The Ministry of Hotels, Tourism and Culture has officially designated the historic Hsipaw Haw Palace in Hsipaw Township as a protected ancient building that is more than 100 years old through a notification dated 23 July 2026, according to reports.
The Haw Palace, a unique cultural heritage site in Shan State (North), was built in 1924 in a Western architectural style by Saopha-to-be Sao Ohn Kya during the reign of Saopha Sir Sao Che. The palace was once the residence of Saopha Sao Kya Seng and his family and was later preserved by his nephew, Sao Oo Kya. Now officially designated as an ancient building, the Haw Palace will be preserved as a cultural museum and opened to visitors during designated opening hours.
After Buddhist monks accepted the transfer of the Haw Palace from Sao Oo Kya, the nephew of Saopha Sao Kya Seng, the site was opened as the Hsipaw Haw Buddha College on 29 June. A Buddha College will be constructed within the palace grounds, while no buildings will be permitted within a 120-foot radius of the palace to preserve its original architecture. — ASH/TH
