Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Province. Hardly any foreigners make it here (and there's very little English spoken), so
expect some stares.
The surrounding slopes are covered by the Palaung tea plantations that are the main-
stay of Namhsan's economy, as well as pagodas and monasteries. Two possible one-day
return hikes take you up to superb viewpoints at Taung Yo monastery and atop Loi San
('Ruby Mountain'). The scenic (if very rough) journey from Hsipaw to Namhsan is an
attraction in itself, while trekking back again to Hsipaw (two nights and three days) is an
ideal way to stay in little-seen villages en route. Hsipaw's Mr Charles Guest House can
help suggest guides.
Namhsan is periodically closed due to fighting between the Palaung State Liberation
Front and the Myanmar military. Check the current situation before setting off.
Sleeping & Eating
There is only one guesthouse in Namhsan. A few Chinese-style restaurants and teahouses
are scattered along the main street. All close by 8pm.
Shwephetaunggtan Co-operate Guesthouse
GUESTHOUSE $
( 082-89032; Main St; per person K5500)
Very basic (and overpriced) rooms, all without
bathrooms, although there is a hot shower in the courtyard that the owner is inordinately
proud of.
U Shwe Tun
CHINESE-SHAN $
(Main St; mains from K1000; 7am-8pm)
Run by the descendants of Chinese immigrants,
this place has a good selection of Yunnan-style dishes, with a few local Shan ones too.
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
MENSEN MARKET TOWN & ONWARD TO LASHIO
If you're frustrated with visiting markets where camera-toting foreigners are al-
most as prevalent as locals, then Mensen is the place for you. Slumbering for five
days a week, Mensen wakes up on Wednesdays and Fridays, when the town's pop-
ulation triples as Palaung, Shan and even some Kachin descend from the hills to
sell their produce and to shop.
It's a fun and photogenic market that spreads across much of Mensen's main
street and people are overwhelmingly friendly. Mensen is about two hours' drive by
motorbike from Hsipaw along a reasonable road. You won't be allowed to stay here,
