Hsipaw: History
The capital of Hsipaw was originally On Baung. From the 1450s, it was a faithful vasal of the Kingdom of Ava (1364-1527). After the fall of the latter before the Shans, a prince of On Baung, Sao Hkun Möng, was crowned King of Ava (1543-1546). A few decades later, King Bayinnaung, who reigned in Hanthawaddy kingdom, sent an army against On Baung, whose prince, like the other Shan princes, had to recognize his sovereignty to keep his throne (1557). The shans also had to cede part of their states, including Mogok, but the prince of On Baung obtained confirmation of his pre-eminence over the other shans princes.
The dynasty of On Baung was maintained, paying tribute to the successive Burmese dynasties: Toungoo dynasty (1535-1752) then Konbaung dynasty (1752-1885). In 1714, its capital was transferred to Hsipaw. Sao Kya Tung was his Saopha for the King of Burma Mindon Min, as a reward for his help against Pagan Min.
In February 2021, the Tatmadaw attacked the Restoration Council of Shan State’s camps in Hsipaw Township, breaking the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) according to the RCSS.
In May 2024, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army launched an offensive on the town during Operation 1027.
It has now been recaptured by the Tatmadaw on Oct 16th 2025.