Mountain Town Lashio

I love Lashio, the capital of northern Shan State. Since I attended the primary school in Hsenwi and high school in Lashio, it was like an environment where I grew up. I still remember that I had to plan an overnight trip to Lashio in a rush which I had not been able to reach for various reasons although I wanted to go back several times. Please read in advance for the Lashio trip after the pandemic.

Mountain Town Lashio

During British rule, Lashio was considered a small mountain town. It was formerly part of the territory ruled by Hsenwi Saopha, and during the British government, a road connecting the Chinese border made the town booming. The site of the old city that was destroyed by bombs during World War II is now called Lashio Gyi, and Lashio is a new city.

Trip to Lashio

Lashio can be reached by train, flight, bus or car. It is not too far if we go by car, but we have to cross the Goktwin hill, and it would unexpectedly take many hours to many days.

Because it is a significant trade route, there are trucks carrying tons of goods. Small passenger cars and high-speed buses are also moving daily.

As the Goktwin road is narrow, sometimes the trucks break down because of the ups and downs of the hill. In the event of a crash into a ravine or a car accident, the vehicles along the way can be stuck for many days or months. If you go by car, you can enjoy the beautiful view of the world-famous Goteik Railway from a distance. If you go by train, you will have to cross the Goteik Railway so that it can be a lot of fun. At that time, many tourists would pop their head out and take pictures from the train window.

Accommodation in Lashio

There are more good hotels in Lashio. As the number of hotels increases, so do the prices. The good hotels with a bit high cost in Lashio are Golden Hill Hotel, Golf Club Hotel and Mansu Hotel. The New Palace Hotel in front of Lashio College is cheaper. The room is a little cramped, though. Mizzima Guest House, near the Lashio Customs Office, is also good.

Visiting Lashio

It’s nice to visit Lashio although residents say there is nothing to do in their town. The town is lovely to stay for visitors from other cities and villages. It is divided into four separate sections so that it can run as you wish.

As for pilgrimage,

• Mansu pagoda

It is the most famous in Lashio. It is said to have been worshipped by ancient kings.

• Kabar Aye Pagoda

It is also known as Kyaw Hein Pagoda. It is located on a high hill in the centre of Lashio so that you can enjoy the view from above.

• Yan Taing Aung Pagoda

It is a pagoda located at the entrance of the city.

• Naga Yone Pagoda

It is a pagoda on the mountain where there are lakes that supply water to the city called Lake Mountain. The sculpture is magnificent.

• Swe Taw Pagoda

It is another pagoda situated on Lake Mountain.

As for Shoppers,

• Lashio Myoma Market

It is the best market for shopping. It may be wrong to think that Chinese products sold here are cheap because they sell the right quality products, especially fashion clothes. As the quality is high, so is the price. Although there are affordable Chinese products, you may not be satisfied if you compare the two products. There are also shops selling 5000 kyats for any item around the market.

• Lashio Night Market

The night market is near the market, and I noticed a variety of food.

As for places to visit for photography and recreation,

• Hot Spring

Although it is 3 miles from the city, I noticed that as the township boundary widened, the area around the hot springs became quite densely populated. We had to cross the airport to get to the hot spring.

The restaurant, which is open next to the hot spring, is suitable for eating pounded mutton and sticky rice. There are places where everyone bathes in the hot springs for free and private bathrooms.

There are separate places for male and female to take a bath in the hot spring. The bathing place for the male is a place that everyone can cross. It is like a stream so that you can relax in the hot spring. Riding a pedal boat in hot water is also unique. It is suitable for cold climates. On winter mornings, I enjoy taking pictures of the hot springs in the pool.

• Six-tiered waterfall (Tami waterfall)

It is a small waterfall at the end of Man Ai village. It is advisable to go more in winter because there is not much water at that time.

• Shan Khai Hindu Temple and Shan Khai Station

It is a beautiful temple next to Manson Waterfall. You will also like the Shan Khai station.

• Nan Myaw Station

Before arriving at Shan Khai Station, there is the Royal Tower, which is a remnant of the colonial era. It was also a transit station for lead and silver ores from the Namtu mine before World War II.

• Manson Waterfall/Lashio Creek

There is a small village called Naung Mon village on the road from Lashio to Mandalay. To the west, you can reach Manson Waterfall (Manson Fall).

• Kone Nyaung Waterfall

Although it is dangerous to swim in the water, it is an excellent place to go for a photoshoot. It is one hour from Lashio.

• Khashi Waterfall

Another 10 minute-drive from Tangyan junction. It is said to be more beautiful when there is less water in winter.

• Lake Mountain

There are beautiful streets with trees at the Lake Mountain, where lakes that supply water to Lashio situated. Many people come to relax. Some come for fishing; Some to drink beer; Some are seen enjoying a family meal on a mat.

• Lashio Station

It is also good to take photos at the simple Lashio station.

• Chinese Temple

Not far from downtown Lashio, the Chinese temple on the hill is also attractive. In the past, it was a place for people to come and ask their fortune.

Other places to visit

I have to run a lot to get there in two days. If you have more time in Lashio, you should also see Hsenwi and other remaining areas such as:

• Humon Dam

• Loi Sam Sit Mountain (Kutkai City)

You can also visit Hsipaw On the way back.

As I love Lashio as my hometown, I will visit again.

May we all travel safely, healthily and happily.

Thiha Lu Lin (Thiha, the Traveller)

This travel article was published on the Global New Light of Myanmar daily newspaper.

Photo :: Sai Pan (Lashio), Arkar Soe (AKAMI Creation), Thiha Lu Lin

Camera :: SONY Alpha 7II with 16 - 35mm Lens + Other Camera

Photos are modified in Lightroom by Thiha Lu Lin

Translated by Ei Phyu Phyu Aung.