Kyaiktiyo

Kyaiktiyo is a well known pilgrimage site located in Mon State, Myanmar and is made up from a small pagoda on a golden rock, which sits precariously on a granite boulder that is coated in golden leaves at the peak of Mount Kyaiktiyo.

Kyaiktiyo is the third most visited religious site in Myanmar, after the Mahamuni Pagoda and the Shwedagon Pagoda, and according to legend, Buddha placed a hair on the rock that stops it from falling down the mountain. The site is partly man made and partly natural and sits at 3,600 feet above sea level.

Kyaiktiyo is also known as golden rock and Kinpun is the closest village from the rock and pagoda only 10 miles away. As well as Kyaiktiyo there are other rocks that are scattered on the mountain and some of them are also rocking precariously on the edge.

Getting There & Away

The best way to get to Kyaiktiyo is by bus or local taxi but be aware that the roads are full of holes and the journey will be bumpy. The closest airport is in Yangon, which is 120 miles from Kyaiktiyo, a 2 hour-plus journey by car. There are many bus and train services that travel between the major towns in the area, from where you can then get a private taxi or minivan to Kyaiktiyo.

Things to Do

Kyaiktiyo Attractions

Golden Rock

The main reason people visit the area is the see the rocking boulder on the hill.