The Chin

Chin state is home for many different ethnic groups such as Asho, Cho, Khumi, Laimi, Mizo and Zomi with dozens of sub-groups such as Laytoo, Pwine, Makan, Yaung, Dai, Ya, Yindu and Ophu etc who possess their own specific tattoo designs. The groups are historically related but speak divergent languages and dialects and have different cultural identities Chin tribe women wearing various pattern of tattoo on their face and attractive amber necklaces. One of their rites, of which little is known or understood, celebrates the successful hunt of a mithan. This wild ox was hunted for meat and when killed, the hunter got to raise a totem known as a Lipon in recognition of his prowess, bravery and successfulness. Burial pots placing under large stone plaque are common in this area. The Chin are also noted for their very fine textiles and jewelry that is usually incorporates silver with beads. Decorated Lipons can be found in many Chin villages and are much like the forked posts found among many tribal groups around the world. As mithans have become rarer, Chin raise them domestically and the Lipons are now raised more as a symbol of wealth.

Destinations

Kalaymyo

A small town in Sagaing Division, located upstream from Monywar on the Myittha River, a tributary of the Chindwin River and gate way for northern Chin State. Set in terrain that has an average elevation of 137 feet above sea level, the town has a picturesque backdrop of the Laythar hill in the east and the Chin hill in the west. An import town for trans-border trade between Myanmar and India following the 166 miles Tamu–Kalaymyo friendship road which leads to Indian border town of Moreh. Kalaymyo was an important regrouping point for the British during their retreat from Myanmar because of the relatively easier access to India along the Manipur River. Geographically, the distinctive feature of the town is that the “Tropic of Cancer” passes through it. Kalaymyo can be reached via flight from Yangon or Mandalay, by road via Monywar and by waterway along Chindwin River.

Hakha

The capital of Chin State is situated in the Northern Chins. It is situated over the mountains, at 1890 meter above sea level. As the city is located on the side of a mountain, the scenery is very beautiful. On one side of the city is a large mountain shadowing the city, while on the other side is a range of mountains running miles after miles. In the early mornings clouds cover most of the lower parts of the city which looks like the big lake is surrounding the city. The Chin State museum has lots to offer in terms of Chin tradition, literature and old custom and so on. As most major town in Myanmar Hakha also maintain a golf course which 9 holes but very unique and one of its kind in Myanmar. The main market in Hakha, although small in size, its offer full attraction as there are a lot of chin traditional clothes and bags. From Hakha one can do side trek to several tribal villages.

Falam:

Used to be the capital of Chin State, now is the capital of Falam District, which constitutes Falam, Tedim, Tunzan and Htantalan townships. Situates beautifully on a plateau with height 1676 meter above sea, built on the slope of a mountain range, in multiple steps. The town is clean, tidy and resembles old towns in Europe having some two and three storied brick buildings beautifully parched in the slope and a large and grand Baptist church in the center of the town. There is a Buddhist stupa built high on the hill from where one can enjoy an overview beauty of the entire plain below.

Tedim

Locate under unique geography in its shape and slopes. Unique being lies on the Tropic of Cancer. Around Tedim is the ranges of hills of Thangmual include Kennedy’s Peak, Lunglenkawl, the Rih Bual, the Hausapi, the Gullu Mual, the Zangmualli, the Tuikangpi, the Suangsuang, and the Lentangmual are a few distinct hilltops above 1800 meter. Beside this there are dams, caves, and other attractions, including Lennupa Mual, the Twin Fairy Hill, and historic sites. During colonial days in Myanmar Tedim was chosen as the local residence for the district officer. Tedim is the only language of the Zo that has the word literature in its vocabulary. It’s the word “lai” which also means, apart from literature and paper, middle or center. The Tedim language is the most common version spoken and understood by the nearby ethnicities.

Tonzang

Situates 32 miles north-eastern of Tedim, parched on the slop of the mountain at 1268 meter above sea level. They speak Tedimmpau; and their cultures and living styles is same. Please see Tedim. The people who live in the Town Tonzang are not called Tonzangmi, but Tedimmi; because the major dialects components of Tedimpau/Tedimkam is of theirs. And most others dialects follows those of Tonzang settlers’ intonations and terms. In Tonzang one can find history of Tedim Chief Hau Cin Khup and his son Pon za mang on these inscribed stone slabs. Hau Cin Khup house was burnt down during world war and now remain a Catholic church it the place.