Hsipaw is an ancient Shan town, the local capital of a Shan principality of the same name which according to its legendary history goes back to year 58 B.C. It is said to have been founded by Sao Hkun Hkam Saw, the fourth son of the Sawbwa (Saohpa) of Mong Mao named Sao Hkun Lai.The Myanmar (Burma) people pronounce the name as Thibaw and the last king of Myanmar, King Thibaw (1875-85 AD) got his name from this town.The old wooden traditional Haw, Palace of the Sawbwa was destroyed by bombing during the last World War, but we were able to visit the interesting modern Sawbwa s residence built during colonial times by Sawbwa Sao Ohn Kya who ruled Hsipaw from 1928 to 1938. It is an architecturally interesting two storey building which looks like an English mansion with bay windows and wide covered verandas, the upper one supported by five attractive pillars, where the family could sit out and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the distant hills and the nearby winding Namtu River known as the Myitnge or Dokhtawaddy in its lower reaches before it joins the main Ayeyawady at Innwa (Ava). Hsipaw has a large local market in the center of the town, with cinemas, small guest houses and restaurants near the bus stands. The Haw is at the northern end of the town and the main pagoda, the Maha Myatmuni Pagoda is right at the southern end. The roads are parallel to the Namtu or Dokhtawaddy River with its clear, cool waters against a backdrop of hill and mountains. see photos of Hsipaw (Thipaw)

What to see in Hsipaw:

Hsipaw Market

Hsipaw Sawbwa's Hawnan

Maha Myatmuni Pagoda

Where to stay in Hsipaw: There is no proper accommodation in Hsipaw and one can drive down to either Maymyo or up to Lashio to overnight. >> Hotels in Pwin Oo Lwin (Maymyo)