I have been to Mongla last a few days, ago. Mongla is border town in Myanmar situated on China-Myanmar Border.
Different from other Myanmar towns, Mongla is not control by Myanmar Government and military. It has self-administrative status and control by MNDA since several decades ago. Electricity, telecommunications, infrastructure works, as well as imports and exports are dependent on China, but I went there as business trip to expand Myanmar Telecom, MPT network and its distribution. So, people in Mongla will get unrestricted internet access beside China Internet censorship.
From Yangon, Myanmar, I have to go to Kengtung (Capital of Shan East) by plane, and there, have to travel by car several hours. There are (2) routes from Kengtung to Mongla, but the shorter one is close down by Government Military, so normally , people have to use longer route which will takes around 6 hours.
From Thailand, you can come in through Chinage Rai -> Tachileik . From China, Xishuangbanna to Daluozhen, which is China side of Mongla.
The local business is booming with Casinos and Wildlife trades. Casinos and gambling are illegal in both in Myanmar and China, but not in Mongla. This is Mongla uniqueness. There are more tourist attraction and entertainment than near by regions.
Economy attracts workers all over from Myanmar and nearby China and Thai regions.
Besides casino and entertainments, Mongla region is naturally beautiful itself. Mountain and forests surrounded the town, and good weather compare to low land Myanmar. Nice place to live. But only Chinese currency is available to use in Mongla though there are exchange everywhere.
Check my photos yourself :
Evening View from nearby hill;
Border check point: (I was too late when I reached there so cannot go to China side)
There is a lake nearby (check when you go there):
On return to Kengtung, I visited several towns on Shan State. I will post photos when I get time. Don't forget to follow me
