Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
was actually completed just after Orwell's stay but its unmistakable style would fit
McGregor. Three families now live there and Daw Wei Wei Dwin sometimes shows vis-
itors into the original (much decayed) drawing room. Two blocks south, Orwell would
have lived at the comfy, two-storey
police commissioner's house
, which is still used as
such (so it's not advisable to knock on the door). Directly northwest, the Orwell-era
St
Paul's Anglican Church
collapsed in 2007 and has been replaced by a new church part-
sponsored by troops from the Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment in appreciation of the
hospitality they received in Katha during Christmas 1944.
There are several attractive temples at the southern end of town near the prison.
Sleeping
Only three of Katha's guesthouses accept foreigners. The two on the riverfront are basic
without private bathrooms. They're within 60m of each other and are best (albeit noisy)
if you can score one of a handful of rooms with river views.
Eden Guesthouse
GUESTHOUSE $
( 074-25429; Shwe Phone Shein St; r K20,000; )
The newest and smartest place in
town and the only spot with wi-fi. It's above the cafe of the same name and close to the
cluster of Orwell-related sites.
Ayarwady Guest House
GUESTHOUSE $
( 074-25140; Strand Rd; s/d K6000/10,000; )
An old wooden house with hardboard
room dividers. The best double has air-con. Bathroom facilities are primitive. Some Eng-
lish spoken.
Annawah Guest House
GUESTHOUSE $
( 074-25146; Strand Rd; r K6000)
Mostly patronised by locals, the downstairs rooms are
dark, the upstairs ones include some truly minuscule spaces. The pot-bellied owner bears
a few similarities to Orwell's villain U Po Kyin.
Eating & Drinking
Sein Family Restaurant
CHINESE $
(Strand Rd; dishes from K1500; 7am-8pm; )
Run by the descendants of Chinese immig-
rants and serves consistently good Chinese fare; opposite the riverfront.
