DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Kakku Pagodas

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
historical-site
—°3
Kakku Pagodas (Myanmar (Burma))

Weather…

The Kakku Pagodas in Southern Shan State are a mesmerizing ensemble of over 2400 stupas located deep within the territory of the Pa-O people. The origins of the site date back to the 12th century, with legend attributing the initial construction to King Alaungsithu of Bagan. However, most of the structures seen today were built during the 17th and 18th centuries, showcasing a unique blend of Shan and Bagan architectural styles. The pagodas stand in extremely dense rows across a relatively small area, creating a forest of spires whose bells tinkle in the wind. Each stupa is adorned with intricate stucco carvings depicting floral motifs, mythological creatures, and Buddhist symbols. After decades of neglect, the complex underwent a major restoration in 2001 and was opened to the public. Every year in March, the Kakku Pagoda Festival takes place, drawing thousands of Pa-O people in their traditional black attire to celebrate their religious and cultural heritage.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C171922252423232223222018
Rain mm11272487891201309083208

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The Kakku Pagodas are an active religious site and can be visited for a small entrance fee. Visitors can walk freely among the thousands of stupas, but must dress respectfully.
🕒
Typical hours
The site is typically open from sunrise to sunset. On major Buddhist holidays, access for tourists may be restricted.
📷
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the site, but not inside prayer halls. Drones are forbidden without special permission; respect the tranquility of the place.
⏱️
Time needed
Allow about one to two hours for walking among the stupas. Those wanting to enjoy the surrounding landscape can easily spend half a day here.
➕
Combine with
Kakku is about one hour south of Inle Lake, a convenient combination. The pagodas of Taunggyi are also worth a day trip.
🧭
Getting there
Kakku is best reached by taxi or organised tour from Inle Lake or Taunggyi. The road is partly unpaved; a 4x4 vehicle is recommended.
💡
Insider tip
Visit Kakku early in the morning to see the stupas in soft light without crowds. Bring socks as you must remove your shoes at the entrance.

Geography

Coordinates
20.61860, 97.08690

Facts

  • The ensemble consists of exactly 2,478 individual pagodas.
  • The earliest structures at the site date back to the 12th century.
  • Most current stupas were built between the years 1600 and 1800.
  • The complex was opened to the public in 2001 following restoration.
  • The pagodas are arranged in parallel rows over a 1 km² area.
  • Kakku serves as the primary religious center for the Pa-O people.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

TaunggyiTaunggyi6 km · SExplore →
Aythaya VineyardAythaya Vineyard12 km · SExplore →
Red Mountain Estate VineyardsRed Mountain Estate Vineyards15 km · SExplore →
Inle LakeInle Lake17 km · SExplore →
LoikawLoikaw18 km · NEExplore →
Inle Lake Floating GardensInle Lake Floating Gardens19 km · SExplore →
Phaung Daw Oo PagodaPhaung Daw Oo Pagoda22 km · SExplore →
Gokteik ViaductGokteik Viaduct34 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Kakku Pagodas (3)

monastery📍 landmark

This Buddhist monastery is part of the extensive historic religious complex surrounding the ancient Kakku pagodas.

pagoda📍 landmark

One of the many ancient Buddhist stupas forming the visually striking and historic Kakku pagoda complex.

Cow Market🎭 culture

A traditional rural marketplace near the historic Kakku pagodas, bustling with livestock trading and local commerce.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is special about Kakku?
Over 2,000 small stupas standing closely together in one area.
Where are the pagodas located?
Near Taunggyi, in the Shan State.
Do I need a guide?
Yes, a local guide is often mandatory for entry.
Is the travel difficult?
Yes, the roads are winding, plan for enough time.
When is the best time to visit?
In the dry season from November to February.
Kakku Pagodas: where is it located?
Kakku Pagodas is located in Myanmar (Burma).
Kakku Pagodas: what is there to see?
Highlights include monastery, pagoda, Cow Market.
Kakku Pagodas: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.
Kakku Pagodas: why is it worth visiting?
The Kakku Pagodas in Southern Shan State are a mesmerizing ensemble of over 2400 stupas located deep within the territory of the Pa-O people.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Asia
More places in Myanmar (Burma) →

Nearby cities

Muse — Kakku Pagodas (Myanmar (Burma))
Muse
An important border town in northern Shan State, characterized by heavy trade with China.
Taunggyi — Kakku Pagodas (Myanmar (Burma))
Taunggyi
The capital of Shan State, located on a ridge and known for its cool climate.
Lashio — Kakku Pagodas (Myanmar (Burma))
Lashio
The largest town in northern Shan State and an important trading center near the Chinese border.
Putao — Kakku Pagodas (Myanmar (Burma))
Putao
A remote gateway to the Eastern Himalayas, famous for trekking, snow-capped peaks, and rare biodiversity.
Hsipaw — Kakku Pagodas (Myanmar (Burma))
Hsipaw
A relaxed town in the Shan highlands, famous for trekking to ethnic hill villages and its historic Shan Palace.
Kengtung — Kakku Pagodas (Myanmar (Burma))
Kengtung
A picturesque town in eastern Shan State, known for its traditional architecture and ethnic diversity.

History & landmarks

Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda — Kakku Pagodas (Myanmar (Burma))
Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda
The most important sanctuary on Inle Lake, housing five small Buddha statues covered in gold leaf beyond recognition.

Nature

Inle Lake — Kakku Pagodas (Myanmar (Burma))
Inle Lake
A famous freshwater lake in Shan State, known for its floating villages and one-legged rowers.
Salween River — Kakku Pagodas (Myanmar (Burma))
Salween River
One of Asia's longest free-flowing rivers, cutting through deep gorges in eastern Myanmar.

More places

Inle Lake Floating Gardens — Kakku Pagodas (Myanmar (Burma))
Inle Lake Floating Gardens
Unique agricultural areas on Inle Lake where farmers grow tomatoes and other vegetables on floating islands.
Gokteik Viaduct — Kakku Pagodas (Myanmar (Burma))
Gokteik Viaduct
An impressive railway bridge from the British colonial era that crosses a deep gorge in Shan State.
Tigyit Coal Power Plant — Kakku Pagodas (Myanmar (Burma))
Tigyit Coal Power Plant
Myanmar's largest coal-fired power plant, located in southern Shan State, providing energy but often facing criticism for pollution.
Pindaya Caves — Kakku Pagodas (Myanmar (Burma))
Pindaya Caves
A major pilgrimage site featuring an extensive limestone cave system that houses thousands of Buddha statues.
Shweli 1 Hydropower Station — Kakku Pagodas (Myanmar (Burma))
Shweli 1 Hydropower Station
A large hydropower project on the Shweli River in Shan State, contributing to the energy supply of both Myanmar and neighboring Chinese p…
Shan Hills — Kakku Pagodas (Myanmar (Burma))
Shan Hills
A vast mountainous plateau that forms the eastern part of Myanmar, known for its deep gorges and distinct ethnic diversity.
🗺️
105 Mile Trade Zone
The largest and most important border crossing station on the border with China near Muse, handling the bulk of bilateral trade.
Loi Pangnao — Kakku Pagodas (Myanmar (Burma))
Loi Pangnao
One of the ultra-prominent peaks in the Shan Hills, distinguished by its impressive elevation and surrounding highland ecology.