population: 0.204 million
extension: 446.4 square kilometers
If you're interested in visiting museums while in Kyaukse, I would suggest checking out the Bagan Archaeological Museum in nearby Nyaung-U. It's about a 2-hour drive from Kyaukse, but it has an extensive collection of artifacts and cultural items from the Bagan period, including sculptures, pottery, and gold leaf. If you're looking for similar types of museums in the area, you might also want to consider the Mandalay National Museum or the National Museum Nay Pyi Taw, both of which are within a few hours' drive of Kyaukse.
One of the most popular and typical dishes in Kyaukse is called "Kyaukse Noodle," which is a type of rice noodle soup served with chicken or pork, bean sprouts, and a variety of herbs and spices. Another local favorite is "Mont Di," which is a sweet dessert made from glutinous rice, coconut milk, and jaggery (a type of brown sugar). Additionally, you might want to try "Ohn No Khao Swè," which is a savory noodle dish served with a thick coconut milk curry and various toppings such as sliced chicken, boiled egg, and crispy noodles. Other popular dishes in Myanmar that you can find in Kyaukse include "Mohinga" (a fish-based noodle soup), "Shan Noodles" (rice noodles with meat or vegetables in a broth), and "Laphet Thoke" (a salad made with pickled tea leaves, tomatoes, peanuts, and sesame seeds).
One fun activity that local people enjoy in Kyaukse is attending the annual Kyaukse Elephant Dance Festival, held during the Burmese month of Thadingyut (usually in October). During the festival, performers dress up as elephants and dance to traditional music in the streets. Other popular activities for locals include visiting the Shwe Nyaung Pin Nat Shrine, which houses statues of 37 nat spirits believed to bring good luck and fortune, and exploring the nearby Taung Thaman Lake, where you can rent boats and enjoy picnics with friends and family. Additionally, visiting local markets like the Kyaukse Myoma Market or the Yadanar Zedi Market can be a great way to experience local life and sample traditional foods and goods.