Indawgyi Myanmar 3/46: Enchanted by the Cooking Skills of a Homestay Girl by Indawgyi Lake

Indawgyi Myanmar 3/46: Enchanted by the Cooking Skills of a Homestay Girl by Indawgyi Lake

When talking about Myanmar, many might think of golden pagodas and big cities like Yangon or Bagan, but for me, mr.hotsia, this journey to Indawgyi Lake inKachin Statewas an experience full of new charms that few have talked about much.

Indawgyi Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, measuring 13 kilometers wide and 24 kilometers long. This lake is located in Mohnyin District of Kachin State, Myanmar. It is not just an ordinary water source but a wildlife conservation area with high biodiversity. It is also home to the Shan ethnic group, also known as “Tai Red,” and the Kachin people, who live simply amidst pristine nature.

I arrived at a small village by Indawgyi Lake where most locals still live traditionally, especially in their food habits. I tasted fresh freshwater fish caught from the lake. The homestay girls I stayed with had exceptional cooking skills, preparing fish curry with herbs and wild vegetables, blending flavors that reminded me of home cooking without realizing it.

Eating with a local family by the lake at the homestay made me feel like I traveled back in time to simplicity and the friendliness of the locals. There was no hustle, no rush, only the sound of birds and the breeze passing over the vast water.

Indawgyi Lake is not only naturally beautiful but also a habitat for many rare birds, especially in January when Greylag geese and bar-headed geese gather in large numbers. I rented a rowboat from the homestay to get a close look at the birds, an unforgettable experience.

Besides nature and lifestyle, traveling here is challenging and fun. I recommend renting a motorcycle from the nearby town of Myitkyina, about 40 kilometers away. That area is the source of the Irrawaddy River, Myanmar’s main river. Riding a motorcycle in Kachin State requires caution and wearing a helmet all the way, as some roads are still dirt tracks passing through small villages where people warmly welcome travelers like me.

One of my most memorable moments was spending time with a homestay girl here. She represents the beauty and warmth of the Tai Red people, living in harmony with nature and preserving traditional culture. No matter how much the outside world changes, Indawgyi remains peaceful and sincere, qualities rare in this era.

If you enjoy deep travel, discovering authentic lifestyles, and experiencing nature up close, I, mr.hotsia, recommend you try visiting Indawgyi, Kachin State. This trip will show you a unique side of Myanmar.

For those interested in Kachin State and the source of the Irrawaddy River, I have written details in an articleExploring the Source of the Irrawaddy River: Myitkyina, Kachin State, Myanmarwhich is another interesting spot for nature and culture travelers.

And if you want to know more about Indawgyi, including wildlife and local life around the lake, try reading the articleIndawgyiwhere I delve into the natural diversity and local communities.

Finally, I would like to share a videoIndawgyi Myanmar 3/46: Enchanted by the Cooking Skills of a Homestay Girl by Indawgyi Lakethat I filmed for everyone to watch, showing the atmosphere and the smiles of the homestay girl I mentioned.

Indawgyi is not just a beautiful lake but a place where I, mr.hotsia, felt the warmth of the people, the beauty of nature, and stories waiting to be discovered by ourselves.