Unexpectedly Awesome Attractions in Taikkyi

Forget the crowded downtown parks of Yangon for a moment to cope with the suffocating days of the big city. Taikkyi, a small township in Yangon Region, is also a tourist destination full of attractions such as lush green forests, wildlife sanctuary, historical pagodas and waterfalls.

Even though it is located in Yangon Region, it has less urban style and can give you the feeling of being in a new area.

All About Taikkyi Town

It has been noted as one of the main source of drinking water in Yangon. Located in the far north of Yangon, the city is made up of eight wards. During the colonial period, Taikkyi was an insignificant village in Hantharwady District. Still, in 1877 it became a station village on the Yangon-Pyay Railway and is now part of the Northern District of Yangon Region.

On 29 December 1908, Taikkyi was declared as a town. Therefore, on 29 December 2020, it will be 112 years since it became as a town.

Attractions in Taikkyi

For those who want to travel near Yangon, there are various places to visit around the town. Even though it is located in Yangon Region, it has less urban style and can give you the feeling of being in a new area.

Kyeik Pun Thar Lun Pagoda

Kyaik Pun Thar Lun Pagoda, which is very busy during the pagoda festival (Ta Paung La), is said to be a historical pagoda. It is said to have been built in 1410 by the Mon MP Banya Kyantaw. To get to this pagoda, take a short walk from the Toll Gate at the entrance to Taikkyi, and you will see the Targwa-Tarsone junction on the left side of the road.

That road is the Targwa-Thayet Chaung road that extends to Thayet Chaung. It is a concrete road between villages with nice fields along the road. Kyaik Pun Thar Lun Pagoda is located in Thitsu Village. It is visible from the right side of the road. At the back of the pagoda, you can also visit the tomb of the former chief monk.

Min Kyaung (King's Monastery)

On Yangon-Pyay Road, you can also visit Min Kyaung on the left side of the road. Inside, you can still see an ancient monastery. You can see Aung Myay Bon San Htut Phone Thar Khaung Yan Myo Aung Pagoda and Shwe Thar Laung Pagoda inside at the entrance.

The ancient monastery inside is more than a hundred years old, and the Department of archaeology has identified the site as an archaeological site.

Taikkyi Goldfish pond

Tourists are drawn to the Goldfish pond in Taikkyi, which was said to have moved to a bigger lake due to an unexpected increase in the number of fish. Feeding a colourful clustered goldfish can be quite daunting

The pond is on the road to the cemetery behind the Nirvana Free Funeral Service Association building. The car can be parked in that compound. There are vendors who sell fish foods. You have to pay 1000 kyats for 4 small bottles, which is a good amount to feed, and some people buy by the sack.

Gyo Phyu Reservoir

Some also visit Gyo Phyu Reservoir, which was excavated between 1938 and 1939 and completed in 1940 to supply millions of gallons of water to Yangon daily. In fact, outsiders are not usually allowed to enter. It is said that security is tighter during the COVID-29 period. But for a variety of reasons, some can visit. Although it is not easily accessible to the public, there are places to visit along the way to the reservoir.

The water pipes are also very dignified, so if you find the scenery along the way is beautiful, you can take a souvenir photo with big water pipes.

Phoo Gyi Lake

It takes quite a long time to go to Phoo Gyi Lake from Taikkyi. Like the Gyo Phyu Reservoir. Although Phoo Gyi Lake is in a restricted area, some are allowed to visit.

Aphoe Kyaung (Grandfather Monastery)

One of the must-see places during the visit to Gyo Phyu Reservoir is Aphoe Kyaung, where pagodas and temples, ponds and Buddhist life stories can be seen in the vest area.

You can even take a day to visit this monastery.

As soon as you enter the temple grounds and turn left, you will first see a very beautiful pagoda and the statue of a saint.

You can explore the inside and outside of the pagoda and visit the upper part of the pagoda. Behind the pagoda is a two-story tower, from there, you can fully see the pagoda. Inside the pagoda, you can see statues carved with real gems locked with glass doors. You will also see a statue of the former chief monk as well as the relics of the saints.

There is also a fish pond in the monastery where you can feed the fishes. Since the area is quite large, you can walk around from one place to another. It is carefully designed for children and young people to learn about the Buddha’s life stories and teachings. You can also see a replica of the Sagaing Kaung Hmu Taw pagoda, as well as a statue of the Kamarkura in Japan.

Moreover, Thamee Taw Myar pagoda, Khin Pon Gyi Sal Par pagoda, Amyo Khaw Oh Paw pagoda and Sal Taung pagoda can be seen in the compound. The sizes and shapes of Buddha statues are different, and so it is sure you will have a certain feeling like travelling to the far-flung areas.

Gone Lin Taung Monastery

There is a road signboard to Gone Lin Taung on the way to Gyo Phyu reservoir. If you climb up the hill from the small lane, you can enjoy the nature of forest and motions. There are monastery, giant Bo Min Khaung statues and Buddha statues at the top of the mountain. I reached the summit by motorbike.

Three-layer waterfall (Gone Lin Taung)

After 10 minutes ride, you will reach at Three-layer waterfall. It is not a very high waterfall. Although there is high water volume in the rainy season, the amount becomes lesser in winter and summer. It is such a nice recreation place for the local residents. It is not convenient for the vehicles. The road is not wide enough for two cars. There is also cliff. Therefore, walking is the best to get there. If you cannot walk, you can hire motorcycles at K5,000 for a round trip. Although it is not a fair price, you should support the residents. You have to go down to reach the waterfall. There is a small shop and you can order food. The road to waterfall is slippery when it rains. You can slip and fall even this season. The waste issue becomes worse. The visitors easily throw their waste. They even throw the masks which are new waste. If the shop owners and motorcycle taxi drivers collectively collect the garbage or put the dustbins, the environment will be better than before. The visitors also should keep their waste or throw into the dustbins.

Myaing Hay Wun Elephant Camp

The people can feed or ride the elephants at the Myaing Hay Wun Elephant Camp located at Phalone village of Taikkyi. I once wrote about this place in details. The place has its attractions as it does not have perfect facility. It is located near the forest. You can stay at the natural building and enjoy the village style food. The visitors can study the nature of clever elephants and have a talk about the life of mahouts or elephant caretakers. If so, you can have proper knowledge regarding with the relation between the mahouts and elephants including their skills in training and experience with wild elephants. There is also a housing for mahouts and also a dining dormitory. You can have breakfast, lunch and dinner there. The dormitory can accommodate about 12 people. There are more than 30 elephants including newly born elephants and over 60-years old. It will take about 30 minutes from Phalone to the camp. The 4X4 Drive vehicles are more convenient for this road. The motorcycle taxi fare is about K5,000.

Maha Myat Muni Pagoda and Myanmar Aye Pagoda

Taikkyi Maha Myat Muni Buddha image located along Yangon-Pyay road is supposed to be similar with Mandalay Maha Myat Muni Buddha image. There are also nat shrine and thaik shrines. The stairway is more than hundreds of years. Now, the stairway is renovated.

Taikkyi Myoma market

The market is big and very alive. It is crowed with buyers and food vendors especially in the early morning.

Taikkyi Ang Gong Chinese Temple

You will see Ang Gong Chinese Temple near the Myoma market. It is famous among the visitors from Yangon. The temple was closed when I reached there.

Pyi Lone Chan Thar Pagoda

Pyi Lone Chan Thar Pagoda is located in the opposite side of the Chinese temple. The pagoda is put in the glass case and the Enlightened Buddha images are curved on the ceilings and walls.

Pan Ta Pwint Taung Monastery

Pan Ta Pwin Taung located between Taikkyi and Hmawbi is famous until now. Although there are monastery and school, the people pay a visit to the pagoda on the mountain. The pagoda is located on the mountain and so the Yangonites will enjoy such mountaineering. The mountain is not too high and the scene from the mountain is very picturesque. You can also enjoy the beauty of river, greenish view and rubber tree forest. It will take about 45minutes form the Toll Gate of Taikkyi. You can also see the gardens along the way. The road is not rough. It will take you a little longer to Pan Ta Pwint Taung.

You can also pay a visit to Pyi Lone Chantha Moe Kaung pagoda, Hman Pya Taung and Myinmo Taung near Shwe Nyaung Pin village.

How to get there

You can go to Taikkyi by your own car or taxi. You can also get car rental service like Gold Tripper via 09-421085898. I also made a trip with Gold Tripper.

Those who are tiring of living in the Yangon cities can make a short day trip to Taikkyi.

May all you have a safe trip!

Thiha Lu Lin (Thiha, the Traveller) Photo :: Min Hsann, Thiha Lu Lin Camera :: SONY Alpha 7II with 16 - 35mm Lens + Other Camera Photos are modified in Lightroom by Thiha Lu Lin Translated by Ei Phyu Phyu Aung, Khine Thazin Han.