Tourist surge expected at Mawtinsun Pagoda Festival; Fast ferries to run daily on Taboung Full Moon

The Buddha Pujaniya festival of the Santawshin Myat Mawtinsun Pagoda, located in the southwestern coastline of Myanmar, is being held and expected to be crowded on public holidays and on the Full Moon Day of Taboung. The fast speed boat service from Pathein is also available daily, according to the Ayeyawady Region Directorate of Hotels and Tourism.
The pagoda festival is being held from 16 February until the full moon day of Taboung on 2 March. Besides the express operating from Mandalay, Nay Pyi Taw, and Yangon, visitors from upland areas are travelling directly to Mawtinsun by car. From Pathein Port, high-speed boats are transporting passengers to Khamaukmaw Port. From there, travellers take vehicles to the Mawtinsun Pagoda and nearby beaches for recreation. The Ayeyawady Region government, the Directorate of Hotels and Tourism, and relevant departments are working together to ensure smooth and convenient travel for visitors.
“During the travel season of Ayeyawady Region, both domestic and foreign travellers are arriving. Visitors have been coming to the Mawtinsun Pagoda Festival since the third week of February. The full moon day of Tabaung is the busiest day of the festival. During this period, travellers are coming by car and by high-speed boats from Pathein Port. They can also relax at the nearby Ngwehsaung Beach and Kyauk Kalap. We warmly invite visitors to come during the public holidays,” said U Aung Thu Oo, Director of the Ayeyawady Region Directorate of Hotels and Tourism.
The visitors can pay homage to Mawtinsun pagoda, and also visit Ngwetaung beach, Kha Mauk Maw beach, Hainggyikyun, Zee Chaing village and Kyauk Kalap. The area is expected to be crowded with travellers on the public holidays of 21 and 22 February, and especially during the three-day holiday from 28 February to 2 March. These days are expected to see the highest number of visitors during the Ayeyarwady Region’s travel season, creating significant economic opportunities for the residents.
“The fast ferries are operating from Pathein Port for the people to be able to pay homage to Mawtinsun pagoda. Every evening, seven to eight boats depart from Pathein to Mawtinsun. Travellers can make their pilgrimage peacefully and also relax at the beach. With supervision and support from the regional government and relevant organizations, visitors can travel comfortably and safely. We are pleased that all travellers can gain merit through pilgrimage while also enjoying relaxation,” said U Kyaw Htwe, in charge of Pathein Thu (7) boat service.
The fast ferry services are mainly operated by the Pathein Thu Group and the Shwe Sin Kyal Group, along with other operators. The boats offer double, triple, and four-bed cabins, including standard rooms, fan rooms, and air-conditioned rooms, with fares ranging from K12,000 to K40,000 or K50,000 per person. Boats typically depart at 6 pm and arrive at about 1:30 am. When there is heavy fog, arrival at Kha Mauk Maw Port is at 4 or 5 am. — Thitsa (MNA)/KTZH

gnlm