Thaton, Myanmar
Region: Thaton is located in Mon State
Geographic Coordinates: 16.933300, 97.366700
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 130763
Language: Burmese
Thaton is a picturesque town situated in Mon State, Myanmar, Renowned for its historical and cultural importance. It is located on the banks of Thanlwin River and surrounded by verdant hills that offer mesmerizing views to tourists. The town has been a vital hub of Buddhism for centuries and houses numerous ancient temples and pagodas. Shwe Sar Yan Pagoda is one of the most famous landmarks in Thaton, Dating back over 2, 000 years. This impressive structure boasts a 46-meter-high golden stupa that provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes from its top.
Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda or Golden Rock Pagoda is another must-visit destination located about two hours away from Thaton’s city center. This iconic pilgrimage site attracts thousands of devotees every year who come here to pay their respects and witness this miraculous rock balancing on a cliff edge. Apart from these religious sites, Thaton also offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and trekking through scenic hills and forests. Visitors can explore nearby villages like Paung Village to experience authentic local life by interacting with friendly villagers who are always happy to share their traditions with tourists.
Thaton’s night market is another popular attraction where visitors can indulge in delicious street food like grilled fish skewers or try traditional Burmese dishes like Mohinga (fish noodle soup) or Shan noodles – a regional specialty made with rice flour noodles served with chicken or pork broth. Thaton provides an unforgettable travel experience that combines natural beauty, Cultural heritage, And spiritual significance all in one place. Whether you’re seeking adventure activities or want to immerse yourself in local culture – this charming town has something for everyone!
- Shwe Sar Yan Pagoda: This is a beautiful pagoda located on top of a hill that offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
- Thaton Ancient City Walls: These ancient city walls date back to the 9th century and are an important historical landmark in Thaton.
- Kyaiktiyo Pagoda (Golden Rock): This is a popular pilgrimage site located about 3 hours from Thaton. The pagoda sits atop a large golden rock that appears to be balancing precariously on the edge of a cliff.
- Hpa-An: This nearby town is known for its stunning karst landscape, caves, and temples.
- Thanlwin River (Salween River): This river runs through Thaton and offers opportunities for boat tours and scenic walks along its banks.
- Bago: This historic city is located about 2 hours from Thaton and is home to many important Buddhist temples, including the famous Shwemawdaw Pagoda.
- Mon State Cultural Museum: This museum showcases the history and culture of Mon State, which includes Thaton as well as other nearby towns like Mawlamyine.
- Win Sein Taw Ya Reclining Buddha: Located near Mudon (about an hour from Thaton), this massive reclining Buddha statue measures over 180 meters long!
- Agriculture: Thaton has fertile land that supports the cultivation of rice, vegetables, fruits, and other crops.
- Handicrafts: The town has a thriving handicraft industry that produces various products such as bamboo baskets, mats, and pottery.
- Tourism: Thaton is a popular tourist destination due to its scenic beauty and historical significance. Many tourists visit the town to explore ancient temples and pagodas.
- Small-scale manufacturing: There are several small-scale manufacturing units in Thaton that produce items such as textiles, furniture, and food products.
- Retail trade: The retail sector in Thaton includes shops selling groceries, clothing, and electronic goods catering to the needs of local residents as well as tourists visiting the area.
- Thaton Kingdom was the capital of the Mon Kingdom from the 9th to the 11th century, and it played a significant role in Buddhism and trade in Southeast Asia.
- King Anawrahta, also known as Pyinsa Raza, established the Pagan Empire in Myanmar after conquering Thaton in 1057. He brought back many Buddhist scriptures and monks to Pagan.
- Shin Arahan was a renowned Buddhist monk who helped spread Theravada Buddhism to Myanmar during King Anawrahta’s reign.
- Bayinnaung ruled over Myanmar from 1551 to 1581 as a powerful king who conquered many kingdoms, including Thaton, which he annexed into his empire.
- British Colonial Rule began after Britain defeated Myanmar forces in the First Anglo-Burmese War of 1826. Lower Burma, including Thaton, was annexed into its Indian Empire until gaining independence on January 4th,1948.
- The Shwe Sar Yan Pagoda Festival is an annual event held near Thaton at Shwe Sar Yan Pagoda during October or November and is popular among locals and tourists alike.
- Dhathein Cave Temple is located about an hour’s drive north of Moulmein (Mawlamyine) and houses several ancient Buddha images carved out of stone dating back over two thousand years ago.
- Thaton Historical Pagoda
- Shwe Sar Yan Pagoda
- Hpa-An Cultural Museum
- Kyauk Kalap Monastery
- Zwekabin Mountain and Monastery
- Saddar Cave
- Kyaiktiyo Pagoda (Golden Rock)
- Bago City (ancient city with many temples and pagodas)
- Mawlamyine (former British colonial town with historic architecture and beautiful scenery)
- I apologize for the inconvenience, but I don’t possess any up-to-date knowledge regarding sports teams and their histories in Thaton, Myanmar.
- Nonetheless, I recommend that you explore local news sources or community pages associated with Thaton to obtain more comprehensive information about sports teams in the region.
- Thaton Pagoda Festival – This festival is held annually in February or March to commemorate the founding of the ancient city of Thaton. It features traditional dances, music performances, food stalls, and a grand procession.
- Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda Festival – This festival takes place in September or October at the famous Golden Rock Pagoda near Thaton. It attracts thousands of pilgrims who come to pay their respects to Buddha’s hair relic enshrined at the pagoda.
- Thadingyut Festival – Celebrated nationwide in Myanmar during October, this festival marks the end of Buddhist Lent. In Thaton, it involves lighting lanterns and candles along the streets and offering food to monks.
- Thingyan Water Festival – Held during Myanmar’s New Year celebration in April every year; it involves throwing water at each other as a symbol of cleansing away old sins and starting anew.
- Shan State Day – On February 7th every year Shan State celebrates its independence day with various cultural performances showcasing traditional music & dance forms like Shan Sawbwa Dance & Taunggyi Fire Balloon Festival which takes place on full moon day of Tazaungmone (usually November).
- Shan-style noodles: This is a popular dish in the region, made with rice noodles served in a spicy broth with meat or vegetables.
- Biryani: This is a fragrant rice dish cooked with spices and meat or vegetables.
- Fish curry: Made with fresh fish from the nearby river, this curry is cooked with local spices and served with rice.
- Tea leaf salad: A traditional Burmese dish made from pickled tea leaves mixed with peanuts, sesame seeds, tomatoes, garlic and other ingredients.
- Htamin gyaw (fried rice): This is a staple food of Myanmar that can be found at most restaurants in Thaton.
Some popular restaurants to try these dishes include:
- Golden Moon Restaurant
- Shwe Pyi Restaurant
- Green Leaf Restaurant
- Thiri Mon Restaurant
- Mya Yadanar Restaurant
- Thaton Forest Park
- Thaton Riverside Park
- Kyaiktiyo Wildlife Sanctuary
- Hpa-an Kayin State Cultural Museum and Library
- Thanlwin River (for boating and fishing)
- Hiking and trekking in the surrounding hills and mountains
- Cycling along the scenic countryside roads
- Picnicking at local parks or riverside areas
- Visiting nearby temples, such as the Shwe Sar Yan Pagoda or the Wat Tham Seua temple complex
- Attending cultural festivals and events, such as the annual Thaton Boat Racing Festival in October/November
