The Bhamo district comprises an area of 4,146 square miles, situated between 23° 37´ and 24° 52´ North, and 96° 34' and 97° 46' East. Until the year 1895, the present Bhamo and Myitkyina districts formed a single charge, with its headquarters at Bhamo.

When the separation took place the Bhamo district comprised two subdivisions (Bhamo and Shwegu) and four townships Bhamo, Sinkin, Kaungton and Shwegu. The Sinkin township was absorbed in the Bhamo township in 1896 and the Kaungton town ship in that of Shwegu in the following year.