The North
The North of Myanmar is not yet a top tourist destination, but in this area SunBird also has been a pioneer: 10 years ago the first group tour, worldwide, has been arranged from Kunming, capital of Chinese Yunnan, to Lashio in Western Shan State and further on to Mandalay. The North is up to now a territory for those tourists counting comfort not a top priority for travelling. Myitkyina, the capital of Kachin State, the huge Indawgyi Lake, Myitsone and Hopin are still (almost) white areas on the map of international tourism.
Kachin State
Myanmar´s northern most state borders China to the East and India to the North. Peoples living here belong to the linguistic groups of Jinghpaw, Maru, Yawyin and Lisu, nowadays either Christians or Buddhists. Yinghpaw are the majority, well known as Kachin. There are still travel restrictions, which may have something to do with the jade trade.
Myitkyina
Set in a flat valley, Myitkyina can be reached by plane. In Wold War II the whole area was scene of heavy fightings, when Japanese troops launched forward towards Singapore. The town itself is not very interesting; however, since travel restrictions have been lifted on a radius of 25 km, Myitkyina can be starting point of excursions to unspoiled Kachin villages. 43 km north of Myitkyina, near Myitsone, the mighty Ayeyarwady River is formed by the confluence of the rivers Meihka and Malihka, and towards southwest one will reach huge and serene Indawgyi Lake, the largest lake of the country, a paradise for rare birds.
Hpakant
Also known as “Jade City”, a 147 km west of Myitkyina. The whole area is full of mines where Imperial Jade of best quality can be found. During Konbaung-dynasty until the end of 19th century, this jade has been exported in large number to imperial China due to the fact, that Burmese jadeite is much more valuable than Chinese nephrite. Watch gold processing along Uru River.
Putao
This area is to be recommended for the adventurous trekking traveller! Putao, in the northernmost area of Myanmar and 400 m above sea level, is an ideal starting point for trekking tours into the Himalayas. The snow and ice capped mountain scenery, in the midst of them Hkakabo Razi (5889 m high and the country’s highest peak), is the ideal background for this kind of traveling and makes 6000 inhabitants small Putao to a quite picturesque place – which can be reached by airplane.