Indawgyi Myanmar 39/46: indawgyi champoo Myanmar Hair Wash and Back Massage

Indawgyi Myanmar 39/46: indawgyi champoo Myanmar Hair Wash and Back Massage

If you have followed my work, mr.hotsia, you might know that I like to explore areas that are still less visited, and Inndawgyi Lake in Kachin State, Myanmar is one of the destinations I have long wanted to visit. This time I had the chance to travel to Inndawgyi Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, and experienced something unique in my travel life.

Inndawgyi Lake is located in the Mohnyin administrative area of Kachin State. It is 13 kilometers wide and 24 kilometers long. Around the lake are more than 20 villages. Most locals here are Tai Red or Shan and Kachin people, living a simple life mainly based on agriculture and fishing. I traveled by boat rented from a small lakeside guesthouse and saw many bird species, especially in winter when rare birds come to stay. This is a fortunate experience that nature tourists like me should not miss.

Besides the beautiful nature, one thing that impressed me deeply was the “indawgyi champoo,” or authentic Burmese hair wash and back massage, which I tried in a lakeside village here. The hair wash here is not just about cleaning but combines a massage with local herbal oils that help relax muscles and stimulate blood circulation. The feeling afterward was so relaxing that I wanted to stay several more days.

Many might wonder why I chose to come here when Myanmar has many tourist spots. For me, Indawgyi is the place connected to the source of the Irrawaddy River, Myanmar’s main river, which originates from Nujiang area, Yunnan Province, China, and flows through Kachin State before entering Myitkyina city, where the Mali Hka and N'Mai Hka rivers meet to form the great Irrawaddy River.Kachin StateThis place holds deep natural and cultural significance. Seeing it with my own eyes helped me understand the local people's lifestyle and their bond with nature much better.

Traveling to Indawgyi is not easy because the terrain is quite challenging. I chose to rent a motorcycle from Mohnyin town and drove on roads that in some parts were still dirt and dusty, requiring extra caution. But every kilometer passed was filled with scenes of small villages that have amazingly preserved their traditional way of life.

Upon arriving at a small lakeside accommodation, I talked with locals who live simply and kindly. They told me about the traditional champoo hair wash using herbs passed down for generations. I didn’t miss trying it myself. The hair wash here doesn’t use shampoo like at home but fresh herbs from the mountains with a mild fragrance and a back massage technique that made me feel like I reset myself. After a tiring journey, this was the gift I want to recommend to everyone.

Besides the hair wash and back massage trip, I also tried local Tai Red food at a nearby village. Most dishes focus on fresh ingredients from the lake and surrounding vegetable gardens. The flavors might differ from the usual Myanmar food I have tried before,Bagan, Baganbut they carry true local charm. I enjoyed the fish soup and sticky rice they made by hand. The warmth of the community made me feel like a second home.

For anyone interested in visiting Indawgyi, I recommend preparing your travel and accommodation in advance because the area is still not well known to general tourists. Also, please sincerely respect the local way of life. I have collected photos and video clips of this trip inIndawgyi Myanmar 39/46: indawgyi champoo Myanmar Hair Wash and Back Massageto help you see the real atmosphere I experienced.

If you love nature and want to find a unique travel experience, Indawgyi is a choice that I, mr.hotsia, confidently guarantee you will get peace, beauty, and profound cultural depth that is hard to find elsewhere in Myanmar.

Don’t forget to read stories aboutKachin Stateto better understand the background and importance of this area. And if this trip makes you want to explore more diverse Myanmar,Indawgyistill has many stories and impressions waiting for you to discover.