Weather in Hsipaw

About Hsipaw

This charming Shan hill town spreads beside the Salween River where teak bridges arch gracefully and mist rolls through valleys. Hill tribe villages dot surrounding mountains while tea plantations and orchards blanket slopes. The town combines colonial-era architecture with vibrant Shan culture and serves as a base for jungle trekking into remote highlands.

Country

Myanmar

Best months to visit

January, February, March, November, December

Currency

MMK

Language

Burmese, Shan

Things to do in Hsipaw

Trek to hill tribe villages on jungle trails Cross historic teak bridge to Sunset Point Visit traditional silk weaving workshops Take horseback riding expeditions into mountains Explore Shan cultural performances Shop Shan handicrafts at local markets

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

Recommended

January

26C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

February

30C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

March

34C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

April

35C

Very hot, with occasional showers.

May

34C

Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.

June

32C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

July

31C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

August

30C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

September

31C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

October

30C

Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.

Recommended

November

29C

Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.

Recommended

December

26C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Hsipaw is a small Shan State town that has become a low-key hub for hiking through hill-tribe villages, tea plantations and bamboo forests over one or two days. Its relaxed pace, riverside setting and the colonial-era Shan Palace make it a popular stop on the train route between Mandalay and Lashio.

Best areas to stay in Hsipaw

Hsipaw Town Centre

The small main town with guesthouses, markets and the riverside.

Shan Palace Area

The historic palace grounds, a glimpse into the region's royal past.

Namtok Waterfall

A nearby waterfall popular as a half-day trip or trek stop.

Surrounding Hill Villages

Shan and Palaung villages reached on one- or two-day treks through tea plantations.

Getting to Hsipaw

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Flights

No local airport; most visitors arrive via the scenic train or road from Mandalay.

⏱

From London

~12-13 hours direct from London to Yangon, then onward by domestic flight to Mandalay and train or road to Hsipaw.

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Getting around

The town is walkable; treks to surrounding villages are done on foot with local guides.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Hsipaw?

The most popular route is the scenic train from Mandalay, which crosses the dramatic Gokteik Viaduct, taking around 6-8 hours.

What treks are available from Hsipaw?

One- and two-day treks through Shan and Palaung hill-tribe villages, tea plantations and forest are the main draw, usually arranged with local guides.

What is the Shan Palace?

A colonial-era residence of the last Shan ruling family, occasionally open to visitors for a glimpse into the region's history.

When is the best time to visit?

November to February offers cooler, drier weather ideal for trekking.

Is Hsipaw a good place to break up a Myanmar itinerary?

Yes - it's commonly used as a stop between Mandalay and Lashio, or as a quieter alternative to busier trekking hubs like Kalaw.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

The train from Mandalay over the Gokteik Viaduct was spectacular, and the two-day trek through tea plantations and villages was a real highlight of our trip.

Jess T. · January 2020

★★★★★

Hsipaw felt wonderfully relaxed after busier towns - great guesthouses, friendly trekking guides and a beautiful riverside setting.

Min Z. · February 2019

★★★★☆

A nice quieter alternative to Kalaw for trekking. The Shan Palace visit added some interesting history to the trip.

Ollie R. · December 2019