Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Northern Myanmar
Why Go?
Rugged and remote, northern Myanmar offers a fascinating mix of ethnic minority
peoples and the prospect of travel through some of the least-visited areas of the country.
While much of this vast region remains off-limits, two main routes are accessible. One
climbs rapidly from Mandalay to the British-era summer capital of Pyin Oo Lwin, and
then continues across the rolling Shan Plateau to Lashio. The crisp evenings are a great re-
lief from the heat of the plains, while hikes take visitors into timeless Palaung and Shan
hill-villages.
The other option is taking a ride along the mighty Ayeyarwady (Irrawaddy) River.
You'll need close on a week if you want to stop off along the way from Bhamo to Man-
dalay, but shorter itineraries are possible starting from Katha, the setting of George Or-
well's
Burmese Days
. The lazy, meandering journey downstream provides great opportun-
ities for genuine interaction with the locals. Far beyond Myitkyina lie the rarely seen,
snow-capped peaks of Myanmar's Himalayas.
When to Go
Nov-Feb
Best time for river travel, with temperatures comfortable and water levels high.
