To the east of Myanmar there is a beautiful valley between the high misty mountains of the Shan Plateau and the Mekong and the Thanlwin Rivers. Called the Kyaing Tong valley this is an area steeped in history for it is the homeland of Gon Shan, the Ahka, the Lisu, the Wa and the white and black Lahu.

Kyaing Tong is the capital of this land. It was known in history by many names, Sandra Kun, Khemarat, Tongapuri, but in modern times it is known only as Kyaing Tong.

Our MRTV-3 crew visit Kyaing Tong, the capital city of Eastern Shan State. It is situated at 2710 ft above the sea level and surrounded by panorama of mountain peaks. It is a junction city of Myanmar, Thai and China. It is 86 km Mong La on the Chinese border, 163 km from Tachileik on the Thai Border.

Nong Tong Lake in the middle of the city is said to be the remnant of the lake that was drained.

One prominent Landmark of Kyaing Tong is the “Lone Tree Hill”. This is a Kanyin Byu tree growing on top of the Soon Mun Hill on the outskirt of the city. The locals believed that this tree was planted in 1386 A.D (730 ME).

On the high peaks surrounding Kyaing Tong are many ethnic groups: Gon Shan, Ahku, Ahka, Lahu, Eng and the Wa people. Although there are many different ethnic cousins living in the area with different religious beliefs such as Buddhists, Christians and a sprinkling of animists, the majority are Buddhists.

The Gon Shans believe that Buddhism reached their land more than 2000 years ago.

Living in picturesque villages that cling on high slopes these tribes still retains their distinctive dresses, their own customs and traditions. The Ahka people are particularly conspicuous with their glittering silver headdresses. There are also many different Lahu sub-clans such as the white Lahu and the black Lahu, distinguished by the colour of their dresses.

The Eng are another interesting people. They live on high mountain slopes with running water brought down from springs via bamboo conduits. Their teeth are stained black for they say only animals have white teeth. They also believe it is better to be clean and pure inside than outside, meaning the heart should be pure: a very interesting philosophy for sophisticated town people.

Kyaing Tong also has a lacquer industry known as Kyaing Tong lacquer ware. It is different from the Bagan style. The finely executed gold filigree is embossed on Black lacquer making a distinctive contrast.

Why don’t you come to peace and tranquil Kyaing Tong with a variety of knowledgeable places?