Myitkyina Travel Guide
Myitkyina is the capital of Kachin state in Northern Myanmar. In Burmese it means ‘near the big river’ and Myitkyina is on the west bank of the Ayeyarwady River. The main attraction of Myitkyina (pronounced Mitchinar) is its cultural, religious and ethnic diversity, and it hosts two of Myanmar’s most important ethnic festivals. The population of the town is around 150,000 and includes an ethnic mix of Bamar, Kachin, and Indian people.
Getting to Myikynia
There are different ways to get to Myikynia but in generally, you need to pass by Mandalay to reach this northern area.Travel from Yangon to Myikynia
Flights serving the route from Yangon are available with different airlines including Myanmar National Airlines, Golden Myanmar Airlines, Air KBZ. The flight is not direct, there will be a stop either in Mandalay or Bhamo. Each airline has their own schedule and they do have daily flights individually but when you search for the flight, you will find 1 each day.The airfare starts from $140/ person.
Travel from Mandalay to Myikynia
Direct flights from Mandalay to Myikynia take about 1 hour. The airfare starts from $75. These flights are from the above companies ( like the flight from Yangon to Myikynia ).Train from Mandalay to Myikynia operates daily and starts around noon. It takes about 12 hours and not really comfortable unless you like the adventure and watching the sceneries outside the window.
How to get around?
Myitkyina is not a small town which means that most of the time the best way to get through town is by motorbike, taxi or a rented motor bike. You can also travel in Trishaws. Myitkyina is roughly centered around its Railway station. From the station you can walk to a number of sights, including the riverfront with its market and large number of worship places.Places to visit
Things to see in Myikynia is not plentiful. It does not mean the area is not interesting. The tourism has not developed much in the area is the main reason. However, there are things you can soak up in this peaceful area:Sri Saraswati Temple
At the end of the road leading directly east from the railway station there is an impressive new golden Hindu temple known as Sri Saraswati Temple.Hsu Taung Pyi Zedi
There is an impressive Sutaung Pyi Pagoda complex (sometimes spelt Hsu Taung Pye).Kachin Manao Park
It’s worth visiting this area where the annual Kachin Mano Festival is held. It is nicely located next to the mighty Ayeyarwaddy River.Kachin Cultural Museum
It is a famous museum about the culture of the Kachin and Shan, with the display of interesting things such as, pictures of the mountains of the Putao area and dresses of the Kachin and Shan tribes.Myitsone
45 kilometers to the north of Myitkyina, there is Myitsone, which is the source of the Ayeyarwady, and it is the country’s most important lifeline. You can take a taxi to Myitson, which is where the rivers Mali Hka and N'Mai Hka come together to form the Ayeyarwady.Where to Eat
Kiss me RestaurantIt is beautifully located next to the Ayeyarwaddy River. This restaurant has a good variety of Chinese, Bamar and Kachin dishes. This restaurant is very popular among the youth of Myitkyina, and have fair prices. It is located next to the Su Taung Pyi Pagoda.
Café 60
This is one of the best places in Myitkyina for delicious food, and it is located next to the Kachin Manao Park. English menus are also available here. This place is very famous among the local people and it have good prices for big dishes.
What to buy
One who is a shopaholic can find and buy the World’s best jade and gems. You could also buy Kachin Traditional dresses, handicrafts and other national cultural textiles and food.Places to Stay
New Light HotelThis hotel has nice rooms with free drinking water and shared bathrooms for 17,000 kyats. Larger rooms with private bathrooms are also available and it is at 5 mins walking distance from the train station.
Hotel Madira
It is quite a modern hotel with clean, comfortable and spacious rooms with price starting from 45 USD.
Palm Spring Resort
It is luxurious Resort with Swimming Pool and lots of greenery with rooms starting at 120 USD.
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