ep7 Found the White Elephant in the Forest of Thai Red Shan Land, Indawgyi, Myanmar

ep7 Found the White Elephant in the Forest of Thai Red Shan Land, Indawgyi, Myanmar

Hello, I am mr.hotsia. Today I will share an extraordinary adventure story from northeastern Myanmar in the areaIndawgyior Indawgyi Lake, Kachin State, Myanmar, a place hiding secrets and abundant nature that I have just experienced with my own eyes.

Indawgyi is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, approximately 13 kilometers wide and 24 kilometers long, surrounded by villages of the Thai Red Shan and Kachin people who still live simply amidst pristine nature. I traveled from Myitkyina city, the starting point of this trip, renting a motorcycle to the lake. It took about an hour through a route filled with mountain and lush forest views.

Before reaching Indawgyi Lake, I stopped to explore the interesting Kachin State nearby, the source of the Irrawaddy River, an important waterway that sustains life in Myanmar and is part of the region's history.The story of Kachin Stategave me a deep understanding of the local way of life and their connection with the surrounding nature.

Here, I met the Thai Red Shan and Kachin people who firmly preserve their culture and local languages. They live in small lakeside villages, practicing traditional agriculture and fishing for their livelihood. I tasted local dishes made by villagers; the fresh river fish with local spices was so delicious I had to ask for the recipe to take home.

But the highlight of this trip was encountering the “White Elephant,” a rare animal revered locally as sacred and rarely seen by anyone. I joined a forest trek with experienced villagers near Indawgyi Lake. Amid the peaceful silence and morning bird songs, I had the chance to see a white elephant gracefully walking before me. The excitement mixed with fulfillment of being part of this rare natural wonder was unforgettable.

This firsthand experience reminded me of the importance of conserving nature and local culture still present in Myanmar. Indawgyi has been declared a wildlife sanctuary and habitat for many rare species. Besides the white elephant, there are many rare birds and mammals here.

For travelers wanting to experience close-up local life and nature, I recommend taking a boat tour of Indawgyi Lake in the morning when soft sunlight shines on the water and lakeside villages, creating a beautiful and peaceful scene. Along the way, the boat stops at Thai Red Shan villages that maintain their traditional lifestyle, and you can try fresh fruits from villagers’ gardens. It’s a memory I will never forget.

Besides nature and culture, traveling to Indawgyi is not as difficult as it seems. The road from Myitkyina to the lake is fairly smooth with local vehicles for rent and several guesthouses available at affordable prices with friendly service. It’s perfect for adventurous travelers wanting to experience authentic Myanmar.

If anyone is interested in following more of my Myanmar adventures, you can watch the videoep7 Found the White Elephant in the Forest of Thai Red Shan Land, Indawgyi, Myanmarto see the real footage and atmosphere I experienced in full.

Finally, I must say Indawgyi is not just an ordinary lake but a gateway to a world of nature and culture that remains amazingly beautiful and pure. For those who love meaningful travel stories, I, mr.hotsia, guarantee this place will satisfy all your curiosity.