Hsipaw

Hsipaw (also spelt Thipaw) is a town in Shan State, Myanmar (formerly Burma). It is the capital of Hsipaw Township and lies on the railroad between Mandalay and Lashio, 145 miles (233 km) northeast of Mandalay. Hsipaw has a population of around 30,000 and is predominantly ethnic Shan, with a significant minority of Lisu people.

The area around Hsipaw was first settled by the Shan people in the 13th century. The town was founded in the 15th century by a Shan prince, and became an important trading post on the route between China and India. In the 19th century, Hsipaw was the capital of an independent Shan kingdom, before being annexed by the British colonial government in 1886.

After Myanmar achieved independence from Britain in 1948, Hsipaw remained an important town in Shan State. However, the town was largely destroyed during the 1962 military coup, and again during the 1988 uprising against the military regime. In recent years, Hsipaw has experienced significant economic growth, due to its strategic location on the Mandalay-Lashio railway and its proximity to China.The Myanmar Times reported in early 2018 that a new bus service had begun operating between Yangon and Hsipaw, in Shan State. The service was launched by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, in cooperation with the Myanmar Bus Association, and was intended to improve connectivity and reduce travel times between the two cities.

The journey from Yangon to Hsipaw by bus takes approximately 12 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The buses depart from Yangon's Aung Mingalar Bus Terminal and make a stop in Mandalay before continuing on to Hsipaw.

The fare for the bus journey is 12,000 kyats (approximately US$7.50) per person. Tickets can be purchased at the bus terminal or from the bus driver on the day of travel.

The buses are air-conditioned and equipped with reclining seats, making for a comfortable journey. There is also a toilet on board.

Passengers are advised to bring along food and drinks for the journey, as there are no stops for meals.

Arriving in Hsipaw

Hsipaw is a small town located in Shan State, in northeastern Myanmar. It is situated on the banks of the Dokhtawady River and is surrounded by mountains.

The town is accessible by road from Mandalay ( approximately 5 hours by car) and from Lashio ( approximately 3 hours by car). There is also a daily train service from Mandalay which takes around 8 hours.

Hsipaw is a popular tourist destination due to its scenic location and its many trekking opportunities. There are a number of guesthouses and hotels in the town, as well as a number of restaurants and cafes.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Hsipaw is between October and February, when the weather is cool and dry. March to May is the hot season, and June to September is the rainy season.

Getting Around

Hsipaw is a small town and can easily be explored on foot. There are also a number of bicycle rental shops in town.

The best way to see the surrounding countryside is to go on a trek. There are a number of trekking companies in Hsipaw that offer guided tours.

Trekking is generally safe in Hsipaw, but it is always best to go with a guide who is familiar with the area.

What to See and Do

There are a number of things to see and do in Hsipaw. Here are some of the highlights:

- Visit the Dokhtawady River: The Dokhtawady River is the main river that runs through Hsipaw. It is a beautiful river that is surrounded by mountains. There are a number of small villages located along the river.

- Go on a trek: As mentioned above, Hsipaw is a great place for trekking. There are a number of trekking companies in town that offer guided tours.

- Visit the Hsipaw Market: The Hsipaw Market is a large market that sells a variety of items, including food, clothes, and souvenirs. It is a great place to bargain for goods.

- Visit the Shan State Museum: The Shan State Museum is located in Hsipaw and is a good place to learn about the history and culture of Shan State.

- Visit the Nawng Hkio Pagoda: The Nawng Hkio Pagoda is a large pagoda that is located on a hill just outside of town. It is a popular spot for sunset viewing.