Page 122 - Experience Thailand and More

HSIPAW

Former Shan Principality

The next town along the road from Mandalay to China is Hsipaw, once,
possibly, the most important Shan state ruled by a Saopha, “Lord of the
Heavens”. It’s even said that one of its royal rulers, Sao So Chae, was
knighted by Queen Victoria. Many come for the hill tribe trekking, which
includes visiting Shan, Palaugn and Lisu villages. Once a kingdom, the
terrain remains quite pristine and majestic. The township itself also retains
an unspoiled rural town charm. Set along the Duthawadi River, old wooden
th
shop houses and 19 century godowns (warehouses) have gracefully aged,
untouched by modern gentrification. Throngs of ethnic villagers, many in
their once colorful local costumes, still gravitate to the riverfront market
at 4.00 a.m. and, after selling their goods, are gone by 7.00 a.m. The city
with its pagodas and temples, slow commercial life and friendly cafes and
teahouses is perfect for sauntering about, and at the end of the day, a walk
up Sunset, or Five Buddha, Hill to the Thien Daung Pagoda just out of town
will present dazzling vistas of this once Royal Shan seat of power in the
softening, scintillating red and auburn light.

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