Pakokku, Myanmar
Region: Magway Region
Geographic Coordinates: 21.332000, 95.086600
Temperature Range: 25.0°C to 35.0°C (77°F to 95°F)
Climate: Dry and hot climate with a monsoon season from May to October.
Population: 126938
Language: Burmese
Pakokku is a charming town located in the Magway region of Myanmar, Situated on the eastern bank of the Irrawaddy River. It is renowned for its cultural legacy and traditional handicrafts. The town has a population of around 150, 000 people and is positioned approximately 30 kilometers northwest of Bagan. One of Pakokku’s most popular tourist spots is its lively local market, Where visitors can find an array of items ranging from fresh produce to handmade crafts and clothing.
Tourists can stroll through the bustling stalls while sampling delectable local delicacies such as fried tofu and pickled tea leaves while admiring colorful displays. Pakokku boasts several Buddhist temples and pagodas that are worth exploring. One notable temple in Pakokku is Shwe Taung Oo Pagoda, Which provides breathtaking views over the Irrawaddy River. Another famous temple in Pakokku that dates back to the 13th century is Shwe Gu Gyi Pagoda with beautiful golden spires visible from miles away. The town has a rich history as a center for traditional weaving and pottery making.
Visitors can witness skilled artisans at work creating intricate textiles using traditional looms or crafting exquisite ceramics using locally sourced clay. For those who want to learn more about Myanmar’s fascinating history, Pakokku offers several opportunities for exploration. The town was once an essential trading center along the Irrawaddy River during colonial times when it was ruled by British India. Today visitors can explore historic buildings such as old British administrative offices or visit museums dedicated to showcasing local culture and traditions.
Apart from cultural attractions, Pakokku also offers many opportunities for outdoor adventure enthusiasts like taking boat trips down the Irrawaddy River or exploring nearby nature reserves filled with lush forests teeming with wildlife. Overall, Visiting Pakokku provides tourists with an exclusive glimpse into Myanmar’s rich cultural heritage while providing plenty of opportunities for adventure and exploration along the way!
- Shwegu Pagoda: This ancient pagoda is located on the outskirts of Pakokku and is believed to date back to the Bagan era.
- Pakhangyi Archaeological Site: This site contains ruins of a former city dating back to the 19th century.
- Thihoshin Pagoda: A beautiful pagoda located near Pakokku’s downtown area.
- Thanboddhay Pagoda: One of Myanmar’s most unique and colorful pagodas, featuring thousands of Buddha images and intricate carvings.
- U Min Thonze Caves: A series of caves containing many Buddha images carved into the rock walls.
- Local Markets: The bustling markets in Pakokku offer a glimpse into daily life in Myanmar and are a great place to try local foods and shop for souvenirs.
- Monasteries: There are several monasteries in Pakokku that offer visitors a chance to learn about Buddhism and experience traditional Burmese culture firsthand.
- Pakokku, Myanmar is primarily an agricultural town.
- The major industries and businesses are related to agriculture.
- The main crops grown in the region include sesame, peanuts, beans, rice, and cotton.
- Other industries include textile weaving and production of handicrafts such as lacquerware.
- There are also some small-scale manufacturing units that produce goods like soap, candles, and pottery.
- Additionally, Pakokku has a growing tourism industry due to its proximity to popular destinations like Bagan.
- The city played a crucial role in the Burmese independence movement against British colonial rule. Many of the leaders, including Aung San, visited Pakokku to rally support.
- U Ohn Pe was a renowned monk who lived in Pakokku during the early 20th century and advocated for Burmese nationalism while opposing British colonial rule.
- The Pakokku Uprising of 1938 was a student-led protest against British colonial rule that resulted in the deaths of several protesters and is an important event in Burmese history.
- The traditional lacquerware industry has been practiced in Pakokku for centuries and is well-known.
- In recent years, several monasteries and universities have made Pakokku an important center for Buddhist education and scholarship.
- U Thant, who served as Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1961 to 1971, was born in Pakokku.
- Thakin Kodaw Hmaing (1876-1964), one of Burma’s most celebrated poets and political figures during its struggle against colonialism, also resided here.
- The monastery complex at Pakhangyi dates back to the late Bagan period (13th century) when it served as an essential center for Buddhist learning and meditation.
- The archaeological museum at Pakhangyi houses artifacts from various periods including prehistoric times up until modern-day Myanmar history.
- Salay House belonged to U Ponnya (1859-1942), a wealthy merchant who played an important role in Burma’s struggle against British colonialism.
- The Salay U Ponya Museum displays personal belongings, photographs, documents related to Burmese history dedicated to his life legacy.
- Shwe Gu Ni Pagoda is a renowned tourist attraction in Pakokku, thanks to its stunning architecture and intricate carvings.
- The Pakhangyi Archaeological Museum is home to several artifacts from the Bagan era, including pottery, sculptures, and other relics.
- The Pakhangyi Monastery is a beautiful structure that dates back to the 19th century and boasts ornate carvings and murals.
- Kyauk Ta Lone Pagoda offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside from its hilltop location.
- To experience local life in Myanmar, head over to Pakokku Market where you can find everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.
- Thihoshin Pagoda’s unique design featuring carvings of animals and mythical creatures has made it quite famous among tourists visiting Pakokku.
- Shwegu Gyi Temple is another popular temple in the city that features beautiful frescoes depicting scenes from Buddhist mythology.
- Thanboddhay Pagoda located outside of town contains over 500,000 Buddha images making it one of Myanmar’s most impressive religious sites worth visiting when traveling through the area.
- Pakokku Thiho Shin Pagoda Festival is the most significant event in Pakokku, held annually in February or March and lasting for ten days. It attracts thousands of visitors from all over Myanmar.
- The Pakokku Pwintbyu Nat Festival celebrates the spirits of the dead, known as nats, and takes place in August or September. Traditional music, dance, and food offerings are used to appease the spirits.
- The Pakokku Tazaungdaing Festival is held in November to celebrate the end of Buddhist Lent with illuminated floats, music, and fireworks.
- During Thingyan (Myanmar New Year) in April, the Pakokku Water Festival involves water fights and splashing as a way to cleanse oneself before entering the new year.
- Every Wednesday at Myoma Market is a fair featuring local handicrafts, food stalls, and live entertainment called Pakokku Myoma Market Fair.
- Thanaka Grinding Competition occurs during various festivals throughout the year to see who can grind thanaka paste using a stone slab called kyauk pyin fastest.
- Chinlone Tournament is a traditional sport played with a woven ball made from rattan or bamboo strips that players keep aloft using their feet while performing acrobatic moves with their hands and bodies; tournaments are held throughout different locations around Pakokku during different times of year.
- Mohinga: a traditional Burmese breakfast dish made with fish broth, rice noodles, and various herbs and spices.
- Shan noodles: a popular noodle dish in Myanmar made with chicken or pork broth, rice noodles, and topped with crispy fried garlic.
- Kyay-Oh: a soup-based noodle dish that is similar to Mohinga but has thicker noodles and is served with meatballs or slices of pork.
- Pakokku Thar Htamin (Pakokku-style biryani): a flavorful rice dish that is cooked with spices, chicken or mutton meat, and served with various side dishes such as pickled vegetables.
- Yoe Yar Lay Restaurant: famous for its delicious Shan-style food like Shan noodles, fried tofu salad, steamed fish curry wrapped in banana leaves.
- Aung Mingalar Restaurant: known for its tasty Kyay-Oh soup served in large portions along with other Burmese dishes like fried rice and stir-fried vegetables.
- Myint Myat Thu Restaurant: serves authentic Pakokku-style biryani along with other local delicacies like Mohinga and Shan Noodles.
- Moe’s Kitchen: offers an extensive menu of Burmese cuisine including curries, soups, salads as well as Western dishes like burgers and sandwiches at affordable prices.
- Pakokku Myoma Park is a public park that features playgrounds, walking paths, and gardens.
- Thiri Mingalar Park is a recreational area that includes picnic areas, playgrounds, and a lake for boating.
- Pakhangyi Ancient City is an archaeological site that provides hiking trails and historical tours.
- Pwe Kauk Falls is a scenic waterfall situated in the nearby hills that attracts hikers and picnickers alike.
- Shwe Gu Gyi Pagoda is a historic temple with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- Kyauk Ta Lone Lake is an artificial lake where visitors can engage in fishing and boating activities.
- Pakokku Night Market takes place outdoors at night, offering local food, crafts, and entertainment to its patrons.
