"Kengtung" Kengtung by kenmerk

Kengtung Travel Guide: 58 reviews and 148 photos

Sunset Falls on the Dusty Streets of Kengtung...

Kengtung

In Hill Tribe Village near Kengtung

Beautiful City in Northern Burma. The capital of the Shan State area. see the Buffalo market, hike up to hill tribe villages, or just hang out in the central market and watch all the different tribes of people wander by...

The best description that I have heard of Kengtung is that it is like Chiangmai, Thailand was 50 years ago. I hope this does not change... (Mind you I love Thailand, and all, but it is a bit too touristed these days..) Save Thailand for the package tourists, and Northern Burma for those who want want a little more adventure in their lives....

Jan 2004 Update: Its my opinion that a trip to Kengtung is one of those once is a lifetime affairs. So, I count myself fortunate to have just returned from my second trip there in three years. Will be adding tips and pix as I can..... Cheers to ya...

Last visit to Kengtung: Dec 2001
Intro Updated Feb 2, 2004
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Reviews (31)

The Ice Cream Man Cometh.... Restaurants (4)

Sure he is riding a bicycle and wearing a skirt (well a longyi, but you know...) and the stuff in those coolers likely... more travel advice

The Wall Things to Do (5)

The center of Kengtung is all old wall city. The wall and maybe a couple of the gates tis still mostly intact, although... more travel advice

Moving Day... Hotels (2)

Probably best to get reservations prior to arriving in Kengtung during the dry season (winter). The hotels/guest houses... more travel advice

Checkpoint Along the Road to Kengtung... - Kengtung

Land Route Transportation (4)

The route to Kengtung by land is whole lot easier than it used to be. This road was just recently sealed, which now... more travel advice

Nightlife (4)
See All Starry, Starry Night...
Favorites (4)
See All Redemption

Comments (26)

pattayaraj Nov 16, 2005 at 3:33 AM Report Abuse

Hi Ken,thanks for sharing. I'm on planning for Kengtung and your tips help me much. : )))))
johnmi Nov 9, 2005 at 3:44 AM Report Abuse

Fantastic page!!! Now Kentung is in my trip for Dec 2005! I'll writeyou if I have any doubt...
bpacker Mar 30, 2005 at 7:46 PM Report Abuse

Ken, I changed my mind about Burma and went for a dive instead. But if I do come here, I'll say lalalala if I want a hot springs dip, haha.
Bwana_Brown Dec 6, 2004 at 8:29 AM Report Abuse

It seems that you had some grerat adventures in Kengtung! I laughed at the Hot Springs police check story. That hilltop village of Mengla does sound like a strange place indeed!
Confucius Jun 3, 2004 at 6:54 AM Report Abuse

When in Burma, "hot springs, please"...should not be said...in Japanese! *** Draw some steam... wipe your brow...works much better...than "ni hao" Burma Shave
herzog63 Feb 7, 2004 at 6:57 AM Report Abuse

Cow Pies!! Brings back fond childhood memories!! haha I love places like this with no electricity! Walking home under the cover of darkness sounds like a fun challenge! Fantastic descriptions Ken!
Guantanamera Feb 6, 2004 at 10:00 PM Report Abuse

I enjoy any page that includes references to both a Van Gogh painting and a popular Yunnanese beer.
andal13 Nov 22, 2003 at 12:06 PM Report Abuse

Your room at Hotel Princess was dark, but did you find the Princess at least? Here we say that if you step those kind of "pies", you will be lucky! ;-)
orlikins Oct 8, 2003 at 1:56 PM Report Abuse

Border guards are certainly a volatile bunch! :-)
cosmopolit Sep 8, 2003 at 4:10 PM Report Abuse

After seedy Mengla being whacked out by a monk....Gosh you're a tough cookie.