Hsipaw
Hsipaw is a scenic 2.5 hour mountain drive from Pyin Oo Lwin, but taking twice as long by rail over the Gokteik Viaduct is a lot more fun! The town isn’t exactly picturesque when you’re in it, but take a climb up 5 Buddha Hill for sunset and suddenly picturesque it becomes, nestled between mountains and hugging the lovely Dutawaddy River.
Mr. Charles Guest House is where most travelers stay before venturing off on a trekking experience. The trekking in the area is not spectacular, but like most things Burmese is quaint and very enjoyable. There area is home to a number of different tribal groups to be visited, and a life bucolic couldn’t be more wonderfully expressed. Expect misty evenings and mornings and very friendly people.
There are a number of Muslim families in Hsipaw, and dining in a small family restaurant where they may well join you for dinner! is just one of the many charms of this mountain abode.