Sunset
Over river and islands.
joinai — CC BY 3.0 · joinai — CC BY 3.0 · joinai — CC BY 3.0 · joinai — CC BY 3.0 · joinai — CC BY 3.0
Kyaikthanlan Pagoda is the tallest pagoda in Mawlamyine in Mon State, rising 46 metres on a ridge of hills above the city. From its high position you see the city, the nearby islands, the Gulf of Martaban, the rivers and the limestone mountains of Kayin State to the east. It was built in 875 under a Mon king, at first 17 metres tall, and later kings raised it to its present height. A Burmese general repaired it in 1764 without finishing the work, and the townspeople restored it in 1831 with money they raised. The English poet Rudyard Kipling is believed to have written a line of his well-known poem about Mandalay here. You reach the terrace by lift or stairs, then walk around the golden stupa among colourful shrines and decorated pillars. The best moment is sunset, when the sun goes down over the river and islands and the stupa then lights up above the city. Hpa-An is about 45 km away in a straight line. Visitors go barefoot, so wear clothes covering your shoulders and knees. The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to this area, and roads and flights may be cut, so read the current advice before you plan.
Over river and islands.
Lit at night.
Colour and detail.
Ridge above Mawlamyine, Mon State, Myanmar
Yes, and you can also take the stairs.
Before sunset, for the view and the lights.