Authorities plan to allow foreigners to visit Zalon Taung Pagoda

Authorities plan to allow foreigners to visit Zalon Taung Pagoda
Published 20 November 2018
Ma Pe Nyein

Authorities are planning to allow foreigners to visit Zalon Taung Pagoda in Banmauk Township in Sagaing Region, sources said.

Although the number of local pilgrims in Zalon Taung Pagoda has increased significantly in recent years, nearby areas of Banmauk Township are restricted for foreign tourists, said Aung Thu Oo, regional head of Hotel and Tourism Department.

“The regional government reported it to the respective union ministry last year. It cannot be decided with the regional government alone. It will be decided by all concerned authorities. So it will take a little while. Mogok is recently allowed for foreign tourists to visit. The authorities are taking time to lessen rules and regulations in concerned with security,” he said.

The Zalon Taung Pagoda is included in Kathar Tourism Zone and recognized by the regional government. The number of pilgrims in Zalon Taung Pagoda had increased significantly from 2017 and more than 200,000 local pilgrims visited the pagoda in 2017. In 2018, over 400,000 pilgrims visited the pagoda.

There are six tourism zones in the region: Sagaing, Kathar, Shwebo, Monywa, Kalay and Kani. Nearby areas of Banmauk in Kathar tourism zone and Nanyon in Naga self-administered zone are restricted areas for foreigners.