Kyaikmaraw is a town in the Mon State of south-east Myanmar, 4 km southeast of Mawlamyine.

Etymology

"Kyaikmaraw" derives from the Mon language term "Kyaikparo", which means "prominent Buddha."

History

Inscriptions from 1455 in Kyaikmaraw records the dedication of land to a shrine by Shin Sawbu, then Queen of Pegu, and is the earliest dated inscription of Middle Mon. In 2024, Kyaikmaraw was hit by artillery barrages and air raids, which resulted in the injury of 2 people.

Attractions

Kyaikmaraw Paya, a huge Buddha image sitting in the "westerner manner" is a major tourist site in town. It was built in 1455 by Queen Shin Saw Pu, the only female ruler in the history of Myanmar.

Notable people