Kyaukse, Myanmar

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Kyaukse, Myanmar

Region: Mandalay Region

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Geographic Coordinates: 21.613100, 96.130300

Climate: Seasonal.

Population: 741071

Language: Burmese

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Kyaukse is a small town in the Mandalay region of Myanmar, Located about 45 kilometers south of Mandalay. It is easily accessible by road or rail and is known for its beautiful pagodas, Ancient temples, And traditional handicrafts. One of the most popular attractions in Kyaukse is the Shwe Tha Lyaung Pagoda, Built during the reign of King Anawrahta in the 11th century. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views. Another must-visit temple is Mya Tha Lon Pagoda, Famous for its unique Burmese and Mon architecture and large Buddha statue over 80 feet tall.

Kyaukse’s traditional handicrafts include pottery making that has been practiced for centuries. Visitors can watch local artisans shape clay into beautiful vases and bowls. Mount Popa National Park covers over 50 square kilometers with lush forests, Scenic hiking trails, Stunning waterfalls, And rare flora/fauna species. Kyaukse hosts several festivals throughout the year; one held annually at Shwe Tha Lyaung Pagoda on full moon day in November or December attracts thousands to pay homage to Buddha images enshrined there with offerings while enjoying traditional music/dance performances.

Overall Kyaukse offers visitors a glimpse into Myanmar’s rich cultural heritage through exploring ancient temples or watching local artisans at work while hiking through beautiful forests.

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Attractions in Kyaukse, Myanmar

1. Shwe Tha Lyaung Pagoda
2. Kyaukse Elephant Dance Festival
3. Yadanabon Zoological Gardens
4. Maha Myat Muni Pagoda
5. Koe Htat Gyi Pagoda
6. Thanboddhay Pagoda
7. U Min Thonze Cave Temple
8. Kyaukse Waterfall

Visitors looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience will find plenty to enjoy in Kyaukse.

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• Kyaukse is a town situated in the Mandalay Region of Myanmar.
• The town has several major industries and businesses:
• Agriculture
• Manufacturing
• Construction
• Trading
• Tourism
• Education
• Healthcare
• Agriculture is one of the most significant industries in Kyaukse:
• The town is known for producing rice, beans, pulses, sesame seeds and peanuts.
• Many farmers from neighboring towns and villages bring their agricultural produce to Kyaukse for trading.
• There are also several small-scale manufacturing units in Kyaukse that produce textiles, ceramics and food products.
• With the growing demand for housing and infrastructure development in the region, construction companies are thriving as well.
• Tourism is another industry that has been gaining momentum over time in Kyaukse:
• The town has several historical sites like Shwe Tha Lyaung Pagoda which attracts tourists from all over Myanmar.
• Education plays a crucial role in Kyaukse’s economy as well:
• There are several schools and colleges that provide education to students from nearby towns and villages.
• Finally, healthcare services are readily available with several hospitals and clinics located within the town providing medical services to people living in the region.
• Overall agriculture remains at the heart of Kyaukse’s economy with other industries gradually developing over time.

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Noteable History

1. The Kyaukse Elephant Dance: This is a traditional dance that originated in Kyaukse during the Konbaung Dynasty (1752-1885). The dance involves performers dressed as elephants, dancing to traditional music.
2. U Aung Myin: He was a famous Burmese writer who hailed from Kyaukse. He was known for his works on Burmese literature and culture.
3. U Ba U: He was a prominent politician who served as Prime Minister of Burma from 1956 to 1957. He was born in Kyaukse.
4. Shwe Settaw Pagoda: This pagoda is located near Kyaukse and is believed to have been built during the reign of King Anawrahta (1044-1077). It is one of the most revered Buddhist sites in Myanmar.
5. Thagara Monastery: This monastery, also known as Thagara Sayadaw Monastery, is located in Kyaukse and was founded by Thagara Sayadaw U Pandita Bhivamsa in 1908. It is known for its teachings on Vipassana meditation.
6. The Japanese occupation: During World War II, Kyaukse was occupied by Japanese forces from 1942 to 1945.
7. General Aung San: Although he wasn’t born or raised in Kyaukse, General Aung San visited the town several times during his political career and gave speeches there.
8. The Battle of Pagan (1287): One significant event that took place near modern-day Kyaukse happened when Mongol forces invaded the Pagan Kingdom. The battle was fought in 1287 and resulted in the fall of the Pagan dynasty.

These are just a few of the many notable historical events and people associated with Kyaukse, Myanmar.

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Museums and Things To See

1. Shwe Tha Lyaung Pagoda
2. Kyaukse Elephant Dance Festival Museum
3. Kyaukse Waterfall
4. Maha Myat Muni Pagoda
5. Kyaukse Monastery
6. Htaukkyant War Cemetery
7. Thein Kyaung Monastery
8. Mya Tha Lyaung Reclining Buddha Image
9. Taungoo Dynasty Palace Site
10. Kyaukse Central Market

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Cultural Events

1. Kyaukse Elephant Dance Festival: This is the most famous festival in Kyaukse and takes place during the full moon day of Thadingyut (October). The highlight of this festival is the elephant dance, where performers dress up as elephants and dance to traditional music.
2. Shwe Settaw Pagoda Festival: This festival takes place in February or March and celebrates the Shwe Settaw Pagoda, which is believed to contain relics of Buddha. Pilgrims from all over Myanmar come to pay their respects and participate in various cultural activities.
3. Thingyan Water Festival: This is Myanmar’s New Year celebration, which takes place in April. In Kyaukse, people celebrate by throwing water on each other and participating in traditional games like cane ball.
4. Taung Pyone Nat Festival: This festival takes place near Taung Pyone village (just outside of Kyaukse) during August or September. It honors two brothers who were believed to have become powerful nats (spirits) after their death.
5. Myathalun Pagoda Festival: This festival takes place during November or December at Myathalun Pagoda, which is located just outside of Kyaukse town. It features traditional music, dance performances, and food stalls selling local delicacies.

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Cuisine

• Kyaukse Food Center – a popular food court that offers a variety of local cuisines such as mohinga, Shan noodles, and curry dishes.
• Min Lann Restaurant – known for its delicious seafood dishes and traditional Burmese cuisine.
• Shwe Pyi Moe Cafe – famous for its crispy samosas and tea leaf salad.
• Yadanar Oo Restaurant – a great place to try authentic Burmese curries and noodle dishes.
• Htoo Eain Thin Restaurant – serves tasty Shan-style rice noodles with pork or chicken curry.
• Nan Myint Shan Noodle House – specializes in Shan-style noodle soups with various toppings such as pork, chicken, or vegetables.
• Aye Myit Tar Restaurant – offers traditional Burmese breakfast items like fried rice cakes and coconut milk pancakes.
• Taung Gyi Thar Kyaw Restaurant – serves delicious grilled fish dishes cooked over an open flame with spicy dipping sauces.

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Parks and Recreation

1. Kyaukse Elephant Camp is a well-known tourist spot where visitors can observe and interact with trained elephants.
2. Kyaukse Waterfall is a stunning waterfall situated just outside the town of Kyaukse, which makes for an ideal picnic destination.
3. Umin Thounzeh Pagoda is a unique cave temple located on the outskirts of Kyaukse that houses 28 Buddha statues in different postures.
4. Min Kyaung Monastery is an ancient monastery constructed during the Bagan era that holds several significant Buddhist relics.
5. Shwe Nan Daw Kyaung Monastery is another ancient monastery renowned for its intricate woodcarvings and traditional architecture.
6. Taungthaman Lake is a picturesque lake located near Kyaukse that offers boating and fishing opportunities to visitors.
7. Myittha River Cruise allows tourists to take a scenic boat ride along the Myittha River to explore the surrounding countryside and wildlife.
8. Hiking and Trekking Trails: There are numerous hiking trails in nearby hills that provide panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

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Experience The Extraordinary.

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