Chiang Tung, Shan State, Myanmar
Kyaingtong
is the town located at the elevation of 1100 m (3600 ft), and on the
National High Way 4 in the northeast part of Shan State. It is 456 km
(283 ml) northeast of Taunggyi, the capital of Shan State. Kyaingtong
means the wall city of Tung. The city was founded since the 13th century
contemporary with Chiangmai, northern Thailand. The original city walls
and gates still can be seen. Kyaingtong lies in the valley between
Mekong and Thanlwin Rivers. The average high temperature of this area is
29 degree C (85 degree F) and the average low temperature is 17 degree C
(62 degree F). The annual rainfall is 1300 mm (51 in).
We can go to Kyaingtong from Yangon by plane. The flight to Kyaingtong usually goes via Tachilake, the border town facing Mae Sai, Thailand. Some visit Tachilake first and continue to Kyaingtong by car for 150 km (93 ml). Between Tachilake and Kyaingtong, there is a very good high way with very pleasant atmosphere, and only a three hour drive. Kyaingtong is also known as the capital of the Golden Triangle and the gateway to the northern Thailand.
Kyaingtong has a blended lifestyle. The city lies by the idyllic natural lake and surrounded by the beautiful hill sides. The cultivation of rice is abundant and takes place on the terraces on the hill slopes. In many places in the town, Thai style and Myanmar style can be seen together and harmoniously mixed. The architecture of the Buddhist buildings rather inclines to that of Thai than Myanmar. The placid Nong Tong Lake of the town makes the town layout plan charming. The majority of the city belongs to Kun race, and the minority tribes are Wa, Gon Shan, Shan-Chinese, Akha, Black and White Lahu, Ann, Myo, and Palaung. There are a number of tribal villages to be seen in the outskirts of Kyaingtong. Ann, Akha, Myo, and Palaung villages are built on the slopes of the hills as well as on the plane. The tracking to those villages are the highlights of the visit to Kyaingtong. Ann tribe and Akha are Catholic Christian; Palaung and Pa O are Buddhists. Ann tribe and Ahka dresses are highly decorated; especially the Akha’s head gear is one of the most demanded collectors’ items. Palaung tribe also has uniqueness in their dresses. Their vests are made of turquoise blue and emerald green velvet; their longgyis are in the dark tones of different colors. They wear several rattan rings around their waist, and on the ankles. For wrists are the silver bracelets. Pa O has colorful turban and dark blue longgyi (skirt), and the blouse and the vest are in the same material in different colors.
We can go to Kyaingtong from Yangon by plane. The flight to Kyaingtong usually goes via Tachilake, the border town facing Mae Sai, Thailand. Some visit Tachilake first and continue to Kyaingtong by car for 150 km (93 ml). Between Tachilake and Kyaingtong, there is a very good high way with very pleasant atmosphere, and only a three hour drive. Kyaingtong is also known as the capital of the Golden Triangle and the gateway to the northern Thailand.
Kyaingtong has a blended lifestyle. The city lies by the idyllic natural lake and surrounded by the beautiful hill sides. The cultivation of rice is abundant and takes place on the terraces on the hill slopes. In many places in the town, Thai style and Myanmar style can be seen together and harmoniously mixed. The architecture of the Buddhist buildings rather inclines to that of Thai than Myanmar. The placid Nong Tong Lake of the town makes the town layout plan charming. The majority of the city belongs to Kun race, and the minority tribes are Wa, Gon Shan, Shan-Chinese, Akha, Black and White Lahu, Ann, Myo, and Palaung. There are a number of tribal villages to be seen in the outskirts of Kyaingtong. Ann, Akha, Myo, and Palaung villages are built on the slopes of the hills as well as on the plane. The tracking to those villages are the highlights of the visit to Kyaingtong. Ann tribe and Akha are Catholic Christian; Palaung and Pa O are Buddhists. Ann tribe and Ahka dresses are highly decorated; especially the Akha’s head gear is one of the most demanded collectors’ items. Palaung tribe also has uniqueness in their dresses. Their vests are made of turquoise blue and emerald green velvet; their longgyis are in the dark tones of different colors. They wear several rattan rings around their waist, and on the ankles. For wrists are the silver bracelets. Pa O has colorful turban and dark blue longgyi (skirt), and the blouse and the vest are in the same material in different colors.
Kyaingtong (kengtung) |
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