A major trading town in Northern Shan State with a large Chinese population, many of which are on their way in to or out of China. The town itself doesn’t have a huge amount to do, but it is an interesting place to go for the vibrancy of its markets and the fact that there are so few other travellers here. 

Though the over land journey from China is a fascinating one, it is currently not permitted for foreigners. For more information, go to arriving and departing over land.

For a wider selection of photos from Lashio, go to our Flickr photo set.

Taking the train from Lashio to Hsipaw and onwards to Pyin Oo Lwin and Mandalay makes for one of Myanmar’s most fascinating journeys, taking in the northern Shan hills and the famous Gokteik Gorge and viaduct. For more information on this route and rail travel in Myanmar, go here. For a selection of photos from the journey, go to our Flickr photo set.