Hakha 4: The Snowy City Cold All Year Round in Hakha, Chin State, Myanmar

Hakha 4: The Snowy City Cold All Year Round in Hakha, Chin State, Myanmar

For those who have been following mr.hotsia, you probably know that I enjoy traveling to experience places where nature remains deeply beautiful and authentic local lifestyles prevail. This time in Hakha, Chin State, Myanmar, is another city that left an unforgettable impression. Hakha is not just an ordinary cold city; it is cold all year round, with beautiful snowfall in winter, and retains the peacefulness of a small town hidden in high mountains.

Although Hakha is not located in a widely known province compared to Kachin State, which I have written about before,Kachin Statethis city has a distinctly different charm. Chin State, located in western Myanmar, features rugged mountains and chilly weather, especially at the end of the year when snow covers the entire town, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere that I, mr.hotsia, experienced firsthand.

Traveling to Hakha: The Gateway to the Cold City

Traveling to Hakha is not easy for general tourists as there are no direct flights from Myanmar's major cities. One must travel by car from main cities in Chin State or nearby large cities. However, this fatigue is compensated by the scenic views along the way filled with forests and indigenous villages that have well-preserved traditions. I, mr.hotsia, chose to travel during winter to experience the snow and the extreme cold here.

Along the way passing various villages, I saw Chin people in warm traditional clothing, children playing, and a simple yet warm lifestyle, which made me feel more connected to this place.

The Charm of Hakha: Snow and a Unique Way of Life

Hakha is a city that remains cold almost all year. Winter temperatures drop below freezing with snow cover. Every time I, mr.hotsia, walked on the streets, I saw wooden houses combined with steep roofs designed to handle snow and rain well. The atmosphere resembles a small town in Northern Europe but retains Asian details in the houses and culture.

The lifestyle here is quite simple and mainly relies on nature. People grow vegetables and raise animals at the household level. I spoke with some locals who said living in this snowy city requires special care regarding the weather, especially in preparing food and keeping the house warm.

Local Food in Hakha: Flavors from the Cold

Speaking of food in Hakha, it is quite interesting because the flavors and ingredients differ from other parts of Myanmar. I, mr.hotsia, tasted local dishes using fresh mountain vegetables and locally raised meat, such as the spicy yet rich Chin-style pork curry. There is also sticky rice and unique pickled vegetables.

For food lovers, I recommend strolling through Hakha's small market. It offers fresh produce and ready-to-eat foods with a market atmosphere filled with the aroma of herbs and freshly cooked meals, an experience hard to find in big cities.

Connecting with Kachin State and Indawgyi Lake

If you are interested in traveling in Chin State, I, mr.hotsia, suggest extending your trip to nearby Kachin State, the source of the Irrawaddy River, which also offers interesting natural attractions (read more atKachin State), including Indawgyi Lake, a large freshwater lake and an important wildlife sanctuary in the region (see more details atIndawgyi)

). Traveling between Hakha and these two points lets you experience Myanmar's diversity from different perspectives — mountains, rivers, lakes, and the lifestyles of various ethnic groups who remarkably preserve their traditional cultures.

Summary of Experience from mr.hotsia

Visiting Hakha in Chin State made me, mr.hotsia, feel like escaping the hustle of big cities to breathe fresh cold air and experience the simple life of a unique snowy city in Myanmar. Although the journey is challenging and requires preparation, every minute spent there is worthwhile and truly enriches the travel experience.

If you are someone who loves challenges and wants to experience Myanmar from a new perspective, Hakha is an answer you should not miss. Don't forget to check out my other articles on mr.hotsia to prepare and plan your trip thoroughly.

Watch my travel video in Hakha here:Hakha 4: The Snowy City Cold All Year Round in Hakha, Chin State, Myanmar