Indawgyi Myanmar 30/46: The Charming Cooking Skills of Nong Samsu, Red Tai Girl from Longkok Village, Indawgyi 1/3

Indawgyi Myanmar 30/46: The Charming Cooking Skills of Nong Samsu, Red Tai Girl from Longkok Village, Indawgyi 1/3

When talking about the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, one of the places I, mr.hotsia, must highlight is “Indawgyi” (Inndawgyi Lake), a lake located in Mohnyin district, Kachin State, Myanmar. It’s not just the vast expanse of water stretching over 24 kilometers from north to south or its 13-kilometer width, but this place is a perfect blend of life and culture, harmonizing nature and local communities.

Indawgyi is situated 166 meters above sea level. Around the lake are more than 20 villages. Here, I experienced the lifestyle of the Red Tai people, also known as “Nong Samsu,” as well as the Kachin and Shan ethnic groups, who still firmly uphold their ancient traditions and cultures. A Red Tai girl from Longkok village, whom I had the chance to talk with, shared that life here is a combination of rice and vegetable farming and fishing in Indawgyi Lake, which is home to many fish species and aquatic animals.

Traveling to Indawgyi is not easy for general tourists, but for me, mr.hotsia, riding a motorcycle through Kachin State, known for dusty roads and authentic rural atmosphere, was both challenging and enjoyable. I rented a motorcycle from Myitkyina, the main city in Kachin State, and it took about an hour to reach the lake area. The route was lined with small roadside villages, and the dirt and gravel roads allowed me to see the genuine and simple life of the locals.

Indawgyi Lake was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1999, covering over 780 square kilometers by Myanmar’s Ministry of Ecotourism. The impressive highlight is its biodiversity, including rare mammals and various bird species. This area is home to 10 rare bird species found in Myanmar, such as the Greylag Goose, Oriental Magpie-Robin, and Purple Swamphen. January is a popular month for birdwatchers. I, mr.hotsia, did not miss the chance to take a boat tour with locals to capture photos of birds and the beautiful natural scenery.

Besides the stunning nature, another charm of Indawgyi that deeply impressed me is the “food” sourced from the lake and villagers’ vegetable gardens. In Longkok village, I tasted fresh fish caught from the lake, including large fish and the famous Hilsa fish, known in this region. The natural sweet and rich flavor reminded me of the Irrawaddy River cuisine, which is the source of this area (read more aboutKachin Stateand the origin of the Irrawaddy River)

The young Red Tai girl I met in Longkok village told me that the food here is not only about fish but also various local vegetables grown by themselves, using traditional seasonings such as galangal, lemongrass, and dried chili, which enhance the flavor and give the dishes a unique character. I, mr.hotsia, had the opportunity to sit in the small kitchen of Nong Samsu’s house and saw the cooking process with fresh fish and vegetables freshly picked from the backyard garden. It was a warm and impressive scene.

Besides food and nature, I also captured memorable videos from this trip. You can watch the clip Indawgyi Myanmar 30/46: The Charming Cooking Skills of Nong Samsu, Red Tai Girl from Longkok Village, Indawgyi 1/3 atmr.hotsia YouTube channelto experience the atmosphere and real lifestyle I encountered.

If you love nature and want to experience the real lifestyle of the Red Tai people in Myanmar, Indawgyi is an unmissable destination. To learn more deeply about this area, you can read the article aboutIndawgyifrom my perspective, mr.hotsia, which details the biodiversity and ecotourism.

For traveling in Myanmar, good preparation is important. Dusty roads, the kindness of locals, choosing homestay accommodations, and respecting local culture will make your trip full of unique and profound memories.

If you like this article, don’t forget to follow my other Myanmar travel stories, such asFood in Bagan, PaganandHorse Carriage Ride in Bagan, Paganto make your trip complete with culture, history, and local flavors.

Finally, I, mr.hotsia, emphasize that visiting Indawgyi is not just tourism but an opening of your heart to experience the charming cooking skills of Nong Samsu, the Red Tai girl from Longkok village, which will make you love and understand Myanmar in the deepest and most authentic way.