The number of foreign tourists visiting Botahtaung Kyaik De Att Pagoda, one of the most well-known pagodas and prominent tourist destinations in Yangon, has risen about triple over 11 months of the year compared to the whole last year, said U Htay Oo, the rotating patron of the pagoda’s board of trustees.
Over 11 months from January to November this year, more than 20000 foreign tourists from 28 countries visited the pagoda, he said.
“We are delighted that the arrival of foreign visitors has surged about three times over 11 months of the year compared to the whole year of 2023,” he said.
Among foreigners, the majority of visitors are from Thailand, Vietnam and Russia, he said.
Just more than 5000 foreigners visited the pagoda last year.
Admission fee was previously charged K10000 per foreigner, but was recently increased by K5000 with effect from 1 December.
The number of local visitors ranges from a few thousands to tens of thousands per day. –MT/ZS
