Muse: An Introduction
Right on the Chinese border, with nothing but the Shweli River separating it from the intimidating People’s Republic, faded Muse has a certain frontier-town edginess to it. In fact, Chinese jurisdiction sneaks across the river & encircles the bridge that links Burma to infamous Ruili - China’s sin city - & the ethnic mix is very much the same on both sides of the border.
Muse is certainly not Burma’s most beautiful town, but it will offer direct insight into the country’s far-from-mystical side. Its trade camp is the biggest border-trade zone in Burma, dealing in everything from agricultural raw materials like fish & rice to timber, electronics & gems. Nearly 70% of Burma’s trade with China is processed here, & not all of it is legal.
With that said, the surrounding mountainous Shan State is spectacular, & trekking there is really interesting, with the chance to observe highland tribes - Shan, Pa-O, Pa-laung, Chin - going about their traditional - & modern - daily lives. Within the town itself, there are a few temples - it’s Burma; of course there are temples - & you can explore the busy market, gaze across into China from the top of Bo Te hill, and visit the Shwe Tha Min Monastery.