Indawgyi Myanmar 38/46: Eating Burmese Sticky Rice Porridge at Ban Long Thung Morning Market, Indawgyi Lake indawgyi morning morning

Indawgyi Myanmar 38/46: Eating Burmese Sticky Rice Porridge at Ban Long Thung Morning Market, Indawgyi Lake indawgyi morning morning

When people think of Myanmar, the first things many often recall are the city of Bagan with its golden pagodas or Yangon. But for me, Mr.Hotsia, traveling to Indawgyi Lake is a truly eye-opening experience that reveals a new perspective on tourism in this neighboring country. Indawgyi, or Indawgyi Lake, is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Southeast Asia, located in Kachin State, Myanmar. This area is home to diverse ethnic groups and incredibly rich natural resources.

I remember waking up at five in the morning to experience the atmosphere of the morning market in a small village called “Ban Long Thung,” located on the shore of Indawgyi Lake. The journey from Mohnyin town to here takes just over an hour. The roads can be a bit rough, but the sights along the way make up for any fatigue — lush green rice fields and mountains surrounding the vast lake.

Upon arriving at Ban Long Thung morning market, the lively crowd and the aroma of local food immediately greeted me. The market isn’t as large as those in big cities, but the warmth and friendliness of the villagers made me feel like I had stepped back into a simpler, peaceful past.

One of the foods I didn’t miss trying was the “Burmese Sticky Rice Porridge,” which looks similar to our local sticky rice porridge but differs slightly in taste and wrapping method. The sticky rice is wrapped in light brown banana leaves, fragrant from the charcoal stove. Inside, there is a filling of beans and shredded coconut with just the right sweetness. I held the sticky rice porridge while dipping it into hot tea at a small tea shop beside the market. Eating local food in such an atmosphere was truly worth the trip.

Besides sticky rice porridge, this morning market is full of vegetables and fruits grown by the villagers, wild mushrooms of various kinds, and spices commonly used in Burmese kitchens that are easy to find here. I witnessed the lifestyle of the Red Tai and Kachin people, the main ethnic groups living around Indawgyi Lake.Indawgyiis important both ecologically and culturally. Besides being a large freshwater source, it is also a wildlife sanctuary, especially for many rare bird species that birdwatchers from around the world often visit.

After the morning market, I decided to rent a small wooden boat from a local villager to paddle around the lake in the morning. Mist hovered over the water, creating a picture-like atmosphere. The boat slowly passed small riverside villages where locals still live simply. It took me past agricultural gardens growing corn, wheat, and local vegetables before stopping at a small viewpoint where I could see a wide view of Indawgyi Lake. Standing there, looking at the vast water, I felt peaceful and awed by nature’s grandeur, forgetting the hustle of city life for a moment.

Traveling to Indawgyi is not as easy as visiting typical tourist cities, but the sincerity of the people and the purity of nature here make it truly worthwhile. For those interested in experiencing the authentic lifestyle of the Red Tai and Kachin people, I recommend visiting early in the morning at Ban Long Thung market, then taking a boat tour of the lake in the late morning to see different perspectives of Indawgyi — both the calm water and local life.

For tourists interested in learning about the history and nature of Kachin State, Myanmar, where Indawgyi Lake is located, Mr.Hotsia recommends reading more aboutKachin Statewhich will help deepen your understanding of the area’s context, including travel methods and important precautions when visiting a region that is still relatively undeveloped.

Before leaving, I didn’t miss buying honey and local herbal products made by the villagers as souvenirs and reminders of the memorable journey at Indawgyi.

If you want to escape the chaos and look for a destination that retains its original charm and unique appeal, Indawgyi in Kachin State, Myanmar, is the answer. I, Mr.Hotsia, highly recommend experiencing it yourself at least once. I guarantee you will fall in love with the simplicity and beauty of this lake just as I have.

Watch real footage from Indawgyi here:Indawgyi Myanmar 38/46: Eating Burmese Sticky Rice Porridge at Ban Long Thung Morning Market, Indawgyi Lake indawgyi morning morning