Aungmyaytha suspension bridge
Not only local people but also visitors pay a visit to Aungmyaytha suspension bridge and a small creek considering it as a relaxation site. Many restaurants made of bamboo and souvenir shops attract the attention of the visitors. It is an enjoyable way that the visitors can go down for taking a shower in the small creek. Here is the shop of Cele Ma Ma who misquotes and wins the support from the whole country. It is a little distant from Myitkyina and it is nearer to Myitsone.
Shwemoetaung Yahanda Tahtaung Shinpin Myatswa Sutaungpyae Pagoda
Newly-built Shinpin Myatswa Sutaungpyae Pagoda is not so long, but it is always packed with pilgrims. It has huge objects of the chicken and the frog where photographs are taken. I feel like the creation of brown stripes for small Buddha images and statues of animals showing days and planets inside the pagoda. White elephant statues can be seen on the area of pagoda. The inner path of the pagoda is very narrow.
Hsadon Lanakha Waterfall
Lanakha waterfall known as Hsadon waterfall is near Hsadon town and it is a very beautiful waterfall. It takes a quite long to reach Hsadon waterfall. It starts flowing from the green forest and mountain and its stream runs very fast and its view is very impressive. The beauty of meeting the stream of the waterfall from the mountain and the creek that flows at the bottom of the mountain looks very natural and pleasing. On the other side of the suspension bridge, there is a small shop where the visitors can stay and rest. There are also small shelters for those who are going to upstream area of the waterfall. It provides a greenfield site where the visitors can feel the pleasant sounds of the waterfall.
Globe Stupa
The globe stupa is a truly remarkable structure as it is built on the globe. As a result it is called the globe stupa and it is a simple name. Its environs look beautiful.
Myitsone
Myitsone is situated at about 26 miles north of Myitkyina where it is the confluence of Mali and N’mai near Tanfel village, the resource of Ayeyawady River, the lifeblood of Myanmar people. This place has become the main focus of attention by the travellers and the photographers from various parts of the country. Myitsone is a beautiful place with numerous pebbles clearly seen when it is in a low tide. When I arrived at Myitsone, its water surface area was wide as it wasn’t in a low tide yet. When it is in a low tide, we can reach near the middle. At such a time, Myitsone with pebbles clearly seen looks more beautiful, said local people. The visitors can take photographs wearing Kachin traditional costumes. The rental fee of one set of Kachin traditional costumes is K2,000. The photograph fee has to be paid as well. The sunset of Myitsone is so beautiful that the visitors and those who are fond of photographing have to wait for it.
Buddha Sasana Ngahtaungsan Pagoda
The visitors can pay obeisance to Buddha Sasana Ngahtaungsan Pagoda situated not far from Myitsone. Around there many food shops and souvenir ones can be visited. Boat ride service is also offered to the visitors and service charge is K 20,000 per boat.
Washaung Dam
Don’t miss to visit Washaung dam and the suspension bridge upon arrival to Myitkyina. It takes one hour’s drive. This time I did not visit Washaung dam and the suspension bridge as I had little time.
Jade Roundabout
The Jade Roundabout is illustrated with the jade loaded onto a small circular tray with stem and the words of “Myitkyina City” written with embossed print. I feel like the Jade Roundabout, a good place for taking photograph for the visitors.
Indawgyi and Shwe Myitzu Yayle Pagoda
I added Indawgyi lake to Myitkyina visiting schedule because I had to visit there. It actually takes about four hours’ drive to Indawgyi lake from Myitkyina. The round trip to Indawgyi takes about a total of eight hours. It is my suggestion that the visitors should stay for one night upon arrival to Indawgyi lake. It is the largest lake in Southeast Asia and it is natural. There are no hotels in Indawgyi, but hostels. These hostels are usually intended for seasonal festivals. If the visitors stay for one night in Indawgyi, it will be okay that they can pay homage to Shwe Myitzu Yayle Pagoda. A boat ride costs K 2,000 per person. Before arriving at the ferry site, there are many small shops. The visitors can take a boat ride to the pagoda in time of the high tide. A walk to the pagoda the time when it is at its lowest level is very enjoyable. The females are not allowed coming to the platform of the pagoda and they have to stay at the designated place to pay homage to the pagoda. There is a general belief that a bad weather like a storm and heavy rain might appear if the women touched the platform of the pagoda. Indawgyi scene is breathtaking in its beauty. Later the circular way for the women will be set up in order to pay homage to the pagoda. In general, local and foreign visitors come to Indawgyi not only for religious reasons but also for bird watch ones. Pagoda festivals that are always extremely full of the pilgrims are held in March, Thadingyut and Tazaungmone.
Hophar Beach and Mya Myitzu Pagoda
While the visitors are visiting Indawgyi, they can go to nearby places of interest like bamboo-strip pagoda where I did not visit because of having a little time. But I arrived at the edge of the beach of Hophar village known as Hophar beach. Water hyacinths can be seen in the high tide. In the summertime, it is a better pleasant place capable of offering relaxation to the visitors. I also paid a pilgrimage visit to Mya Myitzu pagoda which it situated on the top of the hill. The visitors can overlook Indawgyi from the hill-top pagoda and it is very impressive view.
Environmental Conservation Education Booth
The environmental conservation education booth is set up in Indawgyi region describing the consequences resulting from the environmental pollutions and measures designed for preventing the environment from deterioration. This booth is always open for the public free of charge.
Where to have meals T
here is choice of variety for having meals. There are Kachin, Myanmar, Indian, Chinese and Thai cuisines. Loilem shop near the market is famous for Myanmar cuisine. The price is fair and the service is good. Side dishes are also offered. A variety of curries are available as well. Kachin intoxicating brew and Kachin cuisine are available at Lung Ga Pa shop near Manaw grounds. Whenever I arrive, I go and sit there. Kachin traditional foods are also eatable. The unnamed shop on the 5th street on Shwe main road (some described it Tatkon ward) offers a variety of eatable curries to the visitors. This time I failed to arrive there. Kachin traditional foods loaded into the leaf are available at this unnamed shop.
Myitkyina has a wealth of places of interest and I got a lot of enjoyment and experience from the journey to Myitkyina. I wish all the people a safe and sound journey.
By Thiha, the Traveller @ Thiha Luli
