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Taukkyan War Cemetery

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Taukkyan War Cemetery (Myanmar (Burma))

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Taukkyan War Cemetery is the largest cemetery for Allied soldiers from the British Commonwealth who lost their lives in the Burma Campaign during World War II. Established in 1951, it was designed to consolidate graves from several smaller cemeteries and battlegrounds across the country into a single, permanent site of remembrance. The cemetery contains exactly 6,374 graves, each marked with a uniform headstone and set within meticulously manicured gardens. At the heart of the site stands the Rangoon Memorial, a grand open-air structure featuring stone pillars engraved with the names of over 27,000 soldiers who died in Burma and have no known grave. Managed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, the site provides a serene and solemn environment for reflection, contrasting sharply with the busy road traffic of Hlegu Township. The architecture is characterized by clean, dignified lines and classical symmetry, honoring the international effort to stop the Japanese advance in Southeast Asia. It remains one of the most visited war memorials in the region, drawing families and history enthusiasts from around the world.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252830333128282727282725
Rain mm811624127225280247164118207

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Taukkyan War Cemetery is an open-air memorial site that welcomes visitors to respectfully explore its beautifully maintained grounds and monuments. You can freely walk among the graves and read the deeply moving inscriptions dedicated to the fallen soldiers.
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Typical hours
Typically, the cemetery grounds are open to the public daily during daylight hours, usually from morning until late afternoon, though exact times may vary. It is highly recommended to plan your visit earlier in the day to avoid the intense midday tropical heat.
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Photography
Photography is generally permitted throughout the cemetery grounds, but visitors are expected to maintain a respectful and solemn demeanor while taking pictures. Please ensure your photography does not disturb other guests or the peaceful atmosphere of the memorial site.
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Time needed
A comprehensive visit to the cemetery usually takes about an hour to an hour and a half, allowing enough time for quiet reflection and reading the memorial panels. If you have a specific historical interest, you might find yourself wanting to stay slightly longer.
Combine with
A visit here is often combined with a trip to the nearby natural parks, offering a peaceful natural retreat after the solemnity of the historical memorial. You can also explore the local markets in the surrounding area to experience everyday life in Myanmar.
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Getting there
The cemetery is located on the main highway heading north from Yangon, making it easily accessible by taxi or a hired private car from the city center. The drive typically takes about forty-five minutes to an hour, depending heavily on the local traffic conditions.
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Insider tip
Consider bringing a bottle of water and wearing comfortable, lightweight clothing, as the sun can be quite strong and shade is somewhat limited in certain open areas. It is also a very good idea to hire a knowledgeable local driver who can easily navigate the route.

Geography

Coordinates
17.03780, 96.13640

Facts

  • The cemetery houses the remains of 6,374 identified Allied soldiers.
  • The Rangoon Memorial commemorates 27,000 soldiers with no known grave.
  • It was officially inaugurated and opened on February 1, 1951.
  • The site is located approximately 25 kilometers (15 miles) north of Yangon.
  • There are 52 graves for soldiers whose identities could not be confirmed.
  • The cemetery is one of three Commonwealth war cemeteries in Myanmar.

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Sights in the town Taukkyan War Cemetery (7)

Bārāṇasī Monastery⛪ religious

The Bārāṇasī Monastery is a notable place of worship providing spiritual education near the Taukkyan war cemetery.

ေအာင္ေဗာဓိေက်ာင္း ⛪ religious

This local monastery serves as a vital place of worship for residents in the Taukkyan area.

Panditarama Monastery📍 landmark

Panditarama Monastery is a dedicated Buddhist institution fostering meditation practices near Taukkyan.

Nirodharama Monastery📍 landmark

The Nirodharama Monastery has a peaceful environment for Buddhist monastic life near the Taukkyan cemetery.

ဇိနမာန်အောင် စေတီ📍 landmark

This Buddhist pagoda forms a prominent spiritual landmark in the historic Taukkyan region.

ပညာစံအိမ်ကျောင်းတိုက်⛪ religious

Serving as an active place of worship, this monastic establishment supports the Taukkyan community.

ရတနာဈေး (ထောက်ကြန့်)🎭 culture

This bustling local marketplace in Taukkyan features traditional stalls selling regional goods and daily produce.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Taukkyan War Cemetery?
A memorial for Allied soldiers who died in the Burma campaign during WWII.
Is the cemetery open to the public?
Yes, the cemetery is well-maintained and open to visitors.
Where exactly is the cemetery located?
It is located north of Yangon on the way to the international airport.
Is there a specific dress code?
As it is a respectful memorial, modest and appropriate clothing is recommended.
How long does a visit take?
A visit takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
Taukkyan War Cemetery: where is it located?
Taukkyan War Cemetery is located in Myanmar (Burma).
Taukkyan War Cemetery: what is there to see?
Highlights include Bārāṇasī Monastery, ေအာင္ေဗာဓိေက်ာင္း, Panditarama Monastery.
Taukkyan War Cemetery: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Taukkyan War Cemetery: why is it worth visiting?
Taukkyan War Cemetery is the largest cemetery for Allied soldiers from the British Commonwealth who lost their lives in the Burma Campaign during World War II.
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