Kyaukse Town has a history spanning thousands of years. Originally a fertile agricultural area settled by the Mon and Burmese peoples from around the 8th to 9th centuries, it was incorporated into the Pagan Kingdom by King Anawrahta in the 11th century. The city is considered the "cradle of rice in the Pagan Kingdom" due to its ingeniously designed irrigation system of reservoirs and tributaries that supplied water to the vast farmlands surrounding the city.

Local legend states that King Anawrahta built the Shwethalyaung Pagoda after discovering a golden Buddha statue, which had been led to the site by a sacred elephant. This act of worship and gratitude to his beloved elephant led to the creation of the elephant dance, which later became a renowned city festival throughout the country.

During the Pagan Kingdom and into Mandalay, Kyaukse was one of Myanmar's most important agricultural and rice trading centers. Today, extensive fields of corn, beans, sesame, and local rice varieties remain, and locals continue to utilize the centuries-old water system.

In terms of arts and culture, the city is known as the "City of the Rice of the World." The city is known as the "Sacred Elephant" because during the annual Thadingyut Festival, locals build large elephant puppets out of bamboo and cloth and compete in exciting elephant dances. This is considered a way of paying homage to King Anawrahta and the city's sacred spirits. The elephant dance is a nationally registered intangible cultural heritage.

Besides temples and pagodas, Kyaukse is also home to bustling local markets, such as Kyaukse Central Market, where visitors can purchase local products such as handwoven fabrics, carved wood ornaments, and traditional local dishes such as Burmese chicken curry (Kyet Thar Hin) and steamed rice with peanut chili paste.

You can also visit the ancient city of Tamote Village, less than 10 kilometers away, home to important historical sites such as the Tamote Shwegugyi Pagoda, which boasts over 700-year-old murals.

The climate of Kyaukse is a tropical dry zone, with extremely hot summers from March to May, reaching temperatures exceeding 40°C, and rainy seasons from June to September.

• You can travel by train or bus from Mandalay (about 1 hour) or fly into Mandalay International Airport (MDL) and then drive.

• The best time to visit is from October to February, when the weather is cool and the Elephant Dance Festival is held.

• Dress appropriately when visiting pagodas and temples.

• If you're visiting the Elephant Festival, book your accommodation in advance, as it attracts a large number of both domestic and international tourists.

• Try local food and visit the morning market to experience authentic Burmese life.

Admission Fees:

• Enter the city and enjoy the festival for free.

Opening Hours:

• Open daily.

• The Dancing Elephant Festival is held annually during the Thadingyut month (around October).