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Kyaik Than Lan Pagoda

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Landmark
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Kyaik Than Lan Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))

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Kyaik Than Lan Pagoda is the most prominent landmark of Mawlamyine, perched on a scenic ridge overlooking the city and the Salween River. Originally built in 875 AD during the reign of King Mutpi Raja, the pagoda has been expanded and renovated by various monarchs throughout the centuries. Standing 150 feet tall, the central golden stupa is surrounded by numerous smaller shrines and bells that create a serene spiritual atmosphere. It gained international fame through Rudyard Kipling's poem 'Mandalay,' where he describes the view from the pagoda looking out over the river. From its expansive platform, visitors can enjoy dramatic panoramic views of the historic town, colonial-era architecture, and the islands scattered across the river delta. Historically, it served as a vital spiritual center for the Mon people and remains a key pilgrimage site for Buddhists today. The pagoda's architecture is a classic example of Burmese stupa design, featuring a bell-shaped structure topped with a jewel-encrusted 'hti' (umbrella). Today, it is regarded as the best spot to experience the nostalgic atmosphere of what was once the capital of British Burma.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262830312928272727282725
Rain mm1032851242388506456316180278

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Kyaik Than Lan Pagoda is open daily for visitors and can be viewed both outside and inside. Entering the main hall requires removing shoes and wearing appropriate attire.
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Typical hours
The pagoda is typically open from early morning until sunset. The best time to visit is around 5 PM when the light illuminates the golden spires.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the grounds, but not inside the main hall during meditation. Drones are not permitted without authorization to maintain the site's dignity.
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Time needed
A visit takes about 45 minutes to one hour to explore the grounds and viewing platform. If you want to see Mawlamyine town as well, allow half a day.
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Combine with
In Mawlamyine, visit the Kyaikami Yele Pagoda on a small island. The nearby Setse Beach is also worth a trip.
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Getting there
The pagoda is easily reached by taxi or motorbike taxi from Mawlamyine. It sits on a hill, so a short steep staircase leads to the entrance.
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Insider tip
Arrive just before sunset to capture the golden stupas in warm evening light. Bring water, as the climb up to the pagoda can be sweaty.

Geography

Coordinates
16.48170, 97.62580

Facts

  • Originally constructed in 875 AD by King Mutpi Raja.
  • Stands 150 feet tall, dominating the Mawlamyine skyline.
  • Famously mentioned in Rudyard Kipling's poem 'Mandalay'.
  • Offers a 360-degree view of the Salween River and city.
  • Features a large bell with inscriptions in three languages.
  • A key historical and religious site for the Mon people.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Kyauk Ka Lat PagodaKyauk Ka Lat Pagoda5 km · WExplore →
Saddan CaveSaddan Cave11 km · NExplore →
Belin Sugar MillBelin Sugar Mill45 km · SExplore →
Salween RiverSalween River52 km · WExplore →
Tanintharyi Nature ReserveTanintharyi Nature Reserve55 km · NEExplore →
Ma Yin GyiMa Yin Gyi55 km · NEExplore →
Mae Hong SonMae Hong Son57 km · NWExplore →
Kyaiktiyo PagodaKyaiktiyo Pagoda60 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Kyaik Than Lan Pagoda (11)

General Aung San Museum🏛 museum

Dedicated to the architect of modern Myanmar, this museum preserves the historical legacy and personal artifacts of General Aung San.

🕒 Mo-Su,PH 09:00-18:00

Mon Culture Center🏛 museum

This regional museum showcases the rich heritage of the Mon people, featuring traditional textiles, musical instruments, and ancient scripts.

Sukhaūrāma⛪ religious

This local place of worship serves the surrounding Myanmar neighborhood with its quiet prayer halls and traditional religious architecture.

Aung Chan Thar Bobogyi⛪ religious

Devotees frequent this local shrine to honor the guardian spirit Bobogyi, often leaving traditional offerings of bananas and coconuts.

Taung Nyo Pho Pho Gyi Shrine⛪ religious

Set against a hilly backdrop, this traditional shrine is dedicated to the revered local spirit entity known as Pho Pho Gyi.

Thiri Myine Market🎭 culture

This bustling local marketplace has a wide array of fresh produce, spices, and everyday goods to the residents of the Thiri Myine neighborhood.

Bo Gyoke Market🎭 culture

As a major commercial hub, this sprawling bazaar is lined with vendors selling intricate handicrafts, jade jewelry, and traditional garments.

Mu Du Market🎭 culture

Shoppers navigate the narrow aisles of this lively neighborhood market to find regional snacks and seasonal tropical fruits.

မူဆလင် ဗလီ📍 landmark

This local Muslim mosque gathers the faithful for daily prayers within its culturally rich, traditionally designed Islamic architecture.

Kyaik Dat Thoke Sandawshe Stupa📍 landmark

Believed to enshrine sacred hair relics of the Buddha, this significant stupa is a major center of religious pilgrimage in the area.

Kyaik Poet Stupa📍 landmark

Distinctive for its bell-shaped structure, this historic Buddhist stupa is regularly maintained by the devout local Mon community.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is the Kyaik-Than-Lan Pagoda famous?
It is the tallest pagoda in Mawlamyine with great views over the city.
How do you get there?
You can walk up the hill or take a taxi.
Is entry free?
Yes, visiting the pagoda is usually free.
When should you visit?
Late afternoon for the best sunset view.
Do you need to cover your shoulders?
Yes, appropriate clothing covering shoulders and knees is mandatory.
Kyaik Than Lan Pagoda: where is it located?
Kyaik Than Lan Pagoda is located in Myanmar (Burma).
Kyaik Than Lan Pagoda: what is there to see?
Highlights include General Aung San Museum, Mon Culture Center, Sukhaūrāma.
Kyaik Than Lan Pagoda: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Kyaik Than Lan Pagoda: why is it worth visiting?
Kyaik Than Lan Pagoda is the most prominent landmark of Mawlamyine, perched on a scenic ridge overlooking the city and the Salween River.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Kyauk Ka Lat Pagoda — Kyaik Than Lan Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
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A tiny golden pagoda spectacularly built on top of a narrow, steep limestone spire.
Taung Kwe Pagoda — Kyaik Than Lan Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
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The landmark of Loikaw, consisting of several golden stupas distributed on rugged limestone peaks.

Nature

Salween River — Kyaik Than Lan Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
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One of Asia's longest free-flowing rivers, cutting through deep gorges in eastern Myanmar.

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Saddan Cave — Kyaik Than Lan Pagoda (Myanmar (Burma))
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Kyaiktiyo Pagoda
Better known as the Golden Rock, this small pagoda is built on a gold-leafed granite boulder balanced precariously on a cliff edge.
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