Hsipaw: See
Bawgyo Paya (8 km out of town in the direction of Mandalay). A revered Shan pagoda. In addition to the usual complement of Buddhas, the pagoda also has some ancient statues of Hindu origin in the plaza outside.
1 Central Market. 03:30-06:00. One of the best markets to visit in all of Myanmar. Shans, Kachins and other tribals come here to trade regularly. Because so few tourists visit Hsipaw, the merchandise is primarily for villagers who go there to shop. Radios, spare parts, diverse foodstuffs and Shan clothing (trousers, hats, sandals) and the ubiquitous lyongi. The market begins and ends early, starting at 03:30 and is largely closed by 06:00.
Five Buddha Hill or Nine Buddha Hill (both hills are about 2 km out of the town and are accessible by bicycle). Sunset watching.
Mahamyatmuni Paya (S end of town (across Lashio Rd)).
Shan Palace (N end of town). 15:00-17:00. The Sawbwas of Hsipaw lived here. The last Sawbwa disappeared during the military coup in 1962 and the palace is cared for by his nephew and his nephew's wife. It was possible to visit parts of the palace but this is no longer possible since the nephew, Mr Donald (Sao Oo Kya), is in prison apparently for saying bad things about the military.
2 Nam Tuk Waterfall (ၼမ်ႉတူၵ်းတၢတ်ႇ ၼမ်ႉတုၵ်း). A nice water fall. Possibility to swim. It takes around 2 hr to walk from Hsipaw. Less if you take the bike to the start of the real path (near a monastery). On the path it's not possible to ride a bicycle. Very off the beaten path and relaxing. Less water during summer. (updated Jun 2019)