Sitting on the banks of the Irrawaddy River, Bhamo was once the capital of the Shan state of Manmaw and its proximity (40 miles) to the Chinese border made it an important hub for trade with China’s Yunnan province. The town’s trading importance faded with the building of the Burma Road (1937–39) but it still has a vibrant daily market. These days most people visit as a starting point for their cruise through the upper reaches of the Irrawaddy to Mandalay. The town itself has a number of interesting features including the Thai-influenced Theindawgyi Pagoda. The surrounding area, which lies in the basin of the Irrawaddy River, is inhabited chiefly by Kachin hill tribes and offers some wonderful scenery for those who choose to stay here.