Mindat, Chin State


Mindat is a town in the Chin State of Western Myanmar.It is the administration seat of Mindat Township and Mindat District.

People

The people living in Mindat are called K'Cho, which is made up of three tribes; Mun, Dai, and Kaang. The K'Cho people are known for their rare tradition of females having their face tattooed. However, this tradition is no longer practice since the mid 1900s and face tattoo can only be seen on elderly women. Beginning in the early 21st century, many of the K'Cho people have migrated to many different parts of the world including United States, Australia, Denmark, Norway, New Zealand, Malaysia, and many others.
Based on a translated conversation with a group of elderly women with tattooed faces :
Mindat has a humid subtropical climate. Temperatures are warm for most of the year, but the winter months are cooler. There is a winter dry season and a summer wet season.

Geography

The main part of the town runs along the ridge of a mountain. The paved road runs from Pakokku to Matupi.

Transport

Bus

Arrive and depart by bus or minibus. There is a bus station. Direct buses to Pakokku or Matupi run mainly in the morning. Pakokku is approximately 5 hours. Matupi is approximately 5 hours.

Walking

Before the road was built or before regular bus service students walked from Mindat to Pakokku. The walk was on trails and took 2 to 3 days.

Accommodation

There are small hotels and guesthouses in Mindat that are available to both Myanmar people and foreigners.

Tun Guesthouse

Private rooms with shared bathroom. Private rooms with bathroom. Common room has a television and seating.

Religion

There are various religions in the town. Missionaries walk or motorbike to outlying villages to convert people.

Catholic

There is a Catholic church, which maintains a nursery school and living quarters for the elderly.

Buddhism

There are three Buddhist monasteries; one in the Western Quarter, another in Sanpya Quarter and the last one in Eastern Quarter.

Notable residents