Indawgyi Myanmar 32/46: The Culinary Charm of Nong Samsu, Red Tai Girl from Longkok Village, Indawgyi 3/3

Indawgyi Myanmar 32/46: The Culinary Charm of Nong Samsu, Red Tai Girl from Longkok Village, Indawgyi 3/3

When talking about Inndawgyi Lake, many people might not be familiar with it, but for me, mr.hotsia, who had the chance to cruise and observe the lifestyle and nature around this lake, I must say the charm of Indawgyi is extraordinary. This is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, located in Kachin State of Myanmar, an area where I have previously shared stories about the origin of the Irrawaddy River in my articles.Kachin StateEarlier

Inndawgyi Lake is approximately 13 kilometers wide and 24 kilometers long. Around the lake, there are more than 20 villages inhabited by Red Tai and Kachin people. The lifestyle here remains simple and truly close to nature. I had the opportunity to talk with a Red Tai girl from Longkok Village, a village known as a warm hub of traditional Red Tai culture. It is clear that cooking and eating with hands is still a normal part of their daily life.

I vividly remember sitting around the food circle with the girls from Longkok, called “Nong Samsu.” The deliciousness of the dishes she prepared was full of intense flavors and fragrant spices typical of the Red Tai, distinctly different from common Burmese food. Eating with hands alongside hot sticky rice from the local harvest was a small happiness that I, mr.hotsia, will never forget.

Traveling to Indawgyi is not easy, but not too difficult for adventure lovers. I recommend renting a motorcycle from Myitkyina city and riding along small roads winding through villages and lush nature. It takes about 1 hour to reach the lake. This route is filled with beautiful scenery and the chance to see locals still living simply in their traditional ways.

Additionally, Indawgyi is an important wildlife sanctuary in Myanmar. Many rare bird species can be seen especially in January, including Greylag geese and the Asian openbill stork, which I had the chance to see during the lake cruise. There is also the stunning purple swamphen. For bird and nature lovers, a morning boat trip with a guide from a guesthouse in the village is highly recommended.

If you want to truly experience the lifestyle of the Red Tai people, you should find the opportunity to visit Longkok village by the Indawgyi Lake. Here, besides tasting freshly made local dishes every meal, you will also learn about the unique culture and language of the Red Tai. I, mr.hotsia, have recorded interview clips and village atmosphere inIndawgyi Myanmar 32/46 clipIf anyone is interested in seeing the real atmosphere, I highly recommend watching it.

Compared to other tourist destinations in Myanmar, such as Bagan, which I have written about in articlesFood in Bagan, MyanmarorHorse Carriage Ride in Bagan, MyanmarIndawgyi is quieter and more natural, suitable for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle and experience true simplicity.

For preparing to visit Indawgyi, I recommend bringing clothes suitable for the rather cool mornings and nights, as well as comfortable shoes for walking around the village and exploring nature. Don’t forget to bring a face mask because some roads may be a bit dusty. Communication might require some hand gestures or local language, but the Red Tai girls here are kind and always welcome tourists warmly.

If you want to learn more in-depth stories about Indawgyi and Kachin State, you can read the articlesIndawgyiandKachin Statethat I have written, which will help you understand the overall picture of this area better.

Finally, traveling to Indawgyi is about experiencing the culinary charm of the Red Tai girls, which is not only about beauty or fascinating culture but also about learning a lifestyle deeply connected with nature. This is an experience I, mr.hotsia, recommend everyone try at least once in their lifetime.