Kyauktaw is a town in northern Rakhine State, in the westernmost part of Myanmar. The famous Mahamuni Buddha image was originally situated near Kyauktaw, in the ruins of the old city of Dhanyawadi. The town was captured by the Arakan Army around 12 February 2024 from the Tatmadaw during the Myanmar Civil War.

Location

Kyauktaw is situated 65 mi from the north of Sittwe, the capital city of Rakhine State. It is located approximately between latitudes 20° 37' north and 21° 11' north and longitudes 92° 50' east and 93° 88' east from the north of Kaladan River. The Kispanadi Bridge is located at the entrance to Kyauktaw, traversing the Kaladan River.

Area

The area of Kyauktaw Township is nearly 675.55 sqmi. Kyauktaw is bordered by Mrauk U, around 27 mi from the east, Buthidaung, around 30 mi from the west, Ponnagyun, 45 mi from the south and Pallawa Township of Chin State, around 40 mi from the north. It stretches 19 mi from east to west and 35 mi from north to south.

Rivers

Climate

Kyauktaw has three seasons; the monsoon or rainy season is from May to October; the cool season or winter from November to February and the hot season or summer from March to May. The average temperature range during the summer is from 32 to 40 °C. The average rainfall range during the rainy season is from 431 to 482 centimeters. There was a flood in July 2011.

Economy

Kyauktaw has many sugar mills and sugarcane plantations.

Religious buildings