Indawgyi Myanmar 4/46: Large Fish Trap at Indawgyi Lake in Myanmar

Indawgyi Myanmar 4/46: Large Fish Trap at Indawgyi Lake in Myanmar

When talking about the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, the nameIndawgyi Lakemust undoubtedly come up among the top. Indawgyi Lake is located in Kachin State, Myanmar. It is a lake over 24 kilometers long and about 13 kilometers wide. Around this lake, there are more than 20 villages where most residents are Tai Red or Shan people and Kachin people living simply and harmoniously around the lake.

I, mr.hotsia, had the opportunity to experience the atmosphere here firsthand. I must say that Indawgyi is not just a beautiful lake but a place full of stories about the lifestyle and nature that remain very well preserved.

First Impressions at Indawgyi Lake

When I arrived at the lakeshore, Indawgyi felt peaceful as if time had stopped. I saw the deep blue sky reflected on the clear water surface, making it hard to tell where the horizon ended and the water began. Most locals here practice traditional agriculture and fishing. One of the activities I was very excited about was trapping large fish in the lake.

Trapping fish at Indawgyi is not as easy as regular fishing because the lake is home to large freshwater fish of various species. Especially the fish locals call “large fish” which are important to both the lifestyle and economy of the people here. We followed the villagers to trap fish early in the morning using small wooden boats in quiet corners of the lake.

Local Lifestyle and Relationship with Nature

Besides fish trapping, what impressed me was the lifestyle of the people around Indawgyi Lake. The locals have a close relationship with nature. They strictly maintain environmental balance to keep the lake fertile. Interestingly, Indawgyi was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1999, which helps preserve the surrounding forest and wildlife species sustainably.

I talked with locals and learned that January is when many rare birds come to rest here, such as Greylag geese and various herons, including the striking purple swamphen. Birdwatching tourists can rent boats from guesthouses to get close to these birds.

Travel and Surrounding Atmosphere

The journey to Indawgyi Lake was quite challenging and an adventure for me, mr.hotsia, because it involved traveling on dirt roads and through small villages that still preserve the traditional lifestyle of the Tai Red and Kachin people. Most trips start from Myitkyina city inKachin Statewhich is an important junction of the Irrawaddy River and not far from the lake.

If you have read my stories aboutKachin Stateyou will know that this is the source of the Irrawaddy River, Myanmar’s main river that is extremely important to the country. Visiting Indawgyi in this state is like experiencing the very source of Myanmar’s life.

Food and Local Community at Indawgyi

When hungry during the fish trapping boat trip, I tasted local food prepared by the villagers. The taste of freshly caught large fish was very different from what I had eaten in city restaurants. It was fresh and full of life and nature.

In the villages around the lake, there are small eateries serving fish curry and hot steamed rice for visitors. I recommend trying it because it is the authentic taste of rural Myanmar. The food here is not fancy but focuses on quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods passed down through generations.

Why Visit Indawgyi?

For mr.hotsia, Indawgyi is not just a beautiful lake or an ordinary birdwatching spot but a travel experience that reveals the deep connection between local people and nature. It offers peace and the richness of nature that still exists in a rapidly changing world.

If you want to experience Myanmar from a different perspective than typical tourist cities, come to Indawgyi and you will understand the true meaning of travel.

Additional Information and Video Sources

For those who want to see real footage of large fish trapping at Indawgyi Lake, you can watch the video at this link:Indawgyi Myanmar 4/46: Large Fish Trap at Indawgyi Lake in Myanmar