Page 348 - The Rough Guide to Myanmar (Burma)

346 NortherN MyaNMar Myitkyina and the far north
By train The railway station is just east of the centre, Alternatively, your hotel may be able to arrange a car – the
though there’s only one slow service each day from Win Unity hotel (see below) can arrange these and other local
Mandalay (6hr) and Pakokku (5hr). trips, including taxis to Pho Win Taung, Maha Bodhi Tataung
Tours A half-day trip combining Thanboddhay Pagoda and and Thanboddhay for around $30 each – although you might
Maha Bodhi Tataung by motorbike taxi costs around K20,000. be able to find a cheaper deal elsewhere.
aCCoMMoDatIoN
Hotel Chindwin Bogyoke Aung San Rd T071 26150, but bearable rooms in the main building, plus so-called
Whotelchindwinmonywa.com. The smartest hotel in the “bungalows” (although they’re actually just bog-standard
town centre is this large glass block that towers above all rooms) for $5 extra in a two-storey block behind –
else. The cheapest rooms are dark and cramped, so opt for fractionally nicer if you can ignore the grimy exterior and
the next level up ($50), which has more space, more light faint smell of sewage outside. All rooms come with a/c and
and better decorations. $31 attached bathroom. $20
Monywa Hotel Bogyoke Aung San Rd T071 21581, Win Unity Resort Hotel Bogyoke Aung San Rd
Emonywahotel071@gmail.com. The standard rooms T071 22438, Wwinunityhotels.com. Monywa’s top
here, which are in some rather grubby-looking chalets, are option is set in spacious grounds with a fantastic pool, and
definitely past their best, but the large and bright (if rather offers a particularly impressive breakfast spread each
bare) superior rooms are based in a separate modern block morning. Rooms come in a bewildering variety of styles,
and are much nicer – and cost just $5 extra. All rooms come with the cheapest being fairly plain but acceptable. There’s
with a/c and hot water. $40 also a small spa offering inexpensive traditional massages
Shwe Taung Tarn Station Rd T071 21478. This is a (from $15). $75
centrally located cheapie on a quiet side road, with basic
8 eatING
Aung Pan Just off Station Rd. Popular local café dishing Directly opposite the Win Unity Resort, this attractively
up reasonable curries (around K2500) served with an rustic garden restaurant is set on its own tiny island,
above-average spread of side dishes and accompaniments, reached via a small rickety footbridge. The exclusively
although there’s no English menu so you’ll have to point. Chinese menu is good, if pricey, with most mains at around
Daily 10am–9pm. K6000–9000, plus more expensive seafood dishes. Daily
Pleasant Island Bogyoke Aung San Rd T09 681 8162. 7am–10pm.
DIreCtory
Banks The ATM at the AGD Bank accepts foreign cards, and there’s a money exchange counter at the KBZ Bank.

Myitkyina and the far north

Despite the allure of its jungles and hill tribes, Myanmar’s far north – where the
country forms a wedge between China and India – sees few foreign visitors.
In part this is down to the byzantine travel restrictions that govern much of the
region, but the north’s dated infrastructure and damp, steamy climate both also
play their parts.
However, for those who are willing to stump up the cash for permits or happy to
brave long, sometimes uncomfortable, journeys, Myanmar’s northern tip has plenty to
offer. The main town, Myitkyina, is the best place to get a taste of Kachin culture, while
the peaceful Indawgyi Lake Wildlife Sanctuary is the most accessible of the region’s
nature reserves. Further north, the small town of Putao is a useful base for adventurous
expeditions into the surrounding jungle-clad mountains.

Myitkyina and around

Capital of Kachin State, MYITKYINA was largely destroyed in the three-month Battle for
Myitkyina during World War II, and just a few old buildings survive – but what it lacks

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