Thanbyuzayat World War II Cemetery: A Reflective Tribute
Discover the Thanbyuzayat World War II Cemetery, a poignant tribute to history and sacrifice in Myanmar, inviting reflection and remembrance.
A brief summary to Thanbyuzayat World War II Cemetery(သုသာန်ပၞာန်)
- XPF9+39V, Thanbyuzayat, MM
- +959960993634
- Monday 7 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 7 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 7 am-5 pm
- Thursday 7 am-5 pm
- Friday 7 am-5 pm
- Saturday 7 am-5 pm
- Sunday 7 am-5 pm
The Thanbyuzayat World War II Cemetery is a significant historical site located in Myanmar, dedicated to the memory of Allied prisoners of war who perished during the construction of the infamous Burma Railway. This solemn site is not only a cemetery but also a place of reflection, peace, and respect. Visitors can wander through the well-maintained grounds, where rows of white headstones stand in stark contrast to the lush greenery surrounding them, each marking a life lost in the throes of war. The serene atmosphere allows for quiet contemplation, making it an important stop for those interested in history and remembrance. Beyond its somber purpose, the cemetery also serves as an educational resource, with plaques detailing the history of the railway and the sacrifices made by many. Guided tours are available, providing deeper insights into the events that unfolded during this tumultuous period. The site is open daily from 7 AM to 5 PM, allowing ample time for visitors to explore and pay their respects. As you stroll through the peaceful paths, take a moment to reflect on the resilience of the human spirit amidst tragedy and loss. For tourists, the Thanbyuzayat World War II Cemetery is more than a historical landmark; it is a poignant reminder of the past and a place that encourages dialogue about peace and reconciliation. It is an essential visit for anyone looking to understand the complexities of history and honor those who have contributed to it. Whether seeking solace or simply wanting to learn more about the region's wartime history, this cemetery offers a unique experience that resonates deeply with its visitors.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning for a quieter experience and cooler temperatures.
- Consider bringing a guidebook or using a guided tour for deeper historical context.
- Respect the solemnity of the site; maintain a quiet demeanor while exploring.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be walking on well-maintained paths.
- Take your time to read the inscriptions on the headstones for personal stories of the fallen.
Getting There
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Car
If you are traveling by car, start from Mawlamyine, the nearest major city. Head northwest on the A1 highway, which is well-marked. After approximately 30 kilometers, take the exit toward Thanbyuzayat. Once in Thanbyuzayat, follow the signs towards the cemetery. The exact location is XPF9+39V, which you can input into your GPS for precise navigation. There is no entry fee for the cemetery.
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Public Transportation
To reach Thanbyuzayat using public transportation, take a bus from Mawlamyine to Thanbyuzayat. Buses depart regularly from the Mawlamyine bus station, and the fare is typically around 1,000 MMK (Myanmar Kyat). The journey takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Once you arrive in Thanbyuzayat, you can either walk to the cemetery, which is about a 15-minute walk from the bus stop, or hire a local taxi or motorbike for a small fee to take you directly to XPF9+39V.
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Taxi or Ride-Hailing Service
If you prefer a more direct route, consider using a taxi or a ride-hailing service like Grab. You can request a ride from any location in Mawlamyine or nearby areas directly to the Thanbyuzayat World War II Cemetery. The fare will vary based on your starting point, but expect to pay around 15,000 MMK to 20,000 MMK for a one-way trip. This is a convenient option if you are traveling in a group or want to avoid the hassle of public transport.
Attractions Nearby to Thanbyuzayat World War II Cemetery(သုသာန်ပၞာန်)
- Death Railway Museum (သေမင်းတမန်မီးရထားလမ်းပြတိုက်)
- Bingalan Waterfall ဍာ်လ္ဂေါဝ်ဘၚ်စိၚ် ဗေန်ဂလာန်
- SET SAE Beach (ပြၚ်ၜဳသက်သာဲ)
- KAW PA LYNကော့ပရံကျေးရွာ
- ကျာ်ဘၚ်ဇၞော် Kan Gyi Pagoda
- Win Sein Taw Ya (Buddha)
- Pa-Auk Forest Monastery
- Bilu Island
- Sea of Clouds (View Point)
- Mawlamyine Viewpoint
- Mon Cultural Museum
- Kyaik Tha Lan Pagoda
- Kyaikthanlan Pagoda
- Thanlwin Bridge (Mawlamyine)
- Zin Kyaik Waterfall