What To Do In Kyaiktiyo - A Guide To Exploring The Golden Rock And Beyond

In Mon State, Myanmar, the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, also known as Golden Rock, is a well-known Buddhist pilgrimage site. It is one of the main attractions that surely draws you to travel to Myanmar for the first time. During your backpacking tour in Southeast Asia, you saw a lot of Buddhist monuments and sites, but definitely nothing came close to seeing the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda.

This amazing location has a distinct buzz. Make sure to include this on your itinerary if you are fortunate enough to travel to this part of the world! 

But what to do in Kyaiktiyo? Well, you have come to the right place, here is a travel guide for you to reach Kyaiktiyo Pagoda with confidence.

About Kyaiktiyo Pagoda History

When was Kyaiktiyo built?

According to historical records, the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda was built more than 2,500 years ago by King Tissa, who ruled the Mon Kingdom at that time. The original pagoda was a small structure that housed a single-hair relic of the Buddha. Over the centuries, various monarchs and devotees expanded and renovated the pagoda. The most significant restoration was carried out by King Bayinnaung in the 16th century, who added the golden dome and the complex of shrines and temples.

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, also known as Golden Rock, is a well-known Buddhist pilgrimage site

What is the meaning of Kyaiktiyo?

The words kyaik, yo, and ithi in the Mon language mean "pagoda," "to carry on one's head," and "hermit," respectively. Thus, the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is also known as Kyaik-Hti-Yo Pagoda, which means "pagoda on a hermit is head." 

Where is Kyaiktiyo Pagoda located?

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda location is about 160 km east of Yangon, in the Mon State of Myanmar.  It stands atop a huge, gold-leaf-covered granite boulder that is about 7.6 meters high. The pagoda is about 24 meters tall and is surrounded by a vast complex of temples, monasteries and shrines. Along with the Mahamuni Pagoda in Mandalay and the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is one of Myanmar's three holiest Buddhist pilgrimage destinations.

Why Is The Kyaiktiyo A Tourist Attraction?

One of Myanmar's most recognizable and respected sites, the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, attracts pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. This enormous golden boulder seems to defy gravity as it perches dangerously on the edge of a cliff, giving it an almost supernatural charm. 

Buddhists consider the rock to be a sacred location because, according to local belief, it is held in balance by a single hair of the Buddha. Its stunning beauty is enhanced by its shimmering golden surface, which was created by layers of gold leaf applied by pilgrims. This is especially true at sunrise and sunset, when it brilliantly sparkles against the surrounding mountains.

Depending on the angle of view, the golden rock appears to take on many different shapes, making it a popular attraction for travelers visiting Myanmar.

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda attracts pilgrims and tourists from all over the world

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda Facts That You Probably Do Not Know

• It is thought that a hair relic belonging to the Buddha is enshrined in Kyaiktiyo Pagoda.
• On top of the huge Golden Rock, which is completely covered with gold leaf, is the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, which is 24 feet (7.3 meters) tall.
• The height of the spire, including the Golden Rock it sits atop, is 49 feet (15 meters).
• Kinpun village in Mon State, Myanmar, approximately 9.9 miles (16 km) away from the location.
• The Golden Rock and Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, as well as the viewing areas right outside of them, are open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
• Entrance fee: USD$6 per person.
• November to March is pilgrimage season, when crowds are at their highest.
• Kyaiktiyo mountain height is 3,609 ft.

Many people are walking to Kyaiktiyo Pagoda

How To Go To Kyaiktiyo Pagoda

Even though there aren't many distances, the trip to the Kyaiktiyo Rock pagoda is an adventure. Spend the better part of a day traveling, and get ready for what most visitors would consider a challenging climb up the mountain.

By bus

Every day of the year, buses travel to the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda. Buses are available from Bago city and the trip takes about 2 hours. A bus from Yangon, alternatively, takes about 4 hours.

By car

It is the quickest to hire a car and driver from Bago or Yangon. This ought to be manageable from your hotel or guesthouse.

At Yangon Railway Station, you may also grab a taxi. The journey might only take two and a half hours if you are lucky.

Similarly, taxis run from Bago to Kinpun, which lies at the foot of Mount Kyaiktiyo. It will probably take one and a half hours to get to Kinpun.

By train

Twice a day, Myanmar Railways runs a train between Bago and Kyaiktiyo. The trip takes slightly over two and a half hours.

Kinpun village, located at the base of Mount Kyaiktiyo, is accessible by bus, taxi, or train. Both pilgrims and visitors start their climb up Mount Kyaiktiyo to the Golden Rock from Kinpun, which also serves as the bus and car drop-off location.

What To Do In Kyaiktiyo

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is a well-known Buddhist pilgrimage site. Buddhists in Burma think that they will become prosperous if they come, bow, and embrace the stone. To go to the summit with the pilgrims, you will have to transfer to a van once you arrive at the village. Get close to the rock, pray for good things and you can buy gold leaf to inlay on the Golden Stone.

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda location is about 160 km east of Yangon, in the Mon State of Myanmar

Kinpun

This little town is 168 kilometers southeast of Yangon and 11 kilometers from Golden Rock. The majority of travelers always choose Kinpun as a camping location before continuing on to the summit of Kyaiktiyo mountain, where you can see Golden Rock and Pagoda, despite the fact that it lacks many restaurants, hotels, and bustling entertainment areas.

Kinpun is 168 kilometers southeast of Yangon and 11 kilometers from Golden Rock

Beer River

At the base of Golden Rock Mountain is Beer River, a small swimming area with a number of bars and restaurants. Here, visitors can enjoy the refreshing refreshments and feel what it is like to eat at a dining table with the water knee-deep. It is a nice spot to cool yourself on hot days, and the water is reasonably clean.

What To Eat In Kyaiktiyo

The majority of Kyaiktiyo's dining options are located across from the pagoda. These Kyaiktiyo Pagoda nearby places offer a range of dining options, from casual to upscale. In addition to having its own distinct characteristics, Kyaiktiyo local food is influenced by Burmese cuisine. Try some of Kyaiktiyo's well-known dishes:

Mohinga

Kyaiktiyo is a typical Burmese cuisine that is well-liked all around Myanmar. Typically served with fish cake, boiled eggs, and crispy fritters, this rice noodle soup is created with fish broth.

Shan Noodles

Shan noodles are a popular dish in Kyaiktiyo, Myanmar. Rice noodles are served with either pork or chicken broth, and the dish is typically garnished with chili flakes, sesame seeds, and coriander leaves.

Shan noodles are a popular dish in Kyaiktiyo, Myanmar

Kyay-Oh

Similar to mohinga, this well-liked noodle dish is typically cooked with chicken or pork and has a richer broth. Additionally, a range of toppings, including bean sprouts, crispy fritters, and boiled eggs, are offered with it.

Conclusion

Kyaiktiyo provides a special fusion of natural beauty, cultural charm, and spiritual significance. This location guarantees a memorable experience, whether you choose to marvel at the Golden Rock, discover more about Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, or indulge in local food. 

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