Hubbry Logo
LoikawLoikawMain
Open search
Loikaw
Community hub
Loikaw
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Loikaw
Loikaw
Loikaw
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Loikaw (Burmese: လွိုင်ကော်မြို့, MLCTS: lwuing kau mrui., pronounced [lwàɪ(ŋ)kɔ̀ mjo̰]) is the largest city and the capital of Kayah State, also known as Karenni State, in Myanmar. It is located in the Karen Hills area, near the State's northern tip, just above an embayment on the Pilu River.[3] The inhabitants are mostly Kayah (Karenni). Myanmar's largest hydropower plant (built by the Japanese as war reparation) is located about 20 km (12 mi) east of Loikaw at Lawpita Falls.

Key Information

The town of Loikaw comprises 13 urban wards, namely Naungya, Daw-ukhu, Mainglon, Mingala, Dhammayon, Zaypaing, Shwetaung, Landama, Dawtanma, Dawnoeku, Shansu, and Minsu wards.[4]

History

[edit]
Landscape of Loikaw in 1922. The bridges appear flimsy, but were substantial enough that elephants could walk over them.

Loikaw was the Headquarters of the Political Officer in Charge of the Karenni States, part of the Princely States of British Burma, in 1922 during British rule in Burma. The town was located in the only flat part of the Karenni area. In 1892 it numbered four huts. As an Agent of the British government he was exercising control over the local Karenni Rulers, being supervised by the Superintendent at Taunggyi.[5] The headquarters of the American Baptist Mission to Hill Karens was also located in Loikaw.

As with the rest of Kayah State, outsider access to Loikaw has been restricted post-independence, with special permits required to secure entry.[6] Since the 2021 coup, Loikaw has been the scene of intense fighting between the Burmese military and ethnic armed groups opposed to military control, forcing many of the city's residents to flee.[7] On 7 November 2023, the Karenni National People's Liberation Front, Karenni Army, and Karenni Nationalities Defence Force launched a military offensive known as Operation 1107 against the ruling State Administration Council junta. An additional offensive, known as Operation 1111, started on 11 November 2023 with the aim of capturing Loikaw.[8][9] By 18 December, anti-junta forces were reported to have control of 85% of the city.[10]

Demographics

[edit]

2014

[edit]
Historical Population
YearPop.±%
1973 —    
1983 33,665—    
2014 51,349+52.5%
2019 59,450+15.8%
Source: Ministry of Labor, Immigration, and Population and General Administration Department data

The 2014 Myanmar Census reported that Loikaw had a population of 51,349, constituting 40.0% of Loikaw Township's total population.[4]

Climate

[edit]

Loikaw has a tropical savanna climate (Köppen Aw) bordering on a humid subtropical climate (Cwa).

Climate data for Loikaw, elevation 895 m (2,936 ft), (1991–2020)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 27.7
(81.9) 		30.2
(86.4) 		32.8
(91.0) 		33.8
(92.8) 		31.3
(88.3) 		29.1
(84.4) 		28.2
(82.8) 		28.0
(82.4) 		28.8
(83.8) 		28.8
(83.8) 		28.0
(82.4) 		26.7
(80.1) 		29.4
(84.9)
Daily mean °C (°F) 18.6
(65.5) 		20.7
(69.3) 		24.0
(75.2) 		26.5
(79.7) 		26.1
(79.0) 		25.0
(77.0) 		24.5
(76.1) 		24.3
(75.7) 		24.6
(76.3) 		23.9
(75.0) 		21.5
(70.7) 		18.8
(65.8) 		23.2
(73.8)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 9.5
(49.1) 		11.2
(52.2) 		15.2
(59.4) 		19.3
(66.7) 		20.8
(69.4) 		21.0
(69.8) 		20.8
(69.4) 		20.7
(69.3) 		20.5
(68.9) 		19.1
(66.4) 		15.1
(59.2) 		10.9
(51.6) 		17.0
(62.6)
Average precipitation mm (inches) 9.3
(0.37) 		2.7
(0.11) 		14.1
(0.56) 		41.1
(1.62) 		139.9
(5.51) 		142.1
(5.59) 		155.6
(6.13) 		226.5
(8.92) 		191.6
(7.54) 		131.4
(5.17) 		38.4
(1.51) 		10.2
(0.40) 		1,102.7
(43.41)
Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm) 1.0 0.3 1.3 5.0 14.2 18.3 19.4 21.5 17.1 11.1 4.2 1.4 114.7
Source: World Meteorological Organization[11]

Transport

[edit]
View of Taung Kwe Pagoda.

Air

[edit]

The city (and the entire state) is served by Loikaw Airport, with flights to Yangon , Mandalay and Heho. Myanmar National Airlines offer a Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw-Loikaw flight as UB149

Loikaw Airport

Rail

[edit]

Loikaw is linked by the newly constructed Aungpan-Pinlaung-Loikaw rail line.

Loikaw Station

Buses

[edit]

There are express buses from Loikaw to Yangon, Mandalay and other towns.

Education

[edit]

The town is home to Loikaw University, Technological University, Loikaw, Computer University, Loikaw, and Loikaw Education College.

Health care

[edit]

Loikaw General Hospital serves not only locals in the state but also to those in the southern part of neighbouring Shan State. The existing buildings of the hospital were built in 1964. Due to increase demands, new two two-storey buildings were constructed with the 1.945 billion yen funding from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).[12]

Naung Yah Lake
Lawpita Fall

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Loikaw

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Loikaw is the capital city of Kayah State, the smallest of Myanmar's seven states by population, situated at the northern tip of the state in the Karen Hills near the Pilu River. The city lies at approximately 19°40′N latitude and 97°12′E longitude, with an elevation of 893 meters above sea level, and recorded a population of 51,349 in the 2014 Myanmar census, comprising about 40% of Loikaw Township's total. As the political, economic, and social hub of , Loikaw supports a diverse ethnic landscape dominated by the Kayah people and features infrastructure including Loikaw Airport and a central railway station. The surrounding region is characterized by mountainous terrain, lakes such as Naung Yah, and waterfalls like Lawpita Falls, contributing to its appeal as a center of natural and cultural interest amid Myanmar's eastern highlands. Notable landmarks include the Thiri Mingalar Taung Kwe Pagoda, perched on distinctive limestone karst formations overlooking the town.

Geography

Location and Topography


Loikaw is the capital of Kayah State in eastern Myanmar, positioned near the northern tip of the state at approximately 19.678° N latitude and 97.210° E longitude. It lies in the Karen Hills region, adjacent to an embayment of the Pilu River, with Kayah State bordered by Shan State to the north, Thailand's Mae Hong Son Province to the east, and Kayin State to the south and west. The city is situated about 200 kilometers south of Inle Lake, providing a gateway to the state's remote eastern highlands. The of Loikaw features undulating characteristic of the surrounding Karen Hills, with an average elevation of around 918 meters above . The area is marked by hilly landscapes, formations rising prominently above the town, and proximity to river valleys that contribute to its varied relief. These features create a setting of moderate slopes and elevated plateaus, interspersed with lush vegetation and mountainous outskirts that define the region's rugged .

Climate

Loikaw exhibits a (Köppen Cwa) with influences from tropical conditions (Aw), characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons due to its elevation of approximately 870 meters above , which moderates temperatures compared to lowland regions. The annual mean temperature averages 21.7°C, with daytime highs reaching up to 29°C and nighttime lows around 17°C, reflecting a relatively temperate profile for . Annual precipitation totals approximately 1,550 to 1,688 mm, concentrated in the period, which underscores the region's reliance on seasonal rains for and water resources. The dry season spans to , with minimal rainfall (often under 20 mm per month in and ) and cooler conditions; records average highs of 26–27°C and lows near 12–15°C, making it the coolest month. A hot pre-monsoon phase follows from to May, where temperatures peak in with averages exceeding 32–35°C during the day and relative dropping, though brief showers begin in late . The dominates from May to , accounting for over 80% of annual rainfall, with typically the wettest month at around 300–400 mm and high amplifying perceived warmth despite highs of 28–30°C. This pattern aligns with the broader Indo-Burmese system, though Loikaw's upland location reduces extreme heat and flooding risks relative to coastal areas.
MonthAvg. High (°C)Avg. Low (°C)Avg. Rainfall (mm)
[January26](/page/January_26)1210
April352050
[August28](/page/August_28)20350
Data derived from historical averages; variations occur due to and El Niño influences.

History

Pre-Colonial and Colonial Periods

The , of which Loikaw served as the principal center and later capital, comprised a collection of semi-independent principalities inhabited primarily by Karenni (Kayah) peoples in the eastern hill regions bordering present-day . These states maintained from neighboring Shan, Karen, and Siamese polities during the pre-colonial era, occasionally paying to Burmese kingdoms or Siam but resisting full incorporation through localized resistance and alliances among ethnic subgroups. Local traditions recount early migrations and conflicts, including resistance against Thai incursions centuries prior, though verifiable records prior to the remain scarce and rely on oral histories rather than documented annals. The states' political structure featured hereditary sawbwas (chiefs) ruling over territories like Kantarawadi and Kyebogyi, with Loikaw emerging as a focal point for administration and trade in , timber, and upland goods. In the colonial period, the British government formalized the Karenni States' independence via a treaty signed on 21 June 1875 with Burma's King Mindon Min, recognizing their separation from Burmese territory ahead of the Third Anglo-Burmese War and distinguishing them from British-administered "Burma proper." This agreement, reaffirmed in subsequent British-Siamese negotiations, preserved the states' sovereignty while treating them as distinct entities under loose protection, without direct incorporation into the British Indian Empire or later British Burma. By 23 January 1892, the states entered a tributary arrangement with British Burma, receiving an annual stipend in exchange for nominal allegiance, which allowed internal self-governance under sawbwas but limited external interference. Loikaw, as the de facto administrative hub by the early 20th century, hosted British liaison officers sporadically, facilitating indirect oversight amid the states' rugged terrain and ethnic autonomy. This status quo persisted until Burma's independence in 1948, with the Karenni States administered separately from core British Burma until 1937 and viewed by locals as a period of relative stability under colonial non-interference, though feudal governance persisted internally.

Independence and Integration into Myanmar

The , encompassing the area around Loikaw, were semi-independent principalities that British authorities recognized as sovereign entities through treaties following the Second Anglo-Burmese War of 1852, placing them under protection without direct administrative incorporation into British Burma. This status persisted through the colonial period, distinguishing the Karenni from fully administered Burmese territories and allowing local rulers to retain internal autonomy. Unlike Shan, Kachin, and leaders who signed the in February 1947 to join the prospective Union of Burma, Karenni representatives did not participate, reflecting reservations about central integration. As approached , the 1947 Constitution explicitly designated the three —Kantarawaddy, Bawlake, and Kyebogyi—as a unified constituent unit within the Union, granting them the right to secede after 10 years if desired. achieved from Britain on January 4, 1948, and the Karenni territories were thereby integrated into the new federation, with Loikaw emerging as a central administrative hub. However, this incorporation occurred unilaterally, without prior consultation with the Karenni Supreme Council, leading to immediate tensions over unfulfilled autonomy promises. In 1952, the former Shan state of Mong Pai was annexed to the Karenni entity, and the combined area was officially renamed , a designation intended to emphasize ethnic distinctions while solidifying its place in the Burmese state structure. This renaming and expansion marked a formal consolidation under central authority, though constitutional remained on paper until their revocation in the 1974 socialist , exacerbating longstanding grievances.

Post-2021 Civil War Developments

Following the 2021 military coup, Loikaw became a focal point of resistance in , with local PDFs aligning with ethnic groups like the KNDF and Karenni People's Defence Force (KPDF) to challenge SAC control. Initial clashes erupted in May 2021, escalating into urban fighting by January 2022, where resistance forces targeted junta positions amid reports of civilian massacres, including the December 2021 killing of over 30 displaced persons on the Loikaw-Demoso road.) By mid-2022, nearly 1,500 SAC troops had been reported killed in operations since May 2021, though junta airstrikes and artillery continued to inflict heavy civilian casualties and displacement. In November 2023, KNDF-led forces launched , capturing over 35 SAC outposts and claiming control of approximately 85% of Loikaw by December, including Loikaw University on November 15 and surrounding townships like Pekon. This offensive disrupted SAC supply lines, with 32 soldiers surrendering at Loikaw University and widespread fires reported from clashes. However, SAC responded with intensified airstrikes and reinforcements, preventing full seizure of the city center; KNDF later acknowledged in 2024 that Loikaw was not completely captured despite blocking routes to Demoso and Bawlakhe. By early June 2024, SAC forces had regained dominance over Loikaw's urban areas through counteroffensives, including road clearances and troop surges, amid ongoing resistance ambushes. In 2025, junta control solidified further, with operations reclaiming adjacent territories like Demoso in August and Mobye in July, enabling state inspections and resident returns in Loikaw by October. Yet, persisted, including landmine incidents in junta-held neighborhoods in June and deaths from post-ceasefire attacks in April, while Loikaw Prison held over 500 inmates, many denied medical care. SAC announced elections in Loikaw Township for December 2025, signaling administrative efforts despite KNDF defections and guerrilla activity.

Government and Politics

Administrative Structure

Loikaw serves as the capital and primary administrative center of , housing the state government's main offices, including those responsible for regional coordination under Myanmar's centralized framework. The township operates within the standard Burmese administrative hierarchy, where states are subdivided into districts and townships managed by the General Administration Department (GAD) of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Kayah State encompasses seven townships across districts such as Loikaw, Bawlakhe, Hpruso, and Mese, with Loikaw Township hosting the majority of state-level functions due to its urban character and largest population. Loikaw Township itself is divided into urban wards for the and rural village tracts for surrounding areas, reflecting the dual urban-rural model common in townships. This structure supports local administration through GAD-led committees handling development, security, and basic services, though implementation has been disrupted by ongoing conflicts. Post-2021 military coup, formal authority derives from the , but effective control over Loikaw has fluctuated, with Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) and allied groups administering parts of the area after capturing the city in December 2021 before junta forces retook it by mid-2024. Parallel resistance administrations emerged in contested zones, prioritizing ethnic Karenni interests over central directives.

Ongoing Armed Conflicts

Since the 2021 military coup, Loikaw has been a focal point of armed clashes between Myanmar's (SAC) forces and the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF), a coalition of local People's Defense Forces (PDFs) and ethnic Karenni militias such as the and . Fighting escalated in May 2021 with the Battle of Loikaw, where resistance groups ambushed SAC convoys and seized parts of the city outskirts, prompting SAC airstrikes and artillery that displaced thousands. By November 2023, during , anti-junta forces captured over half of Loikaw Township, including suburbs and key roads, isolating SAC garrisons. The SAC launched counteroffensives in early 2024, regaining control of central Loikaw by mid-October through reinforced troop deployments and air support, though resistance fighters retained positions in surrounding hills and villages. Skirmishes persisted into 2025, with KNDF units launching attacks on SAC supply lines to Loikaw, such as repelling an 80-troop convoy from southern in November 2024, and resuming urban fighting in July 2024 after temporary withdrawals. In overall, resistance groups reported 1,323 clashes since the coup through April 2025, killing 3,760 SAC troops and 740 fighters, alongside 742 civilian deaths from crossfire, shelling, and executions. As of late 2024 into 2025, KNDF forces continued efforts to encircle and retake Loikaw, while SAC troops fortified the city and conducted sweeps in nearby townships like Demoso, which the junta claimed to recapture in August 2025 amid jungle-based resistance operations including improvised field hospitals. These conflicts have involved guerrilla tactics by younger resistance fighters, including Gen Z recruits, leveraging terrain for ambushes against SAC's superior firepower, though both sides have faced accusations of civilian targeting from monitors. The fighting reflects broader ethnic insurgencies in , where resistance controls much rural territory but struggles for urban centers like Loikaw, contributing to ongoing displacement of over 100,000 residents since 2021.

Demographics

The 2014 Myanmar Population and Housing Census recorded a total population of 128,401 for Loikaw Township, with the urban population of Loikaw city at 51,349, representing 40% of the township total. This equated to a population density of 82.9 persons per square kilometer across the township's approximately 1,548 square kilometers. Provisional results from the 2024 , conducted amid ongoing armed conflicts, reported a counted urban of 34,458 for Loikaw, with enumeration limited primarily to areas due to insecurity and inaccessibility in rural and contested zones. Aggregated estimates for the place the 2024 at approximately 116,971, suggesting a modest decline or stagnation from 2014 levels when accounting for partial coverage, though official projections for overall indicate growth to around 304,000 residents by 2024. Post-2021 developments, including the Battle of Loikaw in April-May 2021, prompted significant outflows, with reports of around 30,000 civilians displaced from Loikaw and adjacent townships amid intensified fighting between junta forces and ethnic armed organizations. This contributed to broader internal displacement in , exacerbating undercounting in recent censuses and likely reducing the resident below pre-coup trajectories, as part of Myanmar's national pattern of over 3 million internally displaced persons by late 2024. Prior to the coup, Loikaw's had shown stability consistent with 's low growth rate of under 1% annually in the decade leading to 2014, driven by limited migration and high rural proportions.

Ethnic and Religious Composition

The ethnic composition of Loikaw, the capital of , reflects the broader demographics of the state, which is predominantly inhabited by the Kayah people (also known as Karenni), comprising nine subgroups including Kayah, Kayan (sometimes referred to as Padaung), Kayaw, Zayein, Gheko, Kebar, Bre (Ka-Yaw), Manaw, Yin Talai, and Yin Baw. Other notable ethnic groups include Bamar (Burman), Shan, and Karen, with smaller populations of Kayaw concentrated in areas around Loikaw, Demoso, and Hpruso townships. According to the 1983 jointly conducted by the and the Burmese government, Kayah accounted for 56.12% of Kayah State's population, followed by Bamar at 17.58%, Shan at 16.66%, and Karen at 6.45%; more recent comprehensive ethnic breakdowns from the 2014 remain limited in public availability, though the Kayah remain the majority group amid ongoing conflicts that have displaced populations and altered local distributions. Religiously, Kayah State—including Loikaw—features a near parity between , diverging from 's national Buddhist majority. The 2014 Myanmar Population and Housing Census reported Buddhists at 49.9%, Christians at 45.8%, at 1.1%, at 0.1%, animists at 1.9%, other religions at 1.2%, and no religion at less than 0.1% for the state overall. , particularly Catholicism and , holds strong influence due to historical missionary activities, positioning as a Catholic stronghold in with the Loikaw serving approximately 90,000 Catholics as of early 2022; animist practices persist among some remote Kayah subgroups, while Buddhist adherence is more prevalent among Bamar and Shan communities. Post-2021 displacements have intensified humanitarian challenges for these communities, particularly Christian IDPs.

Economy

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Kayah State's economy, including Loikaw as its capital, remains predominantly , with small-scale farming serving as the primary livelihood for most households. Key crops include , millet, , , groundnuts, , and various , cultivated mainly through subsistence methods in lowland irrigated fields around Loikaw and upland shifting systems elsewhere. In Loikaw specifically, 47.9% of the employed engages in , , and activities. Recent initiatives, such as mechanized farming projects launched in Loikaw in February 2025, aim to enhance productivity in regional and sectors. The state's natural resources underpin economic potential beyond agriculture, featuring abundant forests rich in and , which support local crafts and timber extraction. Mineral deposits, including , tungsten, tin, and silver, contribute significantly, with Myanmar ranking as the world's sixth-largest producer of tungsten and , much of which originates from Kayah's zones. represents another vital asset, harnessed by facilities like the Lawpita Hydropower Plant on the Balu Chaung River near Loikaw, which has historically supplied a substantial portion of 's . Over the four years leading to 2020, Kayah State extracted more than 8,000 tonnes of raw minerals, highlighting the scale of resource utilization despite extraction challenges.

Challenges from Instability

The post-2021 escalation of armed conflict in has profoundly disrupted Loikaw's economy, primarily through widespread internal displacement and the interruption of agricultural, mining, and industrial activities. By January 2023, hosted approximately 85,900 internally displaced persons (IDPs), with 90% of surveyed households remaining displaced and only 7% returning home, leading to a sharp decline in productive economic engagement. This displacement has resulted in 75% of affected households reporting poor work opportunities, a 10% increase from late 2022, as families abandon fields and businesses amid ongoing clashes between Myanmar's military and resistance groups like the Karenni National Defence Force. Agriculture, the backbone of Loikaw's local , faces acute challenges from restricted access to farmland due to safety risks, landmines, and active combat zones. In , 20% of IDP households could not access food markets by early 2023, up from 15% previously, with barriers including transport disruptions (50% of cases) and security concerns (25%), exacerbating food insecurity and reducing agricultural output. operations, particularly tin and extraction in areas like Mawchi, have similarly stalled amid territorial contests, contributing to broader losses as non-farm income sources evaporate. generation at the Lawpita complex, a key national asset in Kayah, remains vulnerable to historical and persistent ethnic tensions, though specific post-2021 shutdowns are compounded by general infrastructural sabotage risks in conflict zones. Industrial development efforts have been derailed by political and armed opposition. The proposed Loikaw Industrial Zone, a $250 million Chinese-funded project spanning 300 acres for and , has faced indefinite delays since its inception, inflamed by local protests over environmental impacts, lack of impact assessments, and disputes exacerbated by the 2020 impeachment of Kayah's . Fighting near the zone's vicinity, including junta advances and resistance shootouts in 2024, has further deterred investment and job creation, limiting projected local to minimal levels despite promises of 539 positions. These disruptions have heightened reliance on humanitarian cash assistance, with 46% of IDP households using it for food by 2023, underscoring a shift from self-sustaining economic activity to dependency.

Infrastructure and Transport

Air Connectivity

Loikaw Airport (IATA: LIW, ICAO: VYLK), situated 2 kilometers northeast of Loikaw, serves as the sole airport in and facilitates primarily domestic flights. It features a short suitable for small , limiting operations to regional connections operated by (MNA) and (MAI). Regular services connect Loikaw to with direct flights occurring on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays, typically lasting about 55 minutes, alongside occasional flights to on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Additional routes may include , though frequencies remain low and subject to seasonal adjustments. No international flights operate from the airport, reflecting its role as a gateway for domestic in a remote ethnic state. Air connectivity has been profoundly disrupted by the escalating civil conflict in , particularly since the launch of in November 2023, which involved anti-junta forces besieging Loikaw. In January 2023, all domestic flights were suspended indefinitely following a attack on the facility, highlighting vulnerabilities to insurgent strikes. The Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) has explicitly warned residents against using junta-affiliated airlines for travel to and from Loikaw, citing risks of military transport and potential targeting. Ongoing junta airstrikes and ground clashes around Loikaw have further endangered , with reports of casualties from bombardments near in late 2023. As of 2024, Myanmar's is classified as high-risk for due to indiscriminate attacks, drone operations, and military overflights, leading to sporadic closures and advisories against non-essential travel. While some commercial schedules persist, reliability is undermined by the conflict's intensity, with regime reinforcements in underscoring persistent instability into late 2024.

Road and Rail Networks

The rail infrastructure in Loikaw features a metre-gauge extending approximately 102 kilometers from Aungban, near in , to Loikaw Station, the terminus in capital. Constructed and operational since 1993, this line integrates Loikaw into Myanmar's broader railway system, which totals over 6,000 kilometers but remains largely outdated with limited capacity. operations are sparse, including one scheduled train service between Loikaw and Thazi stations, while intermediate stops like Lawsawk offer connections southward to . Road networks in Kayah State center on regional routes radiating from Loikaw to connect with adjacent townships and states, such as the Loikaw-Moebye-Pekhon-Pinlaung corridor, which serves as a primary artery for goods and personnel movement. Other key segments include the Loikaw-Hsihseng road and local urban links like Loikaw Myothit Road. Infrastructure upgrades have occurred sporadically, including a 2-mile upgraded section opened in February 2025 using state funds and ongoing repairs inspected along Loikaw-Moebye in July 2025. Nationally, Myanmar's roads are predominantly unpaved and in poor condition, with only 39% paved across the 148,690-kilometer network, exacerbating challenges in remote areas like Kayah. Persistent armed conflicts severely impact road accessibility around Loikaw, with strategic highways frequently contested between military forces and ethnic resistance groups including the (KNPP) and Karenni National Defence Force (KNDF). Junta-aligned reports claim recapture of a 4.5-kilometer section of the Loikaw-Moebye route in July 2025 after clashes, but independent assessments highlight ongoing junta efforts to secure main roads amid broader territorial losses in the state since 2021. Such instability has led to blockades, landmine incidents, and disrupted commercial transport, limiting reliable connectivity to external regions like Shan and Bago states.

Education and Healthcare

Educational Institutions

Loikaw serves as the primary center for higher education in , hosting several public universities and colleges that offer undergraduate and specialized programs. Loikaw University, a public institution established in 1982, provides degrees in arts, sciences, and other fields, with recent enrollment exceeding 300 students following its reopening on October 13, 2025, after damage from armed conflict. The Technological University, Loikaw, located east of Ywatan Shay village in Pangan village tract, focuses on engineering and technology disciplines. The University of Computer Studies, Loikaw, originally founded as a computer center in 2001 under the Union Solidarity and Development Association, delivers programs in and related areas. Additionally, the Loikaw Education Degree College offers and education degrees from its campus in Htay Thama Quarter. Basic education in Loikaw encompasses primary, middle, and high schools under Myanmar's national system, with institutions such as No. 7 High School serving secondary students in . Enrollment for the 2024-2025 began in May 2024 across Kayah State's schools, amid ongoing rehabilitation efforts. Foreign has supported infrastructure, including the construction of middle schools in nearby villages like Nwar La Woe and Lawdalay, handed over in February 2014 by Japanese assistance. Educational operations have faced significant disruptions from armed clashes since 2023, leading to closures and damage at facilities including Loikaw University and other campuses, with reopenings prioritized in late 2024 and 2025 for institutions like the University of Computer Studies, Technological University, and Loikaw Education Degree College. By July 2024, combing operations cleared university grounds, enabling partial school reopenings in Loikaw.

Healthcare Facilities and Access

Loikaw General Hospital serves as the primary tertiary-level public healthcare facility in , with a capacity of approximately 500 beds and handling patients from both Kayah and parts of southern . The hospital underwent significant expansions, including new inpatient and outpatient buildings completed around 2016 through international aid projects aimed at improving medical services such as diagnostics and emergency care. However, its operations have been repeatedly disrupted by Myanmar's ongoing civil conflict, including temporary closures in 2024 due to clashes and airstrikes. Access to healthcare in Loikaw is severely constrained by the post-2021 military coup instability, with the facility occupied by junta forces in early 2024, displacing staff and limiting services for civilians. This has led to the emergence of clandestine treatment centers in remote jungle areas of , such as near Demoso, where medics provide care for war-wounded individuals under the threat of aerial , as these sites are hidden to evade targeting. Broader systemic issues, including shortages of medical supplies, overwhelmed staff, and rising infectious diseases like and , exacerbate vulnerabilities for the local population of around 50,000 in Loikaw Township. Non-governmental efforts, including those by the Loikaw Diocese, have stepped in to fill gaps where state services falter, offering basic provisions amid reports of near-nonexistent functionality. Humanitarian needs assessments indicate that conflict-driven displacement and blockades further hinder routine access, with over 12 million people nationwide requiring urgent interventions in 2025, a situation acutely felt in frontline areas like Kayah. Systematic attacks on , documented in 418 incidents across in 2023 alone, underscore the causal link between violence and eroded care delivery in Loikaw.

Culture and Landmarks

Kayah Ethnic Traditions

The Kayah people, also known as Karenni, preserve traditions blending with and elements, reflecting their historical migration and adaptation in the Shan Plateau region. Approximately 49% of Kayah adhere to , 43% to , and 6% to , with animist practices emphasizing communal protection through rituals tied to natural elements and ancestors. Indigenous customs, transmitted across generations, include distinctive attire such as red robes for Kayah women and brass neck rings among related Kayan subgroups, symbolizing . A central festival is Kay Htoe Boe, celebrated annually in April or May to inaugurate the traditional Karenni calendar year, featuring the ritual erection of a sacred totem pole that represents the creator deity's formation of the world from a brother-sister pair. Participants engage in ethnic dances, traditional costume competitions, and communal feasts, reinforcing social bonds and spiritual renewal. The Deeku Festival, observed in August and September, involves preparing and sharing sticky rice packets as offerings, marking harvest gratitude and community gatherings. Housewarming ceremonies, typically in late March, accompany new home constructions with feasts of rice, meat, and traditional wine to invoke prosperity and ancestral blessings. Animist customs persist in practices like reading chicken bones for , used to predict fortunes and guide decisions in or conflicts, underscoring a worldview where spirits influence daily . Music and , often performed with instruments and rhythmic chants, feature in these events to honor ancestors and maintain cultural continuity amid modernization pressures. These traditions, observed in Loikaw and surrounding villages, highlight the Kayah's resilience, though ongoing regional instability has led to adaptations in observance scales.

Notable Sites and Festivals

The Thiri Mingalar Taung Kwe Pagoda, locally known as Taung Kwe Pagoda or "broken mountain pagoda," stands as Loikaw's most prominent religious landmark, situated atop a hill approximately 400 feet high with nine separate peaks formed by natural rock formations. This site offers panoramic views of the surrounding Loikaw landscape, particularly at sunset, and features a cluster of pagodas and shrines accessible via stairs carved into the rock. Built on what was originally called Mingala Hill, it serves as a key cultural and spiritual hub for the local Kayah population. Naung Yah Lake, located about a 10-minute walk north from the , provides a serene natural setting for leisurely strolls around its perimeter, which takes roughly 30 minutes to complete. The lake is surrounded by pedestrian paths and is popular among visitors for relaxation, especially in the evenings, with nearby amenities including beer bars. Approximately 20 kilometers east of Loikaw, Lawpita Falls form a significant natural feature on the Bilu Chaung (Ogre Stream), which originates from further north, and serve as the site for one of Myanmar's largest plants operational since the mid-20th century. The cascading waters create a , drawing attention for both its natural beauty and engineering infrastructure. Among Loikaw's festivals, Day, observed annually on January 15, commemorates the region's administrative formation and features cultural performances, traditional attire displays, and community gatherings in the capital. This event highlights Kayah ethnic heritage through dances, music, and local crafts, attracting participants from across the state. The Kutobo Festival, also known as the flag mast festival, represents a primary religious celebration for the Kayah people, involving the erection of tall flagpoles symbolizing spiritual aspirations and held periodically in villages near Loikaw. It includes rituals, communal feasts, and offerings, underscoring animist and Buddhist influences in Kayah traditions.

References

  1. https://mapy.com/en/?source=osm&id=13483943
  2. https://www.myanmars.net/kayah/loikaw.html
  3. https://themimu.info/sites/themimu.info/files/documents/Infographic_KayahStateProfile_UNHCR_June2014.pdf
  4. https://www.distancesto.com/coordinates/mm/loikaw-latitude-longitude/history/34580.html
  5. https://elevation.city/mm/s5hj
  6. https://www.citypopulation.de/en/myanmar/mun/admin/kayah/020101__loikaw/
  7. https://www.ucanews.com/directory/dioceses/myanmar-loikaw/367
  8. https://againstthecompass.com/en/loikaw-kayah-state-best-place-myanmar/
  9. https://www.enchantingtravels.com/destinations/asia/myanmar/loikaw/
  10. https://discoverydmc.com/tour/loikaw-kayah-state-impressions/
  11. https://weatherspark.com/y/112647/Average-Weather-in-Loikaw-Myanmar-%28Burma%29-Year-Round
  12. https://latitude.to/articles-by-country/mm/myanmar/65757/loikaw
  13. https://themimu.info/states_regions/kayah
  14. https://en-us.topographic-map.com/map-kpngt6/Loikaw/
  15. https://www.remotelands.com/destination/loikaw
  16. https://en.climate-data.org/asia/myanmar/kayah/loikaw-310/
  17. https://www.mindat.org/feature-1313479.html
  18. https://en.climate-data.org/asia/myanmar/kayah-2305/
  19. https://weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-Rainfall-Temperature-Sunshine%2Cloikaw-mm%2CMyanmar-Burma
  20. https://www.weather-atlas.com/en/myanmar/loikaw-climate
  21. https://weather-and-climate.com/average-monthly-min-max-Temperature%2Cloikaw-mm%2CMyanmar-Burma
  22. https://www.tni.org/files/publication-downloads/tni-2018_karenni_eng_web_def.pdf
  23. https://www.uvic.ca/research/centres/capi/assets/docs/internship-program/capstones/karenni-mythologies-and-history-good-copy.pdf
  24. https://www.tni.org/en/article/the-promise-and-the-statue
  25. https://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/eoir/legacy/2014/02/19/Karenni.pdf
  26. https://www.karenni.org.uk/about/about-karenni/
  27. https://www.worldstatesmen.org/Myanmar_shankaren.html
  28. https://www.culturalsurvival.org/publications/cultural-survival-quarterly/karenni-and-pa-oh-revolution-burma
  29. https://minorityrights.org/communities/karenni/
  30. https://athanmyanmar.org/promise-turn-into-a-statue/
  31. https://unpo.org/karenni-state/
  32. https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/almost-1500-myanmar-regime-troops-killed-in-kayah-state-since-may-2021.html
  33. https://myanmar-now.org/en/news/resistance-forces-claim-control-of-85-percent-of-karenni-state-capital/
  34. https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/war-against-the-junta/myanmar-junta-airstrikes-hammer-loikaw-amid-ongoing-fighting.html
  35. https://www.rfa.org/english/news/myanmar/loikaw-12112023170425.html
  36. https://eng.mizzima.com/2024/11/14/16243
  37. https://eng.mizzima.com/2025/01/25/18574
  38. https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-claims-capture-of-demoso-from-karenni-forces.html
  39. https://www.myanmaritv.com/news/inspection-tour-kayah-state-cm-made-inspection-tour-around-loikaw
  40. https://mmpeacemonitor.org/en/en-news/civilian-injuries-reported-due-to-landmines-in-loikaw/
  41. https://english.dvb.no/regime-air-and-artillery-attacks-kill-five-in-karenni-state/
  42. https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/political-prisoners-denied-medical-care-in-loikaw-jail-myanmar-rights-group-says.html
  43. https://www.facebook.com/ChindwinNewsAgency/posts/the-junta-regime-announces-the-townships-where-an-election-will-be-held-in-decem/783631517508102/
  44. https://www.facebook.com/RadioNUG.org/posts/in-english-4th-oct-2025-morning-myanmar-resistance-news-myanmar-military-news-up/838903115179075/
  45. https://info.undp.org/docs/pdc/Documents/MRT/The%2520State%2520of%2520Local%2520Governance_Trands%2520in%2520Kayah_English%2520Version.pdf
  46. https://kic.gov.mm/en/kayah-profile/
  47. https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/war-against-the-junta/myanmar-regime-advances-on-karenni-state-capital.html
  48. https://www.xcept-research.org/publication/the-scrap-over-loikaws-industrial-zone/
  49. https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/karenni-resistance-prevents-myanmar-junta-army-unit-from-reaching-loikaw.html
  50. https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/war-against-the-junta/fighting-resumes-in-myanmars-loikaw-as-karenni-resistance-forces-return.html
  51. https://english.dvb.no/at-least-742-civilians-killed-in-karenni-state-since-2021-coup-says-resistance-group/
  52. https://english.shannews.org/archives/27645
  53. https://english.elpais.com/international/2025-01-11/myanmars-gen-z-combatants-guerrilla-tactics-against-a-military-dictatorship.html
  54. https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/photo-feature/2025/01/21/hidden-jungle-hospital-treats-myanmars-war-wounded-amid-junta-airstrikes
  55. https://dop.gov.mm/sites/dop.gov.mm/files/publication_docs/update_loikaw_tsp.pdf
  56. https://data.opendevelopmentmyanmar.net/library_record/the-2014-myanmar-population-and-housing-census-loikaw-township-report
  57. https://dop.gov.mm/sites/dop.gov.mm/files/publication_docs/2024_provisional_result_eng.pdf
  58. https://www.bnionline.net/en/news/census-preparations-underway-loikaw-township-karenni-state
  59. https://apnews.com/article/myanmar-civil-war-militia-1027-offensive-60c0edaed37153fde75b1b838670c441
  60. https://myanmar.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pub-pdf/4F_Population%2520Projections.pdf
  61. https://www.asiantour-myanmar.com/pages/kayah-tribe/
  62. https://www.mylocalpassion.com/posts/myanmars-culture-ethnic-tradition-of-kayah-state
  63. https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/10967
  64. https://myanmarorphans.org/kayah-state
  65. https://cruxnow.com/church-in-asia/2022/02/catholics-in-myanmars-kayah-state-in-war-zone-says-church-official
  66. http://www.thaibizmyanmar.com/en/thai-myanmar/trade-investment/Kayah%2520State%2520Overview.pdf
  67. https://data.unhcr.org/en/documents/download/50137
  68. https://www.myanmaritv.com/news/agriculture-development-mechanized-farming-project-loikaw
  69. https://www.myanmarconsulatehk.org/images/pdf/kayah-brochure.pdf
  70. https://www.buildmyanmarmedia.com/myanmars-natural-resource-opportunities-and-challenges-3/
  71. https://www.myanmars.net/travel/kayah-state.html
  72. https://mdn.gov.mm/en/overcoming-challenges-understanding-sympathy-bringing-prosperity-kayah-state
  73. https://themimu.info/sites/themimu.info/files/mau_public/Survey_MAU_Kayah_-_Jan_2023_-_IDPs.pdf
  74. https://www.flightsfrom.com/NYT-LIW
  75. https://www.google.com/travel/flights/flights-from-loikaw.html
  76. https://www.dmediag.com/news/5682-lfsun
  77. https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/civilian-resistance-group-warns-people-not-to-use-myanmar-junta-backed-airline.html
  78. https://www.ospreyflightsolutions.com/casestudy/airspace-aviation-risk-myanmar
  79. https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-builds-karenni-state-forces-ahead-of-possible-offensive.html
  80. https://lca.logcluster.org/print-preview/357
  81. https://www.myanmaritv.com/news/better-transportation-newly-upgrade-road-opened-kayah-state
  82. https://www.myanmaritv.com/news/inspection-tour-road-repairs-and-development-projects-loikaw-area
  83. https://lca.logcluster.org/23-myanmar-road-network
  84. https://www.myanmaritv.com/news/regional-stability-tatmadaw-regains-control-key-road-kayah-state
  85. https://myanmar.iiss.org/analysis/2023-06
  86. https://www.myanmaritv.com/news/meeting-reopen-university-kayah-state-cm-attended-and-gave-opening-speech
  87. https://english.dvb.no/model-from-belarus-reportedly-killed-in-myanmar-over-300-students-enroll-at-loikaw-university-in-karenni-state/
  88. http://www.ucsloikaw.edu.mm/
  89. http://www.lkwedc.edu.mm/?lang=en
  90. https://mapcarta.com/W611958237
  91. https://www.myanmaritv.com/news/school-enrolment-commenced-kayah-state-cm-viewed-enrolment-process
  92. https://www.mm.emb-japan.go.jp/profile/english/news/2014/new-5.html
  93. https://www.moi.gov.mm/moi:eng/news/16121
  94. https://www.gnlm.com.mm/rehabilitation-gaining-momentum-in-loikaw-of-kayah-state/
  95. https://news.diocesetucson.org/news/myanmars-loikaw-diocese-provides-health-services-where-military-has-failed
  96. https://www2.jica.go.jp/en/evaluation/pdf/2019_1360940_4_f.pdf
  97. https://www.gnlm.com.mm/authorities-meet-with-healthcare-staff-at-loikaw-hospital/
  98. https://insecurityinsight.org/hospital-occupied-by-myanmar-military-in-kayah-state
  99. https://www.thinkglobalhealth.org/article/myanmar-health-care-has-become-battleground
  100. https://humanitarianaction.info/plan/1275/document/myanmar-humanitarian-needs-and-response-plan-2025/article/33-health
  101. https://insecurityinsight.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2023-SHCC-Myanmar.pdf
  102. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfT6xmiLauI
  103. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Kayah
  104. http://www.mdn.gov.mm/en/kayah-karenni-kay-htoe-boe-traditional-festival-or-sacred-totem-pole-festival
  105. https://www.facebook.com/AmazingMyanmar2021/videos/kay-htoe-boe-festival-amazing-myanmar-the-kayah-karenni-kay-htoe-boe-traditional/1085208323379222/
  106. https://www.mylocalpassion.com/posts/delightful-housewarming-festival-of-kayah-ethnic
  107. https://tourism.gov.mm/en/regions/kayah
  108. https://www.stevenwadeadams.com/blog/cultural-portraits-kayah-karenni
  109. https://www.wolverton-mountain.com/articles/taung-kwe-pagoda.html
  110. https://www.myanmars.net/kayah/taung-kwe-pagoda.html
  111. https://www.gomyanmartours.com/kayah-state-attractions-best-things-do-see/
  112. https://loikawtour.blogspot.com/2018/02/naung-yar-lake.html
  113. https://www.myanmars.net/kayah/lawpita-waterfall.html
  114. https://www.facebook.com/KeinnaraLoikaw/posts/one-of-the-largest-hydropower-plants-in-myanmar-lawpita-falls-is-located-about-2/2692834754379494/
  115. https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g4586017-i32033-k10043684-Kayah_festival-Loikaw_Kayah_State.html
  116. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=880508346018422&id=476402219762372&set=a.479156462820281
  117. https://www.embassyofmyanmar.be/ABOUT/KAYAH.HTM
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.