made from sticky rice flour mixed with wild vegetables, as well as a spicy sour curry using local herbs. Sometimes I found sweet sticky rice desserts topped with fresh coconut milk made right in the market.

There are also local drinks like pandan leaf juice and ginger tea that help relieve travel fatigue and the heat of the town. I recommend trying food at small shops in the market or roadside stalls because that is the true taste of Kengtung.

Impressions and reflections from mr.hotsia's journey

Visiting Kengtung this time allowed me, mr.hotsia, to see real life that few talk about. It revealed the strength of Tai Yai women who play roles as both housewives and main laborers of their families. The love a mother has for her baby, expressed through working and caring simultaneously, is the most impressive story.

I want everyone traveling to Myanmar to open their hearts and visit Kengtung. You will realize that this place is not just mountains and mist but life, warmth, and stories waiting to be discovered.

Watch the accompanying video

For those who want to see clear images of Jia’s life working with her baby in Kengtung, I, mr.hotsia, recommend the video I recorded titled"Life of Jia working with baby in Kengtung"which will give you a clearer picture and feeling.