Indawgyi Myanmar 40/46: Rainy Day Fish Rise from Indawgyi Lake, Chasing Fish Like Childhood Memories

Indawgyi Myanmar 40/46: Rainy Day Fish Rise from Indawgyi Lake, Chasing Fish Like Childhood Memories

When talking about the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, many might think of Indawgyi, located in Kachin State, Myanmar. This is a place where I, mr.hotsia, had the chance to experience firsthand. I must say, it is not just an ordinary lake but a natural site that still preserves the raw and fresh life of local people and wildlife completely.

Indawgyi is located in the Mohnyin administrative area of Kachin State, approximately 13 kilometers wide and 24 kilometers long. Around the lake are more than 20 villages. Most locals here are Red Tai or Shan and Kachin people who still maintain traditional agricultural and fishing lifestyles. I vividly remember the atmosphere around the lake, especially during the rainy season when it drizzled all day long. The villagers would enthusiastically go out fishing.

Chasing Fish in the Rain at Indawgyi

On the day I visited, it drizzled continuously. The lake water rose with the rain. The locals used ancient fishing methods that I had almost forgotten from my childhood—sitting in small boats casting nets along the lake shore or sometimes wading into the water to catch fish joyfully, like going back in time to my childhood in Thailand.

Children and adults here go fishing in a way called 'chasing childhood memories' because it’s not just about catching fish to eat but living closely with nature. At that moment, I, mr.hotsia, saw fish jumping in the rainwater. The villagers’ faces were full of happiness. Their smiles and laughter made me feel that to truly understand life and nature, sometimes you don’t have to go far—just Indawgyi is enough.

Indawgyi Lake and the Lifestyle of the Red Tai People

Indawgyi Lake is not only important for nature but also serves as the center of life for the Red Tai and Kachin people here. The locals use this lake as their main food source. The areas around the lake consist of small villages practicing sustainable agriculture.

I, mr.hotsia, spoke with many villagers who told me that preserving the lake and surrounding forest is very important because it is their food source and habitat, as well as home to many rare wildlife species such as the White-bellied Yuhina and Greylag Goose, which are endangered birds.

For tourists wanting to experience this nature and lifestyle, I recommend renting a boat from guesthouses in villages near the lake and going on a morning boat trip to see rare birds and wildlife. January is the best month when these birds are most abundant. It was an unforgettable experience for me, mr.hotsia.

Travel and Surrounding Atmosphere

Indawgyi is located in the Mohnyin area, which is part ofKachin Statea state famous as the origin of the Irrawaddy River, Myanmar’s main river. I have traveled to Myitsone, the starting point of the Irrawaddy River in this state. Traveling to Indawgyi Lake is an extension of exploring the diverse and fascinating nature of Kachin State.

Getting here is not difficult. If you arrive in Mohnyin town, you can rent a motorcycle or car to visit villages around the lake. Along the way, you will see lush green rice fields and simple village life. Sometimes you will see children playing in the water or helping their parents catch fish—a scene full of vitality.

Experience the Simplicity of Local Life and Food

If you have the chance to stay in a nearby village, you will see locals living simply with small markets selling fresh local food. I, mr.hotsia, recommend trying local dishes made from lake ingredients such as crispy fried Indawgyi fish or spicy fish curry served with hot steamed rice. The taste is truly comparable to anywhere in Myanmar.

There are also shops selling seasonal fresh fruits and Shan tea with a unique aroma. This simple menu is one of my favorites because it truly reflects the local lifestyle.

Impressions and Reflections from Indawgyi

Visiting Indawgyi this time made me, mr.hotsia, feel like going back to the simplicity of childhood, seeing people’s lives deeply connected with nature, and experiencing the beauty of a still pure lake.

If you are someone who enjoys deep travel—not just taking photos but wanting to learn about people’s lives and nature—Indawgyi is the answer you must experience yourself. And if you want to know more about Kachin State, try reading the storyKachin Statethat I wrote to get a broader and deeper understanding of this area’s connections.

For those interested in the full story and atmosphere of Indawgyi, I, mr.hotsia, have a YouTube video capturing the rainy moments and ancient fishing here.Indawgyi Myanmar 40/46: Rainy Day Fish Rise from Indawgyi Lake, Chasing Fish Like Childhood MemoriesI guarantee you will feel like traveling along with me.