Kyaiktiyo Pagoda In Myanmar – A Complete Guide

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is an important religious shrine and tourist attraction. So here’s everything you need to know for visiting the Golden Rock Myanmar.

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How To Get To Kyaiktiyo Pagoda

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is a well-known Buddhist pilgrimage site located in Kyaiktiyo, a municipality in the Mon State of Myanmar.

We made our way to it after visiting Mawlamyine and Hpa An. A couple of less known places out East from Yangon.

Bus

The best way to get from Yangon to Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is to take a bus from Aung San Stadium.

The bus costs £7 per person, the journey takes roughly 7 hours, and tickets can be booked through 12Go Asia.

Upon arrival at Kyaiktiyo bus depot you’ll have to get a tuk tuk to your accommodation.

If you’re staying anywhere near Base Camp (which we recommend) then don’t pay more than 8,000 Kyat.

Truck Shuttle

Trucks run up and down to the Pagoda from 6.00am to 5.30pm daily. The truck stop is located in the middle of town. Simply ask any local and they’ll point you in the right direction.

The trucks fit around 50 people in per journey, and it will cost you 2,000 Kyat per person.

The journey up to the Pagoda takes roughly half an hour.

Drop off is at the entrance to the Golden Rock town where you still have a good 20 minute walk to the entrance Kyaiktiyo Pagoda itself.

Tour

For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.

The best option for visiting Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, is to take a Golden Rock Group Return Day Trip From Yangon.

This private tour costs around £50 per person, and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation by private air-conditioned vehicle, and an English-speaking driver.

The tour departs at 5am and returns to Yangon at around 5pm the same day.

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda Entrance Fee

Entrance Fee: 10,000 Kyat per person.

Truck taxi from Kyaiktiyo to the entrance: 2,000 Kyat per person.

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda Opening Times

Monday – Sunday: 5am – 8pm.

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda Golden Rock Myanmar — Truck taxi’s running tourists and local up to the entrance

Best Time To Visit The Kyaiktiyo Pagoda

The best time of year to visit Myanmar is during the months of November to February when the days are dry, although temperatures can reach 37°C.

However, this is also the busiest time of year, so if you visit just before or after these months you will avoid the crowds and still have some pretty good weather.

The peak of the pilgrimage season is also during November to March, so expect to witness devoted pilgrims paying their respects at Kyaiktiyo Pagoda.

Head out early to avoid the heat. We left at 8am and were on the way down before the hottest point of the day. We wouldn’t want to be heading up anytime after late morning!

What To Pack

Reusable Water Bottle

Sunscreen

Lightweight Rain Jacket

What To Expect At Kyaiktiyo Pagoda

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, also known as Golden Rock, is a well-known Buddhist pilgrimage site in Mon State, Myanmar.

It is a small pagoda, 24 ft high, built on the top of a granite boulder covered with gold leaves pasted on by its male devotees.

The Golden Rock itself, according to legend, perches itself on a strand of the Buddha’s hair. The hair is said to have been given to a hermit by Buddha himself, who in turn found a boulder which resembled his own head.

The balancing rock really seems to defy gravity and perpetually appears to be on the verge of rolling down the hill.

Prepare for a bumpy ride to and from the Golden Rock. If you can, grab a seat on the end of a row, you’ll feel the breeze from the fast paced drive and hopefully end up a little less squished.

The Golden Rock is literally the only thing to do in Kyaiktiyo, so you won’t need more than a nights accommodation. However, it is one of the best things to do in Myanmar.

If you have time though, it’s well worth adding to your Myanmar itinerary!

If you are looking for a full day of visiting all the best spots in this area, including the Golden Rock, then From Yangon: Full Day Excursion to Golden Rock is perfect.

Where To Stay In Kyaiktiyo

Luxury

Kyaik Hto Hotel – The Golden Rock Pagoda

Featuring free WiFi in all areas, Kyaik Hto Hotel – The Golden Rock Pagoda offers accommodation sharing the location with the famous Kyaik Htee Yoe Pagoda in Myanmar.

Every room comes with a satellite TV, a seating area and an electric kettle with coffee/tea making facilities.

Air conditioning is also available in selected rooms. Fitted with shower facilities, the private bathroom includes free toiletries, a hairdryer and bathrobes.