Myitkyina on the River and as the Capital

Myitkyina is the capital and business center of Kachin State. A local market operates regularly on its riverbank. The city’s culture includes the Kachin Manaw Festival, the Manaw Grounds and religious sites. Myitsone, where two rivers converge to form the Ayeyarwady, lies north of the city.

Manaw Dance and Ceremonial Grounds

The Manaw dance is performed at the Kachin Manaw Festival in Myitkyina. It was formerly part of Nat spirit worship. Tourists are usually invited to dance alongside locals. If you are traveling for the festival, check the specific event dates in advance.

The Manaw Grounds are generally used for ceremonies. A 2020 travel report describes the Manaw Festival there as an annual event. Tall poles on the grounds symbolize arrival in Kachin State. The poles and the dance are visible links to the Manaw tradition; if you are planning a visit, check current dates and access conditions.

Markets by the River and in the City

A local market operates regularly on Myitkyina’s riverbank. A 2020 report lists textiles and personal items for Market 1, and food for Market 2. If you have specific shopping plans, check locally which markets are open during your trip and what goods are available.

Kachin State Cultural Museum

The Kachin State Cultural Museum is another cultural site in Myitkyina. According to the Ministry of Information, it was established on November 6, 1994, and is located between Aungsan Road and Thakin Nat Pe Road. A 2024 report describes eight exhibition halls and a library. The collection covers the traditional dress, tools and customs of six Kachin and five Shan groups. The report lists looms, silverwork, jewelry, household items, musical instruments, weapons and models of traditional Kachin houses as exhibits.

According to another government report, the first phase of a museum expansion in Ayeya Ward opened on January 10, 2025. The report mentions exhibition stands and a digital museum space in the new building. For a visit, check current opening hours and access conditions with the museum; the announcement about the first construction phase does not provide this information.

Religious Sites and Myitsone

Lawka Manaung Hsutaung Pyae Pagoda is considered Myitkyina’s oldest stupa and attracts pilgrims. A reclining Buddha image in the city has Japanese inscriptions on stone. It was built and donated by Japanese people after the Second World War.

Myitsone lies about 45 kilometers north of Myitkyina. There, the Mayhka and Malikha rivers converge to form the Ayeyarwady. If you are considering a trip there, plan the journey from the city separately and check current travel conditions.

Discover more destinations: Loi-kaw, Myawaddy.

For the main travel overview: Kayin State.