Kyaiktiyo Pagoda Travel Guide
The Kyaiktiyo Pagoda or Golden Rock is a well-known destination for Buddhist pilgrims in Myanmar. Notably, it has gained significant recognition from global tourists and has become one of the most sought-after pilgrimage sites for Buddhists worldwide.
Why people visit Kyaiktiyo Pagoda
The Golden Rock and its accompanying temple are believed by many to have been constructed over 2,500 years ago during the lifetime of Buddha. Both structures are adorned with intricate gold leaf detailing.According to legend, Buddha gifted hair to a monk named Taik during a sermon at this site. Taik then presented the hair to the King, requesting that it be stored in a stone carved in a monk's head likeness. To fulfill this request, the King sought the assistance of the Zawgyi god and Naga goddess, who retrieved the stone from beneath the ocean and placed it on Kyaikhtiyo hill.
The Buddha's hair was then enshrined in the stone, and a small temple called Kyaikhtiyo was constructed. Whether one believes the legend or not, the stone's unique physical properties are a marvel. Depending on the viewing angle, the golden rock appears to have varying shapes, making it a popular attraction for tourists visiting Myanmar.
Golden Rock Festival
One of the best things to appreciate the beauty of Golden rock is to attend its festival.The Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda Festival of Nine Thousand Lights typically takes place in December. There are up to 9,000 lights illuminated to ring in the New Year, creating a stunning ambiance for tourists to enjoy
How to get to Golden Rock from Yangon
There are 2 ways to access Golden Rock from YangonLocal buses
Travelers can find many local coaches offering reasonably priced transportation to the Golden Rock, typically around 12 USD per person.Remember that the area can become quite congested on certain Buddhist holidays.
Coaches depart from Yangon at 9:00 PM and briefly stop at a rest camp around 10:30 PM. The journey continues, and the coach arrives at the base of Golden Rock Mountain (Kin Pun Station) at approximately 3:00 AM. Upon arrival, visitors will need to board an open truck to travel to the mountaintop.
However, it's essential to note that these trucks do not begin operating until 6:00 AM each morning.
Between November and March, the Golden Rock is a bustling destination for Buddhism pilgrimage.
Private Car
Taking a private car with a driver is a very good option to get to Golden Rock. The car journey takes about 4 hours.The advantage is you can set your departure time as well having stops where you want to take a photo.
In Yangon, you can require a driver who can speak some basic English to enjoy smooth travel.
Recommended reading: Top things to do in Yangon
Where to stay in Kyaiktiyo Pagoda?
The hotel zone of Kyaiktiyo is not big and there are only a few choices for an overnight stay:Mountain Top Hotel 3 star
Golden Rock Hotel 3 star
The Golden Lake Hotel
The Merit Resort

Tours from Yangon to Golden Rock
Here are the most interesting tours from Yangon to Golden RockYangon to Golden Rock 2 days tour
This is the most common Golden Rock tour which is designed to show you the highlights of Bago and Kyaiktiyo pagoda. While Bago is home to the very famous ancient palace and some amazing holy pagodas, Kyaiktiyo is the ultimate place where the locals go for a pilgrimage.South Myanmar Adventure 5 days tour
The scenic loop of Yangon - Bago - Golden Rock - Hpa An - Mawlamyine is a perfect introduction to south Myanmar without the beach. This tour explores the key archeological sites in Bago, the British heritages in Mawlamyine, and of course the land of Buddha in Golden Rock. Hpa An adds some extra value to this adventure with picture-perfect landscapes formed by lush rice paddies and limestone rocks.Ultimate South Myanmar Holiday with Beach for 10 days
Treat yourself to a beautiful time in south Myanmar with all its remarkable attractions and the untouched beaches of the Dawei peninsula. You`ll not be disappointed with some personalized sightseeing, unlike cultural interaction before setting a foot in some sun-kissed Myanmar beaches.For all the tour details, please contact us.
Kyiktiyo Pagoda Travel Questions
After a long time operating trips to Kyaiktiyo pagodas, we have collected some basic questions from travelers and try to make them clear for you:Can we do a day tour from Yangon to the Golden Rock?
Doing a day tour from Yangon to Golden Rock is possible but tiring. You need to wake up early for a long journey in both ways.Is it worth visiting the Golden Rock?
Golden Rock is a very interesting journey. It is a very nice point to soak up the local culture and get a sunrise photo.Is it easy to do solo travel to Golden Rock?
It is not difficult to organize solo travel to the Golden Rock. You can book the bus tickets at the bus station or online, arranging your hotel online too.Our travel experts are available for any questions about your Myanmar Tours or any particular travel destinations in Myanmar.
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