Chin State

Chin State is one of the mountainous regions in Myanmar. It is 36,019 square kilometers and is bordered by Sagaing Region and Magway Region to the east, Rakhine State to the South, Bangladesh to the South-West, and the Indian States of Mizoram to the West and Manipur to the North. “In Chin state, you can find a heart-shaped lake between the mountains called Rih Lake. It looks Heart shaped when we look at it from the top of the mountain”. The lake is surrounded by willow trees and has an interesting history too.

Van Kio Museum ( Surkhua town )

The Bankiyo Museum is located in Surkhua, Hakha District, Chin State, about 49 miles away. Situated along the Hakha-Matupi highway, it is easily accessible for travelers. The residence of Chief Bankiyo was completed in 1920 and has now stood for 100 years. This house is a genuine representation of traditional Chin architecture, and it is commonly used for significant traditional festivals held in Surkhua.

Bankiyo is a descendant of the lineage that has governed the Surkhua village since its establishment. He took over the leadership role from his father, U Mankun, in 1910. In 1914, he was appointed as the Chief of the Surkhua Tribal Area by the British colonial authorities. In 1934, he received ceremonial gifts from the Burmese government and, in 1935, was honored with a medal from King George V and Queen Mary of England.

Currently, Bankiyo's residence is preserved as a museum, where visitors can explore the traditional artifacts and historical narratives of the Chin people, deepening their understanding of the rich cultural heritage.