Things To Do in Katha

Katha, Myanmar is a great place to go. Myanmar is less touristy than many other South East Asian countries (although this is change fairly rapidly), and Katha is much less touristy than other places in Myanmar, such as Bagan and Mandalay. This is partly due to its difficulty to reach, and partly because until fairly recently it was out of bounds to tourists, owing to a number of attacks on the road heading North to Katha. So if you are looking for somewhere off the beaten track,then Katha could be worth a visit. We have picked our favourite things to do in Katha.

Explore George Orwell's Life in Katha

George Orwell (of Animal Farm and 1984 fame) was a policeman in Katha when Myanmar (then Burma) was part of the British Empire, and he wrote a book – Burmese Days – that is based in Katha. If you do go, make sure you read Burmese Days at the same time, so that you can understand the bizarre (and shocking) life of colonials at the beginning of the century. Many of the sights still exist, including Orwell’s house, and the oft mentioned tennis club.

Visit Monasteries

As tourists are more of a novelty compared to elsewhere in Myanmar, the monks in Katha are particularly interested in talking to you to practise their English. This is a great way to find out more about monastery life, and receive tours of the monasteries.

Relax By the Irrawaddy River

Travelling can be tiring – constantly planning where to go next and trying to fit in all of the sights. Sometimes you need a break and Katha is a great place for that. It has a very relaxed, small town feel where you won’t be hassled and whilst there are things to see, there are few ‘must sees’. There is a small bar on the main riverside road that overhangs the vast Irrawaddy River on wooden stilts. This is a perfect place to sit back, relax and watch the river flow by.

Overall, Katha is great – some interesting history, friendly people and a beautiful, relaxing riverside setting.

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