Shampoo Island - Gaung Se Kyun

Gaung Se Kyun - Shampoo Island
Shampoo Island - Gaung Se Kyun
Gaung Se literally means 'head medicine' or shampoo in Myanmar language and 'kyun' means island thus giving rise to its English name of Shampoo Island. It has been given this name from the Ava period when water from a spring on this island was used in the annual royal hair washing ceremony. The island also has a Buddhist meditation centre although these days, with the Thanlwin bridge being built just 50 meters abeam the island, meditation on the island is far more challenging than what it used to be, with vehicle traffic and railway line being literally only a stone's throw away. Sandawshin Pagoda is also located on the island.

To get to Gaung Se Kyun, hire a long tail boat from the banks of the Thanlwin river immediately opposite the island, just north of the Mawlamyine Hotel reception. Cost is about 1500 kyat.

Last Updated ( Saturday, 27 October 2007 )