'''Kachin State''' is the northernmost state of Myanmar. It borders China to the north and east, and India to the west.

Regions

Cities

  • Myitkyina - the capital
  • <!-- capital top, alphabetise the rest -->
  • Bhamo
  • Katha
  • Laiza - Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) Headquarter, adjoining China
  • Laja Yang
  • Mai Ja Yang - rebel-run casino-laden border boomtown
  • Putao
  • Shwegu
  • Other destinations

    Understand

    Kachin State has been ''de facto'' independent from central government's control since 1962, when the '''Kachin Independence Organization''' (KIO) unilaterally seceded from the Union of Myanmar. A peace deal struck in 1994 after a government army offensive made the arrangement more or less permanent, with the KIO-controlled area formalized as '''Kachin State Special Region #1''', although KIO itself promptly split up into squabbling factions and the internal situation remains precarious at best.

    Talk

    In Special Region #1, Mandarin will get you a lot further than Burmese (or English).

    Get in

    Getting in depends on where you're going. For access to government-controlled areas like the capital Myitkyina, there are direct flights from Yangon, although the adventurous may also opt to travel by train from Mandalay (24-30 hours). For the rebel-controlled north, you'll either have to battle your way through massive bureaucracy to secure permits, or take the easier way out and enter via China.

    Get around

    Myitsone (Mali Zup), a confluence of Mali and Nmai Rivers, a naturally spledid for hangout and fun.

    See

    Do

    Eat

    Drink

    Stay safe

    Get out