Katha is a remote town in northeastern Myanmar, located several hundred kilometers to the north of Mandalay, west of Bhamo. It sits on the banks of the Ayeyarwady River and is best know for its Burmese Days setting.
George Orwell used Katha as the setting for his bestseller, _Burmese Days, _and he served in the Indian Imperial Police in Katha in 1926 for a year. Sights that still stand in Katha that were mentioned in the book include the police station, the town jail, and the British Club.
Unfortunately, Katha is a bit of junta stronghold with government offices and bureaucracy at every turn, yet is still worth visiting for the attractive surroundings along the river.
Getting There & Away
One of the most popular ways to get to Katha is by train from Mandalay, via Naba, a 12-hour journey. You can also get here direct from Mandalay by ferry along the Ayeyarwady River, as well as from Bhamo. Traveling by bus from Mandalay is the fastest option by public transport but is also very uncomfortable. Bhamo has an airport but Mandalay International Airport is the nearest major one with connections to Yangon.
Things to Do
Katha Attractions
- _Burmese Days _sights
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The main highlight of katha for most tourists is to see the jail, police station, and other props written into the book.