Ko Mauk sunset viewing platform opens in Bagan

Tourists waiting to see the sunset from the top of Shwesandaw Pagoda in Bagan.

Yangon February 21 

Ko Mauk sunset viewing platform, one of the five sites being implemented for sunset viewers in Bagan, was opend as from 18 February, according to the NyaungU Genernal Administration Office.

“Ten-ft Ko Mauk Bank was raised from 10 feet to 17 feet under two steps at a cost of over Ks-50 million,” said U Soe Tint, general administrator of NyaungU District.

As using ancient pagodas as sunset viewing spots for local and foreign visitors can damage the invaluable heritages, region government has been creating man-made higher grounds for this purpose. 

“To reduce the sunset viewers atop the pagodas, free-of-charge sunset viewing platforms have been being built at east O Htain Taung, west O Htain Taung, Nyaung Lat Phat Lake, Thuhtay Lake  and Ko Mauk Lake. At present, the construction process at Ko Mauk Lake has been finished and it was opened for the local and foreign visitors,” said U Soe Tint.

“Our main purpose is to reduce sunset viewing upon the pagodas. After the construction processes are finished, we will make discussions whether the visitors will be allowed to view sunset upon pagodas or not,” he added. As driving of motor vehicles near the pagodas in Bagan can damage the ancient monuments and generate traffic congestion during the tour season, officials are planning to build separate parking spaces at five pagodas, according to the NyaungU District Administration Office.

“After the parking places are built, car driving near or around pagodas will be banned,” said U Soe Tint.

The Myawady Daily