Golden Rock in Myanmar - Exploring the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda

Last Updated 14/03/2024 | 14th March, 2024

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The Golden Rock was one of the highlights that drew me to visit Myanmar in the first place. I saw many Buddhist monuments and sights throughout my Southeast Asia backpacking trip, but nothing compared to visiting the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda.

There is a unique buzz at this incredible site. If you’re lucky enough to visit this area of the world, do not miss this from your itinerary!

I’m sure you’re visiting the Golden Rock as part of a bigger trip to Myanmar: be sure to check out my ultimate three-week Myanmar itinerary.

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What is The Kyaiktiyo Pagoda?

The Golden Rock, also known as Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, is a famous Buddhist pilgrimage site located in Myanmar (formerly Burma). It is situated atop Mount Kyaiktiyo in the Mon State of Myanmar.

The Golden Rock is a massive granite boulder covered in gold leaf, balancing precariously on the edge of a cliff. According to legend, it is held in place by a single strand of the Buddha’s hair.

The site is considered sacred by Buddhists and is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Getting to Kin Pun

Getting to the Golden Rock isn’t straightforward. I was travelling from Hpa-An, which is a very popular location on the Myanmar backpacking trail.

Although buses are relatively frequent and very inexpensive, they also do not necessarily take you all the way to Kin Pun. I double-checked and triple-checked that the bus took us all the way, but unfortunately, that was not the case!

The bus instead dropped us at a nearby town of Kyaiktiyo, where we were swarmed with offers of motorbike taxis.

We avoided these and opted for the songthaew into Kin Pun, which took around half an hour and cost 100 Kyat each. The driver and other passengers were friendly, and although it was a bumpy journey, we were dropped right off at our hotel door.

But lesson learned, have data and keep an eye on maps to check you are in the right location before getting off the bus!

Kin Pun to the Golden Rock

The journey from Kin Pun to the Golden Rock is where the fun really begins!

Expect to be packed in amongst locals and a few other like-minded travellers as you make the journey from the town centre up to the mountain-top temple.

The vehicle is a formerly used bin lorry (this is all part of the adventure, right?!). The locals will sit relaxed, and the tourists cling on for dear life praying that the truck stays on four wheels. Looking back, I can’t help but laugh!

For me this hour-long journey was my favourite part of the trip. The journey on the way up boasts spectacular views. The greenery is incredible and there’s even a fantastic waterfall on your left.

Staying in Kin Pun

The area of Kin Pun is pretty quiet, but there are a couple of nice restaurants. I stayed at the Golden Sunrise hotel, which was spacious and clean. The staff were also very friendly and helped us organise onward travel to Yangon.

I wouldn’t recommend staying longer than one night in Kin Pun. The Golden Rock is the main attraction, and you will have completed that within the afternoon.

What to Expect From the Golden Rock in Myanmar

Once you are dropped off, a short walk will take you to the monument’s entrance. You will be asked to remove your shoes which is very much standard practice at these religious sites.

There is a small area to pray and light candles, followed by a large viewing platform with amazing views of the rock and the surrounding mountains.

The legend states that the rock is held on the edge of the cliff with a single hair of the Buddha, and watching how the locals admired this sacred area was a fantastic part of the day.

What to Wear When Visiting the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda

You have to wear a traditional Longyi to visit the Golden Rock in Myanmar.

Full-length trousers or skirts are not sufficient; you absolutely have to be wearing a traditional Longyi to gain access to this monument. I recommend purchasing one beforehand, as they are very useful while travelling around Myanmar.

However, you can rent or buy one there if you don’t have one.