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Town in Shan State, Myanmar
Photo: Taranis-iuppiter, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Hsipaw (Thibaw) is a town in Shan State in Eastern Myanmar.
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A revered Shan pagoda. In addition to the usual complement of Buddhas, the pagoda also has some ancient statues of Hindu origin in the plaza outside.
One of the best markets to visit in all of Myanmar. Shans, Kachins and other tribals come here to trade regularly. Because so few tourists visit Hsipaw, the merchandise is primarily for villagers who go there to shop. Radios, spare parts, diverse foodstuffs and Shan clothing (trousers, hats, sandals) and the ubiquitous lyongi. The market begins and ends early, starting at 03:30 and is largely closed by 06:00.
Sunset watching.
The Sawbwas of Hsipaw lived here. The last Sawbwa disappeared during the military coup in 1962 and the palace is cared for by his nephew and his nephew's wife. It was possible to visit parts of the palace but this is no longer possible since the nephew, Mr Donald (Sao Oo Kya), is in prison apparently for saying bad things about the military.
ၼမ်ႉတူၵ်းတၢတ်ႇ ၼမ်ႉတုၵ်း
A nice water fall. Possibility to swim. It takes around 2 hr to walk from Hsipaw. Less if you take the bike to the start of the real path (near a monastery). On the path it's not possible to ride a bicycle. Very off the beaten path and relaxing. Less water during summer.
Offers freshly mixed juice according to the guests wish i.e. just name some fruits and he will mix it, including alcoholic ingredients. Guests may write down their very own recipe onto a board. The shake seemed to be safe. It has some food as well.
Law Chun
Along with the usual Chinese and Shan fare, draught beer (700 kyat) is available.
Serves Burmese food. No menu or sign but you'll recognise it by the big pots full of curries outside. The food is good but, since it is prepared in the morning, best to go for lunch.
The newer and fancier place on the riverfront, it has a stunning location and reasonable food.
Cheap local Burmese food. Many side dishes with rice and refills.
Collection of 3 guest houses located near each other. Clean and the staff friendly. Can arrange collection from train station, bus tickets, shared taxis, treks and motorcycle trips. Free Wi-Fi, with PC access costing 500 kyat/hr. 24-hr hot water.
A newer hotel with small budget (shared bathroom) rooms as well as nicer, more spacious (en-suite) standard rooms. They can arrange bus tickets, taxis, bicycle rental, and tours. Wi-Fi and breakfast included. Laundry and luggage storage available. 24-hr reception and free morning pick up from the night bus drop off point (Inle-Hsipaw bus). Discounts are offered in the low season, but are only offered to walk ins (from US$12). Pre-booked rooms are considerably more expensive (US$20-30).
By pickup
Pickups leave early in the morning from Mandalay (6 hr, 500 kyat) or Pyin oo Lwin (4 hr, 300 kyat) for Hsipaw.
By bus
From Mandalay to Hsipaw (5,000 kyat non air-con), buses depart from Pyi Gyi Myat Shin Bus station. Ye Shin Express has two buses at 05:00 and 14:00. Duhtawadi leaves at 14:00. It takes about 5-6 hr.
By shared taxi
Depending on availability (shared taxis run with at least three passengers). Between Mandalay and Hsipaw is 13,000 kyat and between Pyin Oo Lwin and Hsipaw about 9,000 kyat. 4 hours.
By private car
Approximate cost about US$100 for the round trip.
It is easy to get around walking or on a rented bicycle (500 kyat/day) or motorbike. Trishaws are available if you don't want to walk and taxis can be found on the Lashio Rd.
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