ep5 Found the White Elephant in the Forest of Thai Women in Indawgyi Land, Myanmar

ep5 Found the White Elephant in the Forest of Thai Women in Indawgyi Land, Myanmar

Hello everyone, I am mr.hotsia, back with stories from my adventures in the land I love, Myanmar. Today, I take you to experience the wonder of nature at Indawgyi Lake, locally called “Indawgyi,” in Kachin State. It is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Southeast Asia, where I had the chance to encounter the “White Elephant,” a nearly legendary animal in the forests of this Thai women’s land.

The journey here is not easy because Indawgyi is deep within Mohnyin district of Kachin State, an area that remarkably preserves its natural environment. I started from Myitkyina, considered the source of the Irrawaddy River. For those interested in following my footsteps, you can read about my Irrawaddy River source journey atKachin Statemy previous story.

From Myitkyina, I rented a motorcycle and rode along winding dirt roads, passing through villages of Red Thai and Kachin people who still live simple lives amidst pristine nature. The birdsong and cool breeze rustling the leaves made every moment of this trip refreshing and full of vitality.

Upon arriving at Indawgyi Lake, I saw the stunning view of clear water stretching to the horizon. Around the lake are more than 20 villages inhabited by Shan and Red Thai communities. These communities have a deep connection with the lake through sustainable agriculture and fishing. Indawgyi Lake was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1999, making it a habitat for rare wildlife and many bird species. I had the chance to paddle a boat and admire the birds here. Believe it or not, there have been rumors of sightings of the “White Elephant,” a legendary and very rare animal.

I was incredibly lucky to actually see the white elephant in the forest by the lake. It was an unforgettable sight. The white elephant walked through the soft sunlight, clearly showing its creamy white color. Though hard to describe the feeling at that moment, I can say the peace and sacredness of that time made me feel deeply connected to nature.

If you want to experience this atmosphere, I recommend visiting from late year to early year because it is the cool winter season and the time when many bird species gather the most. There is also a high chance to see many other rare wildlife species. This is why Indawgyi Lake is recognized as one of Myanmar’s important nature conservation areas.

Regarding local food, I tried delicious traditional Red Thai dishes including sticky rice, som tam (papaya salad), and fresh freshwater fish from the lake cooked in local style. The flavors were spicy yet well balanced. If you are interested in diverse and tasty Myanmar cuisine, you can also check outFood in Bagan, Paganthat I have shared before. Although it is a different region, the flavors and food culture are similarly interesting and rich.

Traveling in Kachin State and around Indawgyi Lake requires good preparation. Some roads are still dirt tracks passing through forests and mountains, so caution is needed. It is advisable to have a local guide for safety and to reach great viewpoints like the one where I saw the white elephant. That sighting was one of those rare lucky moments.

If you want to see live footage from me, you can watch the clipep5 Found the White Elephant in the Forest of Thai Women in Indawgyi Land, Myanmarright away. I guarantee the beauty and excitement of encountering the white elephant will make you feel like you traveled with me yourself.

Finally, I want to say that traveling with me, mr.hotsia, means experiencing the real life and nature of places, not just beautiful images. It is about learning the lifestyles, food, travel, and stories that combine into valuable experiences. For those who love challenges and want to uncover secrets in the Indawgyi forest of Kachin State, pack your bags and follow me. I promise it will be as thrilling as anywhere else.