Indawgyi Myanmar 41/46: Traditional Iron of Lala Thui, a Homestay Girl by Indawgyi Lake. Traditional Burmese Iron

Indawgyi Myanmar 41/46: Traditional Iron of Lala Thui, a Homestay Girl by Indawgyi Lake. Traditional Burmese Iron

When you think of Indawgyi Lake in Kachin State, Myanmar, many might imagine the peaceful natural scenery or the lifestyles of the Shan and Kachin people living around this lake. But for mr.hotsia, Indawgyi is not just an ordinary lake. It is a place full of stories and deep local culture, including experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

Once when I arrived at the shore of Indawgyi Lake, dozens of villages were scattered around this large lake, which stretches 13 kilometers from east to west and over 24 kilometers from north to south. It is about 166 meters above sea level. The surroundings are lush with forests and fields, clear water, and a variety of bird calls. It is one of Myanmar’s important wildlife sanctuaries.

One of the experiences that impressed me greatly was meeting “Lala Thui,” a homestay girl who still uses the traditional Burmese iron, locally called the “Indawgyi iron.” This iron is not electric but made of heavy cast iron with a wooden handle, which must be placed on hot charcoal to iron clothes.

I sat listening to Lala Thui telling the history of this iron with great interest. This type of iron has existed since ancestral times, used by grandparents’ generations, and is still used in this village today despite the fast changes in the outside world. Lala Thui said ironing with this traditional iron feels different from using an electric iron. It is like an art that requires both patience and precision.

Staying at a homestay by Indawgyi Lake allowed me to truly experience the lifestyles of the Shan and Kachin people. Early in the morning, I woke up to bird songs and light mist floating over the lake’s surface. There is no electricity used throughout the day here. The villagers still live a traditional, simple life deeply connected to nature.

Most of the food here comes from agriculture and fishing in the lake. Indawgyi is a prime source of freshwater fish. I tasted freshly caught fish prepared in traditional ways with rich flavors, herbal aromas, and balanced tastes, making me feel like I was savoring authentic Burmese cuisine not found in big cities.

Traveling to Indawgyi is not easy, but for those who love adventure and want to experience the true Myanmar, I recommend renting a motorcycle from a major city in Kachin State and riding through rugged routes filled with nature and small villages. Along the way, you can stop to see the villagers’ lifestyles and local markets that still retain their traditional charm impressively.Kachin Stateis the starting point of the important Irrawaddy River. If you have enough time, visiting the Irrawaddy’s source at Myitsone is an experience I highly recommend adding to your travel list.

While I was here, I had the chance to paddle a boat to explore the lake and observe the lifestyles of villagers living on floating rafts. Seeing the villagers skillfully fishing and using wooden paddled boats passed down through generations made me feel increasingly connected to this place.

Additionally, I witnessed the beauty of various bird species flying around the lake, especially rare and endangered birds like the Greylag Goose and the Lesser Adjutant Stork. This is one of Myanmar’s important sites for bird conservation.Indawgyi Lakeis therefore an ideal destination for nature lovers and bird watchers.

I want to say that traveling to Indawgyi is not just visiting an ordinary lake but experiencing deep local culture, seeing lifestyles that have not been swallowed by modernity, and learning about the traditional iron, a small tool with great significance in the lives of the villagers here.

If you want to change the atmosphere from city travel to a simple life, take your time to enjoy pristine nature and experience authentic Burmese culture, I, mr.hotsia, recommend you try coming to Indawgyi, a place that still holds true beauty and genuine warmth of its people.

Read more of my stories atKachin Stateto better understand the context of this area, and don’t forget to visitIndawgyito experience the enchanting nature and lifestyle in Kachin State, Myanmar.