Kyaikkhami Yele Pagoda
Mon
Kyaikkhami Yele Pagoda is a remarkable Buddhist shrine located on the coast of Kyaikkhami town in Mon State, Myanmar. This pagoda is uniquely constructed over the sea, resting on natural ocean reefs, connected to the shore by a corridor. It is a significant religious site for the local Mon Buddhist community and draws numerous pilgrims, especially during festivals when donations are made over the rising sea tides. The pagoda's seaside setting offers a picturesque and serene atmosphere, blending spiritual reverence with natural beauty. Kyaikkhami itself is a historic town with a rich cultural heritage, once a British colonial administrative center known as Amherst. The town retains a vibrant Thai community and is known for its colonial-era architecture and the grave of Ann Hasseltine Judson, a pioneering American missionary. The pagoda symbolizes the deep-rooted Buddhist traditions of the Mon people and serves as a focal point for cultural and religious activities in the region.
Plan your trip to Myanmar (Burma) with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: The best time to visit Kyaikkhami Yele Pagoda is during local festivals when the sea tides rise, creating a unique setting for donation ceremonies. Visitors should consider arriving early to experience the peaceful morning light and avoid the midday heat. It is advisable to check local schedules for festival dates and to purchase any entrance tickets or permits in advance if required. Modest dress is recommended as the site is a place of worship. Discounts may be available for groups or local residents, so inquire locally. The pagoda is accessible via a corridor from the beach, so comfortable footwear is recommended for the walk over the reefs.
Interesting facts
- •Kyaikkhami Yele Pagoda is uniquely built on natural ocean reefs, making it a rare example of a sea pagoda.
- •Ann Hasseltine Judson, one of the first female American foreign missionaries, lived and died in Kyaikkhami; her grave remains in the town.
- •The town of Kyaikkhami was formerly known as Amherst during British colonial rule, named after William Amherst.
- •Kyaikkhami recorded the highest January rainfall in 30 years on 14 January 2012, with 75 millimeters in 24 hours.
History
Kyaikkhami town, originally a Mon settlement, was likely a vassal state of the Ayutthaya Kingdom in Thailand and was known as Chiang Kran or Chiang Tran.
It came under Burmese control before the First Anglo-Burmese War.
The British founded modern Kyaikkhami after annexing the Tenasserim coast, renaming it Amherst after Governor-General William Amherst.
The town served briefly as the district capital and British administrative center before the seat moved to Moulmein.
Kyaikkhami was home to Anglo-Burmese families and notable figures such as Ann Hasseltine Judson, an early American missionary who contributed significantly to education and Protestantism in the region.
The pagoda itself has become a cultural landmark tied closely to the town's Buddhist Mon heritage.
Place Guide
Kyaikkhami Yele Pagoda
A pagoda constructed on the sea using natural ocean reefs as foundation, connected to the beach by a corridor. It is the focal point for Buddhist worship and local festivals involving offerings over the sea tides.
Ann Hasseltine Judson's Grave1826
The burial site of Ann Hasseltine Judson, an early American missionary credited with translating Protestant scriptures into Thai and pioneering missionary education in Myanmar.
