Northern Myanmar - Myanmar (Burma) - page 543

Highlights include barefoot climbing of a knife tower and have-a-go stalls to try out
your prowess on a traditional crossbow. Held before the February full moon.
Manao Festival CULTURAL
Originally a way to propitiate the local nat, this is now a nationally important gathering
of the six Kachin tribes for feasting and costumed dances, performed in Manao park
(north of centre) where the large Native American-style totem poles remain in place
year-round. Accommodation will be stretched at this time.
Observers get into the festival mood by drinking copious quantities of rice beer. Held
on and around 10 January, Kachin State Day.
Sleeping
In Myitkyina, nowhere named 'Guesthouse' accepts foreigners. Apart from the YMCA
and the rather sorry New Light Hotel (singles/doubles $20/35), all other options are vari-
ations on the typical Chinese-style hotel.
Xing Xian Hotel HOTEL $
( 074-22281; [e-mail] ; 127 Shan Su North; r $15-30; ) Two giant
vases welcome you into this quiet, friendly, long-standing and centrally located hotel.
The 'superior' options are roomy, well equipped and the best deal in town at $20.
YMCA HOSTEL $
( 074-23010; [e-mail] ; YMCA St; r $8-36; ) Low prices and helpful
English-speaking staff mean the 10 rooms here book up fast. Conditions, though, are
pretty basic. The cheapest rooms, without bathrooms or air-con, are especially grungy.
Hotel United HOTEL $
( 074-22085; [e-mail] ; 38 Thit Sa St; s/d/tr $30/35/45; ) Well-
kept rooms, with small bathrooms, and more refined than many of the other options in
town. Some English spoken.
Hotel Madira HOTEL $$$
( 074-21119; [e-mail] ; 510 Pyayhtaungsu Rd; r $45-55; ) Kachin-
owned, this new place offers quality rooms and service (as well as intermittent wi-fi) not
available anywhere else in town. The rooms are big, bright and fresh. Breakfast is in-
cluded.