Lashio is the capital and largest city of northern Shan State in Myanmar. It is situated on a low mountain spur that overlooks the valley of the Yaw River, located approximately 200 kilometres (120 mi) north-east of Mandalay.
The city is positioned near significant geographical landmarks, including Loi Leng, which is the highest mountain of the Shan Hills and is located about 45 km (28 mi) to the south-east of Lashio.