The number of pilgrims visiting Kyaiktiyo Pagoda in Kyaikto Township, Mon State, has increased again, with more than 1.4 million local and foreign visitors recorded during the 2025–2026 pagoda festival season, according to the pagoda board of trustees.
Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, which usually receives hundreds of thousands of pilgrims each year, saw a decline in visitors following the COVID-19 pandemic. Visitor numbers dropped even further after the military coup.
After the coup, armed clashes frequently occurred in and around the Kyaiktiyo area, contributing to the sharp decline in pilgrim arrivals.
However, members of the pagoda board and local residents said pilgrims have gradually returned to the Kyaiktiyo area since 2023.
The annual Kyaiktiyo Pagoda festival is traditionally held from the full moon day of Thadingyut to the full moon day of Kason.
Although the festival season has now ended, pilgrims continue to visit the pagoda daily, according to U San Lin Aung, deputy office chief of the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda platform station.
“Even during the rainy season, pilgrims continue to visit regularly, although the number is slightly lower. Arrangements are being made for accommodation, food, and healthcare services for pilgrims who visit Kyaiktiyo during the rainy season,” he said.
Local residents said the return of pilgrims has also improved job opportunities for restaurant businesses, accommodation services, and porters at Kinmun base camp, the mountain platform area, and Moksobo Taung camp.
“During this year’s pagoda festival season, especially during school holidays and public holidays, many pilgrims returned. As a result, local people have seen better employment opportunities again,” a Kyaiktiyo resident said.
According to the pagoda board of trustees, Kyaiktiyo Pagoda usually receives around three million pilgrims annually during normal periods.
