Thai Red Karen Found in Myanmar

Thai Red Karen Found in Myanmar: Journey to Indawgyi Lake, Kachin State

Hello, I'm mr.hotsia. Today, I will take you to discover a new experience in a land that many may not be very familiar with yet, which is “Kachin State” in Myanmar. This area is home to the Thai Red Karen in Myanmar, also known as the “Shan” people, one of the ethnic groups with very interesting culture and lifestyle, especially around Indawgyi Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia.

My journey started from Myitkyina, a small town in Kachin State. The Irrawaddy River flows through here and it is the source of one of Myanmar's major rivers. From Myitkyina, I rented a motorcycle to ride about 40 kilometers to Indawgyi Lake. Wearing a helmet is mandatory when riding motorcycles in Kachin State, which I consider a good safety measure on this challenging route filled with beautiful natural scenery along the way.

Indawgyi Lake is 13 kilometers wide and 24 kilometers long. Around the lake, there are over 20 villages inhabited mostly by the Thai Red Karen or Shan people. This is an agricultural area that strongly preserves its traditional way of life and has a very rich ecosystem, which was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1999.

One fascinating aspect of Indawgyi Lake is the opportunity to experience the lifestyle of the Thai Red Karen directly. I had the chance to talk with local villagers about their traditions and culture, which still use the Shan language for communication and maintain ancient customs such as handwoven textiles and traditional rice farming.

What impressed me the most was the local food of the Thai Red Karen here. I tasted traditional dishes made from fresh ingredients from the lake and agricultural gardens, such as Hilsa fish, a famous and culturally significant fish in this region. Hilsa fish is prepared in many ways including fried, boiled, and in curries. It has a unique aroma and rich flavor, making it an unforgettable taste experience.

Additionally, there is a small market by the lake where locals sell native products such as handwoven fabrics, wooden crafts, and fresh food. I, mr.hotsia, recommend that if you visit Kachin State, don’t miss walking through these markets to truly experience the lifestyle and culture.

If you want to learn more about Kachin State, I recommend the articleExploring the Source of the Irrawaddy River: Myitkyina, Kachin State, Myanmarwhich I wrote, sharing my travel experiences and detailed information about this area.

Atmosphere and Lifestyle Around Indawgyi Lake

Indawgyi Lake is not only a beautiful water source but also a sanctuary for many rare birds and wildlife. I had the opportunity to visit in January, when many bird species such as Greylag geese and bar-headed geese migrate here. It was a rare and breathtaking sight.

Nature tours around the lake can be done by renting a boat from guesthouses in nearby villages. You can cruise past small lakeside villages, observe the simple yet joyful lifestyle of the locals, and see agricultural gardens perfectly aligned with the water.

I stayed at a small guesthouse in a village near the lake, where the atmosphere was peaceful and very friendly. Watching the sunset over Indawgyi Lake made me appreciate the untouched natural beauty of this place.

Travel Tips and Preparation

For those interested in traveling to Kachin State and Indawgyi Lake, I recommend preparing well because this area is not yet popular with tourists. Travel may not be as convenient as in big cities. Renting a motorcycle or using local car services will help you access villages and tourist spots more easily.

Also, bring a face mask as some routes can be quite dusty, and prepare sun protection gear and suitable shoes for trekking in nature.

If you want more information or detailed travel stories about Myanmar, don’t forget to check out my other articles such asIndawgyiwhich delves into the story of Indawgyi Lake, or if you enjoy community lifestyles and local markets, I have an article aboutStreet Food in Taunggyithat will help you see Myanmar from a more authentic perspective.

Summary of mr.hotsia's Impressions

Meeting the Thai Red Karen in Myanmar and experiencing Indawgyi Lake was an experience I, mr.hotsia, highly recommend everyone try at least once in their life. The natural beauty, simple lifestyle, and well-preserved culture make this a destination that deep travelers and nature lovers should not miss.

For those who want to see the real atmosphere, I have recorded a video available atThai Red Karen Found in Myanmarwhere you can see and hear the real scenes from Indawgyi Lake and the surrounding communities.

Thank you for following my travel stories, I’m mr.hotsia, and see you again in the next article!