Hsipaw Travel Essentials
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Ideal duration: 1-2 Days
Best Time: December to February
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"Mountainous Abode of Myanmar's Shan State"
Hsipaw Tourism
Hsipaw is a hill town located on the banks of the Duthawadi River in Shan State, Myanmar. It was the royal capital of the Shan dynasty and is known for the rich history and culture of the Shan community. Also, the abundant natural beauty of Hsipaw and scenic villages surrounded by mountains make it a famous destination for hiking among tourists.
The most notable of Hsipaw attractions include Modaya and Bamboo Buddha Monasteries, two massive ancient monuments made of teak. Also, Sunset Hill is the best place to catch some marvellous sunset views.
Hsipaw is home to one of the unique markets catering exclusively to the ethnic groups in the country, offering them a platform to sell their handmade products for a living. Plus Hsipaw has some of the cheapest accommodation options of any of the major tourist destinations in Myanmar, drawing backpackers.
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Things to do in Hsipaw
1. Trekking in Hsipaw
Hsipaw is a small town on the banks of Dattawadi River in the Shan State of Myanmar. Its beautiful location amidst mountains makes it an excellent destination for trekking in the region. Hiking in Hsi (Read More)paw is a top attraction for tourists who are nature lovers. Depending on your interest, you can take up hikes that take 1 to 4 days.
2. Nam Tok Waterfall
Nam Tok Waterfall is located close to the town of Hsipaw in northwestern Myanmar. It is a medium-sized tiered waterfall with a turquoise pool and is one of the most popular options for tourists lookin (Read More)g for a half-day trip from Hsipaw.
There are just a few small shops, so it is better to carry some food and drinks. You can hike to the bottom of the waterfall when the water levels are ideal.
3. Hsipaw Palace
Hsipaw Palace, also called the Shan Palace, is the former royal residence of the Shan family located in the city of Hsipaw in Myanmar. The palace is a museum housing the collections of the family, and (Read More) gives details of the history of accounts of the Shan state. It is worth giving a visit to know about the culture, traditions and history of the Shan people.
4. Baw Gyo Paya
Baw Gyo Paya is a small Buddhist temple located in the city centre of Hsipaw in Myanmar. The pagoda is the venue for Baw Gyo Festival, which happens during the spring every year.
It is the biggest fes (Read More)tival in the Shan state that brings together tea growers from all the villages to participate in religious ceremonies. There is also a fair held during this time, when buyers and sellers gather for trading handicrafts, tea, jewelry and handmade items.
5. Sunset Hill Hsipaw
Sunset Hill is the popular name of a hill that is home to Thein Daung Pagoda, and is located outside the city centre in Hsipaw, in Myanmar. Also called Nine Buddha hill, this place is popular among th (Read More)e locals as well as tourists for witnessing lovely sunsets.
6. Myauk Myo
Myauk Myo is a historical site located close to Hsipaw town in Myanmar. It consists of two monasteries Madahya and Bamboo Buddha, and a few Buddhist pagodas scattered across the village. It is seclude (Read More)d and offers the tourists glimpses of village life in Myanmar.
7. Nawng Kaw Gyi Lake
Nawng Kaw Gyi Lake is located in Nawng Kaw close to the city of Hsipaw in Myanmar. It is an artificial lake known for its beautiful location surrounded by mountains and consist of a garden and a small (Read More) pagoda at the centre. It is recommended for tourists to check out the lake for an evening stroll.
More on Hsipaw Travel
Centre of Shan History & Culture
Hsipaw is famous for its rich Shan history and culture as it was the centre of administration for many kingdoms. The origin of Shans traces back to the Thai and Chinese villages, which were a part of Shan states before the succeeding kings consolidated power around the Burmese areas. The unique dialects, cuisines, attire and traditions can be witnessed in the community centre, where tourists can taste authentic Shan delicacies as well.
Hiking in Hsipaw
The scenic natural beauty Of Hsipaw is due to the mountains which offer plenty of trails for hiking. Most travelers come to Hsipaw mainly for doing one or two treks, usually from Mandalay or Lashio. These guided hiking tours can be booked in these cities through tour operators or your guesthouses.
The price starts at MMK 20000 for two-days treks and depends on days, number of people in the group and the trails involved, all of which can be decided while booking. Hsipaw is also a quiet town amidst nature and has gained popularity among backpackers looking for offbeat getaways in Myanmar in recent years.
The price starts at MMK 20000 for two-days treks and depends on days, number of people in the group and the trails involved, all of which can be decided while booking. Hsipaw is also a quiet town amidst nature and has gained popularity among backpackers looking for offbeat getaways in Myanmar in recent years.
History of Hsipaw
Hsipaw was founded in 58 BCE and was built by Dutavadi of the Saopha state. It was the wealthiest and the most powerful among all Shan states along with neighbouring Kengtung and Yawnghwe towns until the 18th century. The Chinese in the Sino-Burman war captured Hsipaw, but it was brought back by the Saopha. But he was the first prince to accept the British rule in Burma, which continued until 1947.
The rest of the regions joined independent Burma, but Hsipaw belonged to Baung dynasty until 1959 when the monarchy was abolished as the state entered Burma. The history of Shan royalty can be found in the remaining sites in the town today. Their unique culture, traditions and cuisines are best preserved in the smaller villages surrounding Hsipaw, which can be experienced by tourists on their hikes.
The rest of the regions joined independent Burma, but Hsipaw belonged to Baung dynasty until 1959 when the monarchy was abolished as the state entered Burma. The history of Shan royalty can be found in the remaining sites in the town today. Their unique culture, traditions and cuisines are best preserved in the smaller villages surrounding Hsipaw, which can be experienced by tourists on their hikes.
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FAQs on Hsipaw
What is famous about Hsipaw?
Its weather is relatively cool almost throughout the year. The hiking trails reward with scenic natural beauty.
What is not so good about Hsipaw?
Hsipaw is a small town and is remote, which means long travel times and basic amenities, which might not be comfortable if you are short on time or prefer touristy places.
What are the things to do in Hsipaw?
The top things to do in Hsipaw are Trekking in Hsipaw, Nam Tok Waterfall, Hsipaw Palace, Baw Gyo Paya, Sunset Hill Hsipaw, Myauk Myo. You can see all the places to visit in Hsipaw here
What are the places near Hsipaw?
The top places near to Hsipaw are Mandalay which is 144 km from Hsipaw, Sagaing which is located 158 km from Hsipaw, Inwa which is located 160 km from Hsipaw, Bagan which is located 299 km from Hsipaw, Monywa which is located 227 km from Hsipaw
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