Dining Circle with Red Tai Women at Indawgyi Lake, Kachin State, Myanmar

Dining Circle with Red Tai Women at Indawgyi Lake, Kachin State, Myanmar

I, mr.hotsia, had the opportunity to travel toIndawgyi Lakeor Indawgyi Lake in Kachin State, Myanmar, which is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Southeast Asia. The first feeling I experienced was the tranquility and the still abundant nature. Around the lake, there are over 20 villages inhabited by Red Tai people, also known as Shan. Their way of life remains truly simple and warm.

I traveled from the town of Myitkyina inKachin Statewhich is the headwaters of the Irrawaddy River. It took about 3-4 hours by car along winding roads with lush green scenery throughout the route. Upon arriving at Indawgyi Lake, what impressed me was sharing a meal circle with Red Tai women in a lakeside village. It felt like stepping back to a time when people supported each other and lived simply together.

Lifestyle and Local Cuisine of the Red Tai

Most of the Red Tai women I met engage in agriculture and traditional fishing. The food they prepare is mostly local cuisine using ingredients from the lake and surrounding forests. For example, freshly caught fish is cooked in various ways including tom yum, grilled fish, and spicy curry with the fragrant aroma of local spices.

I was fortunate to taste hot steamed rice paired with a rich and moderately spicy river fish curry, an authentic original recipe rarely found in regular restaurants. There were also fresh vegetables and herbs gathered from the forest around the lake to add freshness to the meal, along with a special chili paste made by the Red Tai women themselves. It was a meal both delicious and deeply meaningful culturally.

In this atmosphere, I, mr.hotsia, felt truly integrated with the community. It was not just tourism but a learning experience of a lifestyle that has preserved its traditions well.

Indawgyi Lake: Beauty and Natural Diversity

Indawgyi Lake is approximately 24 kilometers long and 13 kilometers wide. The area around the lake is filled with forests and small mountains creating a shady atmosphere. It is also an important wildlife sanctuary in Myanmar, home to many rare mammals and birds, especially in January when you can rent boats from guesthouses in the villages to closely observe nature.

I, mr.hotsia, recommend preparing binoculars and an open heart ready to fully embrace nature. Besides the beautiful scenery, encountering locals who still preserve their way of life and nature in balance is very rare nowadays.

Connecting with Travel Experiences in Kachin State

For those interested in a similar atmosphere, I have traveled tothe source of the Irrawaddy River at Mitsohnin Kachin State, which is not far from Indawgyi. Traveling to Mitsohn is best done by renting a motorcycle for flexibility and to fully experience the roadside atmosphere. Along the way, there are small villages where you can stop and chat with locals.

I, mr.hotsia, see that tourism here is not just about viewing beautiful scenery but learning the lifestyle and history of communities that have remarkably preserved their identity.

Travel Planning and Recommendations

Traveling to Indawgyi Lake requires some advance planning as the area is still not heavily visited by tourists. Most accommodations are small guesthouses in villages. Prepare your luggage well and be kind to the local community.

For me, mr.hotsia, sharing a meal circle with Red Tai women by Indawgyi Lake is an unforgettable experience. The warmth and sincerity of the people here make every meal full of flavor and meaning beyond just “eating.”

For more detailed information aboutRed Tai cuisine at Indawgyi Lakeor additional travel experiences in Kachin State, you can click this link to read more.

Travel Video Clip

I would like you to watchthe video clip “Dining Circle with Red Tai Women at Indawgyi Lake”that I recorded to clearly see the real atmosphere of the villagers and lakeside life. It is a charm that words alone cannot fully describe.

Every time I, mr.hotsia, travel, what I want everyone to truly experience is the feeling of living with locals as they really live, not just taking photos or checking in. That is the true heart of travel.