Indawgyi Myanmar 44/46: Myanmar's Unique Fishing! Catching Fish Underwater Using Traditional Sarongs

Indawgyi Myanmar 44/46: Myanmar's Unique Fishing! Catching Fish Underwater Using Traditional Sarongs

When talking about one of the largest freshwater lakes in Southeast Asia, the nameIndawgyi(Indawgyi Lake) in Kachin State, Myanmar, undoubtedly comes to mind first. This lake is not only large in size but also rich in natural and cultural diversity. At mr.hotsia, I experienced it firsthand. I witnessed a unique and amazing fishing method that I must share with everyone in this article.

Indawgyi Lake: The Beauty and Lifestyle of Myanmar's People

Indawgyi is a massive freshwater lake located in Mohnyin District ofKachin Statein northern Myanmar. It is about 13 kilometers wide and 24 kilometers long. Around the lake are more than 20 villages, mostly inhabited by the Shan ethnic group, also known as Red Tai, and the Kachin people. Their lifestyle is deeply connected to the lake, which is not only a water source but also the main source of food and income for the community.

I arrived at Indawgyi during the time when locals were fishing using traditional methods. One fascinating activity was catching fish underwater in groups, where I saw them submerge traditional sarongs into the water and catch fish swimming in schools with their hands. This is not just ordinary fishing but a long-inherited art and science, reflecting the relationship between humans and nature in the lifestyle of Indawgyi's people very clearly.

mr.hotsia's Underwater Group Fishing Experience

When I joined the fishing activity with the locals, I was very excited. I saw local people wearing Red Tai sarongs and entering the cold clear water. They used a unique fishing technique without any modern equipment, just their bare hands to quickly catch fish swimming in schools. Some fish had strange and rare appearances that I had never seen anywhere else. This fishing method requires skill and patience. Of course, I also tried catching fish with my bare hands. Although I didn’t catch many, I felt extremely close to nature.

The atmosphere at Indawgyi Lake is peaceful and naturally beautiful, something rare to find in today's world. The locals live simply and rely on nature in a balanced way. I spoke with many people who shared stories about the lake's changes and efforts to preserve its environment to remain pristine.

Connection with Kachin State: The Irrawaddy River Source and Natural Diversity

Speaking of Kachin State, besides Indawgyi Lake, mr.hotsia also had the chance to visitthe Irrawaddy River source at Mitzinawhich is not far from Indawgyi. It is the confluence of the Mali Hka and N'Mai Hka rivers, forming the main Irrawaddy River of Myanmar, a vital water artery of the country. I feel that Kachin State has unique natural features including mountains, forests, rivers, and Indawgyi Lake, a large freshwater lake that remains pure and full of diverse aquatic life.

Travel Tips and Recommendations for Travelers

If anyone wants to experience what mr.hotsia did at Indawgyi, I recommend planning a trip to Kachin State, especially Mohnyin District where the lake is located. Traveling there can be challenging as roads are not as convenient as in big cities, but what you gain is an impressive experience of nature and the traditional lifestyle of Myanmar's people.

I chose to rent a boat from a local village to explore the lake and watch the underwater group fishing. It was a unique experience that I highly recommend. For food, I suggest trying local Myanmar dishes in the villages around the lake to enjoy authentic fresh flavors that are hard to find elsewhere.

Recommended Video Clip

For those who want to see real footage of fishing at Indawgyi, I recommendthe video Indawgyi Myanmar 44/46: Myanmar's Unique Fishing! Catching Fish Underwater Using Traditional Sarongson YouTube, which provides detailed visuals and the fascinating fishing method I described.

Article Summary

Indawgyi is not just an ordinary lake but a place full of natural and cultural stories waiting to be explored. Experiencing the lifestyle of Myanmar's people here, especially the underwater group fishing using sarongs instead of tools, is an experience mr.hotsia is proud to document and share. Northern Myanmar, Kachin State, and Indawgyi are another part of the world that still preserves purity and traditional beauty remarkably.