ep3 The White Elephant Found in the Forest of Thai Red Women in Indawgyi, Myanmar

ep3 The White Elephant Found in the Forest of Thai Red Women in Indawgyi, Myanmar

I, mr.hotsia, recently had the chance to travel deep into Myanmar's Kachin State to uncover a secret many dream of: the “white elephant” in the Indawgyi forest. Indawgyi is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, located in Mohnyin district of Kachin State. This place offers not only pristine nature but is also home to the Thai Red and Kachin people who live simple and fascinating lives.

My journey began in Myitkyina, where the main Irrawaddy River starts flowing from the confluence of the Mali Hka and Mekong rivers (read more about the origin of the Irrawaddy RiverKachin State). I chose to rent a motorcycle to ride about 40 kilometers to Indawgyi Lake. Riding a motorcycle here requires wearing a helmet at all times, as per local regulations. This trip was filled with refreshing nature and Thai Red villages along the way that remarkably preserve their traditional lifestyle.

Indawgyi Lake is an eco-tourism destination I highly recommend. Not only is it a massive lake measuring 13 kilometers wide and 24 kilometers long, but it is also a vital wildlife sanctuary in Myanmar. It hosts many rare mammals and endangered bird species such as the Oriental Pied Hornbill and Greylag Geese, which I saw flying across the sky before sunrise. The peaceful natural surroundings of the forest around the lake made me feel like I had stepped into another world.

What impressed me most was seeing the “white elephant,” a legendary creature that is no longer just a dream. This elephant has a pale white-gray color unlike ordinary elephants. It walked slowly through the lush forest. I captured this beautiful moment myself and shared it on my YouTube channel in a videoep3 The White Elephant Found in the Forest of Thai Red Women in Indawgyi, Myanmarwhich attracted a lot of viewers.

Besides nature, experiencing the lifestyle of the Thai Red people around Indawgyi Lake is an unmissable experience. I visited small villages where most locals practice agriculture, growing rice and kitchen vegetables. The villagers were kind and friendly. I tried local dishes made from fresh ingredients, such as mild and flavorful freshwater fish curry, perfect for tourists like me.

Those who follow me know I have written about food in Myanmar’s Bagan before (please readFood and Dining in Bagan, Pagan, Myanmar), and although it is a different region, the care for food and culture I found in Kachin State is just as heartfelt.

The next day, I rented a boat from a lakeside guesthouse at Indawgyi to observe the villagers’ way of life as they use wooden paddle boats to travel to other villages around the lake. These small boats took me along the clear water in a quiet atmosphere where I saw various bird species flying and playing in the water. I believe this place is a paradise for bird watchers and nature-loving adventurers.

Traveling in Kachin State, where Indawgyi is located, may not be as convenient as in big cities, but it is a challenge I, mr.hotsia, really enjoy because it allows us to experience the authentic Myanmar unfiltered, just as I have described in previous articlesKachin Statebefore.

If you are looking for a special travel experience away from the hustle and bustle, Indawgyi and its surrounding forests are destinations I want you to try at least once. Observe the Thai Red people's lifestyle, who admirably preserve their cultural identity. And if you are lucky, you might get to see a live white elephant just like I did.

Before we part, I want to share the video and stories I gathered here with everyone.ep3 The White Elephant Found in the Forest of Thai Red Women in Indawgyi, MyanmarIf you want to see the real atmosphere and hear the natural sounds I recorded, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Finally, my journey in Kachin State, Myanmar, was more than just tourism. It was a search for the meaning of living in harmony with nature and authentic culture. If anyone is interested in such an adventure, I, mr.hotsia, recommend preparing well and opening your heart to the new experiences waiting in Myanmar.