Hsipaw (; also known as
Thibaw), is a
town in
Shan State,
Myanmar on the riverbank of
Myitnge River. It is 200 km (124 mi) northeast of
Mandalay.
Shan Saopha
Hsipaw is perhaps one of the most well know and powerful saopha states of Shan State. According to the biography of Sao Hearn Hkam (the chief wife, Madhidevi of
Sao Shwe Thaik, the first president of
Myanmar and another saopha of
Hsenwi), Hsipaw, along with
Kengtung and
Yawnghwe were the wealthiest and most powerful saopha states in Shan State.
The Saophas played fluctuating roles in regional Shan and national Burmese politics from the 11th century all the way till the
1962 military coup by General
Ne Win.
