Lashio lies roughly halfway between Mandalay and the Chinese border at Yunnan in northeastern Myanmar. It’s the largest town in Shan State although it doesn’t offer much in the way of tourist attractions.
Lashio is on the Burma Road, an important place during WWII and a mercantile town today. The British were here in the late 1800s, creating the railway from Mandalay.
Lashio’s most intriguing landmarks are a couple of nearby pagodas, while several reminders of European influence remain in the town. The town has a pretty nice setting, located as it is on a low mountain spur over the Nam Yao River and valley. Lashio consists mainly of Shan, Chinese, and Bamar and there are several hill tribes that can be trekked to around town.
Getting There & Away
Lashio can be found at the end of the Burma Road, on the Mandalay to Kun Long rail line. Luckily, there is a half-decent road all the way from Mandalay, making the bus journey not too uncomfortable, although long nonetheless. Mandalay International Airport is the main point of entry for Lashio and has connections to Yangon.
Things to Do
Lashio Attractions
- Lashio pagodas
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Sasana pagoda (pyilon chanta) and mansu pagoda are just outside lashio and well worth the effort of a visit.