The untouched western side of Myanmar, the Chin state is renowned for its mountainous terrain, unique culture, handicrafts and warm hospitality of its people.
Chin state is also known as the “Chin Hills” due to its mountainous geography that has an average elevation of 5000-8000 feet. In winter, the temperature drops to as low as two degrees Celsius and very windy.
How to get there
To get the capital city, Hakha, you can either take a direct bus from Mandalay or Kalay township via Falam. Taking the bus from Kalay is highly recommended as it takes a scenic route. The entrance gateway to Chin Hills is Mindat, Kanpetlet Township which is easily accessible by road from Bagan. Kanpetlet is only 103 miles from Bagan.
Nat Ma Taung (Mt. Victoria)
Nat ma Taung (Mt. Victoria) is located in the Kanpatlet township of southern Chin State. It is accessible by land from Pakokku and Seikpyu. It is 193 km away from Pakokku and 150 km from Seikpyu and is (8) hours drive to Pakokku via Ayeyarwaddy Bridge.
Nat Ma Taung (Mt. Victoria) is the highest mountain in the Chin state in the western part of Myanmar, Located in Kanpetlet Township. It is on part of the Chin mountain range with a height of 3053 meters above sea level.
Nat Ma Taung is one of the highest peaks of Southeast Asia. The mountain is now protected within Nat Ma Taung National Park established in 1994. The area is 279 square miles and also an Association of ASEAN Heritage Park and an important bird watching area. Visitors can trek from Kanpetlet to Nat Ma Taung National park as it is located only 15 miles away.
Rieh (Rih) Lake
This heart-shaped natural lake is renowned as one of the prettiest spots in Myanmar. Located in Falam Township between the Chin and Indian mountain ranges, this lake has significant cultural and spiritual importance for the local community. Every year locals and visitors from neighboring India visit this lake to worship and pay homage to the spirit guards of the lake.
The lake is full year-round and is famous for turning red in winter, from mid-December for approximately one or two months.
Chin Women with Tattoo
Particularly unique to this region is the traditional tattoo-faced Chin women. Each ethnic group has its own pattern which distinguishes them from one another. Although the tradition of tattooing faces is disappearing, it is still prominent in the southern part of the state, particularly in Mindat and Kanpetlet.
Matupi Bungtla Waterfall
Bungtla Waterfall, 26 km away from Matupi, is the longest waterfall in Chin State. In Chin State, Bungtala waterfall is one of the most famous natural resources. The height of Bungtla waterfall is over 1500 ft and it falls by 9 levels. Even though Bungtla is flowing in nine levels, it is available 5 levels to go. The rest 4 levels are almost impossible to reach. We can observe and research rare biodiversity and rare species of reptile and can see the attached honeycomb on the wall of rocky waterfall. It can be reached by car from Hakha.
Where to stay in Chin State
–Mountain Oasis Resort in Kanpetlet
Ph: +95 947170219
-Sky Palace Resort in Kanpetlet
Ph: +95 949203152
-Mt. Victoria Guest House in Mindat
Ph: +95 9471770008/ 95 70701271
-Pine Wood Villa Resort in Kanpetlet
Ph: +95 96565584
-Moe Pe Guest House in Mindat
Ph: +95 9400302619/ 95 9401648516
-Tun Guest House in Mindat
Ph: +95 9442002559/ 95 947170090
