One-day trips are being arranged for local and foreign travellers keen on exploring the cultural heritage of Pwintbyu and Saku townships in Magway Region, said Daw San San Myint, the trip coordinator from My Apex Tour Company, Magway Region.

“Although there are many Bagan-style buildings in Magway Region, few local travellers visit the region. Therefore, we are making arrangements for one-day trips for local and foreign travellers so they can visit Yokesoan Kyaungs in Saku and Pwintbyu townships, and observe the unique traditional hairstyle, known as sayitwaine, worn by young girls in Yayboatgyi Village of Pwintbyu Township. Currently, the trip plan is being drawn by My Apex Tour Company in Magway Region with the help of with Yangon tour companies. The tour companies will initially visit the regions to include them in their trip plans. I will be responsible for drawing the trip plans and explaining the historical background of places covered by the trip,” she added.

“Although local and foreign travellers are visiting Magway Region, they are not aware of the Saku Yokesone Kyaung in our village. After an attempt was made by local residents a year ago, some local and foreign travellers as well as experts have begun visiting the Saku Yokesone Kyaung. And what is more, the local residents are now planning to form a Cultural Heritage Conservation Committee,” said U Zaw Myo Oo, a local resident from Saku Township.

The wooden Saku Yokesone Kyaung was constructed during the Yadanarbon period. It was renovated with 172 wooden pillars. The Hmankin Yokesoan Kyaung was constructed in 1242 ME by U Sai and Daw Ngwe. The structure includes 136 wooden pillars and three brick steps.—Min Htet Aung (Man Sub-printing house) 

(Translated by Hay Mar)