Things To Do
in Chikha
Chikha is a small riverside town in northern Myanmar known for its traditional markets and warm hospitality. The town sits amid emerald fields and gentle hills, offering a slower pace than Myanmar's bigger cities. Visitors can explore centuries-old pagodas, bustling markets, and nearby natural scenery with modest accommodations and friendly locals.
This off-the-beaten-path destination provides a window into rural Burmese life away from the tourist crowds.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Chikha and settle into a riverside guesthouse with views of ancient pagodas along the skyline. Spend your first morning wandering through the serene grounds of Shwe Taung Pagoda, absorbing the golden spires and chanting of monks. Sample a freshly brewed cup of Burmese tea at a nearby stall as you prepare for the day.
Enjoy a guided walk through the old town’s narrow lanes, discovering hidden temples and colonial-era buildings. Stop by a family-run workshop to see artisans carving Buddha statues from lacquer and wood. Conclude the afternoon with a refreshing coconut water by the riverbank.
Dine on traditional mohinga soup at a riverside restaurant as the sun sets over the Irrawaddy. Join a small lantern ceremony at the main pagoda, casting wishes into the night sky. Return to your guesthouse for a restful evening under starlit bamboo roofs.
Set off at dawn for a motorbike ride through paddy fields to a remote village homestay. Help your hosts prepare a hearty breakfast of steamed rice cakes and fresh greens from the garden. Learn about daily life as villagers tend to chickens and water buffalo.
Explore the bustling morning market where colorful stalls overflow with tropical fruits, spices, and handmade textiles. Practice your bargaining skills and purchase local lacquerware as souvenirs. Share lunch with your host family, sampling sour fish curry and sticky rice.
Join a traditional Burmese dance performance in the village square, accompanied by live flute and drum music. Enjoy a homecooked dinner of grilled fish and coconut soup around a lantern-lit table. Drift to sleep to the gentle hum of crickets and distant temple bells.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $1-3 |
| 🚕Local transportation (short ride) | $2-5 |
| 🍡Street food snack | $0.5-2 |
| 🏨Mid range hotel per night | $20-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Off the beaten path destination
- Friendly locals
- Affordability
- Limited infrastructure
- Fewer English speaking services
- Occasional travel delays during the rainy season
- "Mingalaba (မင်္ဂလာပါ)" - Hello
- "Kyeizu tin ba de (ကျေးဇူးတင်ပါတယ်)" - Thank you
- "Kyeizu pyu ywe (ကျေးဇူးပြု၍)" - Please
- "English ko pyaw nai la? (English ကို ပြောနိုင်လား)" - Do you speak English?
- "Samone htaung par (Excuse me)" - Excuse me
- "Zay pay be htaung na? (How much is this?)" - How much is this?
Places to Visit in Chikha
Visit one of these nice places.
Mist on the water and boats create serene reflections for wide landscape shots.
Colorful storefronts and daily life offer candid street photography opportunities.
Sunset views from a nearby hilltop pagoda provide dramatic silhouettes.
Food in Chikha
Chikha Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A fragrant fish broth with rice noodles that is best found at morning stalls near the market.
Must-Try!
Tea leaf salad with crunchy seeds, peanuts, sesame and chili.
Warm noodles with chicken, soy sauce and lime. Common in local cafes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling morning market with fresh produce, dried fish, spices and Burmese snacks.
Casual teashops along the river offering fried snacks and sweet desserts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly and remove shoes before entering temples or religious spaces.
Show respect to monks and elders; avoid touching heads; use polite speech and titles.
Ask permission before photographing people; use both hands when giving or receiving items; avoid pointing feet at people or religious objects.
Keep noise levels down in residential areas; avoid public displays of affection; wait for crowd to pass before crossing.
Safety
Tipping in Chikha
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated for good service, especially for guides or drivers. Rounding up the bill is common.
Cash in Kyat is widely used. Some shops accept USD or cards; mobile wallets such as Wave Money or KBZPay are common for transfers at larger stores.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry season with high humidity. Carry water, wear a hat and sunscreen, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Frequent rainfall and rougher roads. Expect humidity, leeches in forested areas, and plan for rain gear and flexible itineraries.
Pleasant and dry with cooler evenings. Ideal for outdoor hikes and temple visits; temperatures comfortable but evenings can be cool.
Chikha at Night
Hiking in Chikha
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A gentle to moderate climb with views over valleys and villages.
Shaded route ending at a small waterfall suitable for a half day hike.
Airports
How to reach Chikha by plane.
Northern Shan State domestic hub; access from Yangon or Mandalay with road transfer to Chikha.
Near Inle Lake; longer drive to Chikha; regular domestic flights to Yangon and Mandalay.
Major international gateway; long overland transfer to Chikha.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority ethnic group with Burmese language predominance.
Nearby towns host Shan, Karen and other minority groups in smaller numbers.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played in towns and schools; local leagues and street games common.
Traditional Burmese sport practiced in communities and events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Chikha.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most meals can be prepared vegetarian with vegetables, tofu and legumes. Ask for no fish sauce and no meat.