As the number of visitors to Myanmar slowly increases, Kachin state is becoming a popular stop due to being blessed with spectacular natural beauty.

A ferry trip from Mandalay takes you along the mighty Ayeyarwady river and you have spectacular mountain scenery, forests and gorges to keep your cameras busy. There is also an abundance of hill tribe communities which allow you to catch a glimpse of ancient festivals and traditions.

Kachin is noted for high quality jade and trade has been established for centuries between neighbouring countries. The opening of the road between Bhamo and Zhangfeng in Yunnan Province in China is already benefiting the state.

Places of interest

Bhamo
Close to the Chinese border, Bhamo was for centuries the first stop for encroaching troops from China and suffered frequently. Today, it is home to a daily market which attracts many ethnic minorities to the town including; Kachin, Shan, Lisu and Palaung people. The former "Ledo Road" trading route was upgraded in 1965 to link China, Myanmar and India but this old caravan trail has since badly fallen into disrepair.

Jade Mines
Jade is the lifeblood of the Kachin people and numerous mines in the area allow visitors to see the workings of these traditional old style mines.

Indawgyi Lake
Huge lake which is a beautiful spot to relax and appreciate your surroundings.

Hkakabo Razi
Myanmar's highest mountain at nearly 6,000m, was only recently conquered in 1996 by a Japanese expedition team.

Putao
The nearest town to Hkakabo Razi and the only place to start any climbing.

Mali and Mali Kha Rivers
These two rivers converge 50km north of the small town of Myitkyina from where the Ayeyarwady heads towards the Bay of Bengal. The Ayeyarwady then passes through three spectacular gorges where rocks projecting into the water form huge whirlpools.