The gateway to the hills of the Shan State, the picturesque town of Hsipaw is becoming a go-to destination for adventurers who want to get off the beaten path and experience rural life in Myanmar (Burma). Once a royal hot spot, Hsipaw is where the old Shan Palace of the saopha - the Shan Chiefs (royals) - is located, largely empty since the military coup of 1962. Connected to the center of Myanmar by rail, Hsipaw was once a popular trade destination for the British, and an entrypoint to connect with the remote villages of the Shan State hills. Visitors can delight in the many attractions of Hsipaw, while also taking in the natural beauty and serenity of its quiet surroundings.