Located at the western side of Myanmar with Hakha as its capital, the Chin State/Chin Hills stands tall at 3,053 metres, attracting mountaineers and hikers to visit Chin. The state is bordered by the Rakhine State, Bangladesh, Sagaing Region, Magway Division, and India. It is best for tourists to travel to Chin from Bagan all the way to Mindat, the entrance gateway to Chin. Mindat can be reached via a boat ride along the Ayeryarwaddy River, passing Kanma, Pauk, and Kyaukhtu. Tourists can then enjoy a drive up to Mount Victoria, the highest peak of Chin Hills. The roads are cut along mountainsides and alleys, providing tourists with a picturesque view of the state’s scenery.
People from this state are of the Chin descent. Languages spoken in this region are Tedim, Lai, and Burmese. The main religions of the locals are Christianity and Theravada Buddhism.
Chin is home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna. The sky island is rich with rare and protected flowers, plants, animals, and insects, providing tourists with a memorable tour in the exotic biodiversity found in Chin. The mountain is also a paradise for bird watchers as it houses 159 bird species consisting of indigenous, native, and migratory birds. Southeast Asia’s leopards, bears, and wild boars are well-protected here, giving tourists a unique experience of observing these animals in their natural habitat.
The grand nine-tier waterfall provides tourists with plenty of activities to do while admiring the lush greenery surrounding it. On stone walls beside the waterfall, there are large bee hives attached on the sides, with rare blooming flowers flourishing the upper tiers. The path to the majestic waterfall from the village is smooth and shaded, giving visitors a comfortable and authentic experience of exploring the natural forest and observing the rare biodiversity and reptiles around the area.
Famous for its resemblance to the shape of a heart, the Rih Lake is also known for turning into a reddish colour every December. The scenic lake is full of water all year long, providing visitors with ample opportunities to visit the lake at any time of the year. Located at the western part of the Falam Township, the lake is accessible by car and bus rides.
The lake is also famous for the legend of two sisters. After the death of her younger sister, the older sister, Rih-i brought her back to life. Rih-I transformed into a pool of water to quench her sister's thirst. She then roamed around as a mithun(ox) and, while searching for a safe place, settled in the present location, the Rih Lake.
Chin State is rich with its culture and tribes, giving tourists ample opportunities to learn more about the unique place and its people. Visitors get to witness up-close the daily routines of the locals, like dressing up in traditional dresses, accessories and huge earrings, ploughing and harvesting paddy from the paddy fields, and joining them in fun festivals.
Tourists can also interact with the villagers to understand more about each ethnic group in Chin. The locals are more than willing to show their village to tourists, and will take them on a tour around the exotic area only known to the local people residing on the land.
