Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, Kin Pun
Kyaiktiyo Pagoda
Kyaiktiyo Pagoda
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
1,448 reviews
Excellent
817
Very good
397
Average
144
Poor
46
Terrible
44
Michael HP
Bac Ninh, Vietnam80 contributions
Friends
One of the best highlights in Yangon.
This pagoda is located on peak of mountain with brilliant landscapes and about 3 hours driving from Yangon. It could take you whole day tour to visit.
The transfer is one of the most lovely experience of the tour. When the car arrived the village and parked. We would take the cargo truck to go on top. It is absolutely dangerous with whom scaring the height and speed.
The trail to come up is not only wide enough for two way car but also very sloped and zigzagging with many elbows triangle. All the driver should be very professional and brave, because just a small mistake, the truck with more than 20 people on it would be flying with out wings.
Instead of that, the pagoda is very beautiful and spacious with opened and fresh air. The granite tile floor for thousands meters square is very cool in shadow even in a very strong sunny day.
It is truly a proof of intelligence of human to build a very huge construction in a very such dangerous and high location.
Highly recommended explorers for new experience.
This pagoda is located on peak of mountain with brilliant landscapes and about 3 hours driving from Yangon. It could take you whole day tour to visit.
The transfer is one of the most lovely experience of the tour. When the car arrived the village and parked. We would take the cargo truck to go on top. It is absolutely dangerous with whom scaring the height and speed.
The trail to come up is not only wide enough for two way car but also very sloped and zigzagging with many elbows triangle. All the driver should be very professional and brave, because just a small mistake, the truck with more than 20 people on it would be flying with out wings.
Instead of that, the pagoda is very beautiful and spacious with opened and fresh air. The granite tile floor for thousands meters square is very cool in shadow even in a very strong sunny day.
It is truly a proof of intelligence of human to build a very huge construction in a very such dangerous and high location.
Highly recommended explorers for new experience.
Written January 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ron d
Caloundra, Australia625 contributions
The Golden Rock Pagoda is high in the mountains at over 1000 metres. To get there you start at the 'base camp' where you are packed in a truck with 40-50 other people for the perilous, uncomfortable and thrilling journey up the mountain. There are a few stops on the way, apparently to solicit donations. Up the top you must walk, running the gauntlet of dozens of traders selling souvenirs and snacks. The pagoda itself is quite small, built on the top of a very large rock that is balanced precariously on the edge of a cliff. The rock is covered in gold leaf. Once you have seen it and taken the obligatory 100 photos it is time for the even more perilous, uncomfortable and thrilling journey back down the mountain.
We were on an organized tour from Yangon. There is not a lot of interest in the vicinity of the base camp so our visit took the best part of a day to get there, overnight in a hotel, then most of the following day to get back to Yangon. While I am glad to have seen the Golden Rock Pagoda, I question whether it is really worth nearly two days for the experience.
We were on an organized tour from Yangon. There is not a lot of interest in the vicinity of the base camp so our visit took the best part of a day to get there, overnight in a hotel, then most of the following day to get back to Yangon. While I am glad to have seen the Golden Rock Pagoda, I question whether it is really worth nearly two days for the experience.
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Quick Stopover
Auckland, New Zealand77 contributions
Couples
The hair-raising cramped ride to the rock with the locals beats an all day walk up the mountain. Spectacular gold covered rock! Amazing numbers of people making the pilgrimage, some carried on royal-style stretchers. The views of the rock and over the countryside are truly memorable.
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Eric S
26 contributions
Couples
Excursion to the top and bottom requires full bus packed minimum of 6 per bench with up to 4-5 in cab. You can wait 15 minutes or more before departure. There are at least 2 stops before the top to allow begging at one stop and trinket selling at the other same on way down.
If temperatures are high in late morning or afternoon you feel as though you are a sardine in an open tin placed in an oven on a roller coaster.
At the top there is entrance fee and trinket sellers on both sides of the climb. Note: no shoes or socks on the journey up.
Gold foil is sold and only males can apply the foil. Foil packets contain multiple pieces. There are guards at the entrance way to the rock. Wear appropriate clothing.
Is it worth the drive(s) time to see a bolder balancing on a cliff covered in gold foil? Maybe..
If temperatures are high in late morning or afternoon you feel as though you are a sardine in an open tin placed in an oven on a roller coaster.
At the top there is entrance fee and trinket sellers on both sides of the climb. Note: no shoes or socks on the journey up.
Gold foil is sold and only males can apply the foil. Foil packets contain multiple pieces. There are guards at the entrance way to the rock. Wear appropriate clothing.
Is it worth the drive(s) time to see a bolder balancing on a cliff covered in gold foil? Maybe..
Written February 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jajavalB
Lampang, Thailand2,628 contributions
Friends
It looks like a must tourist attraction for anyone who visit this country ,one of tge most sacred sites in this land. It's now under construction with cable car for short distance to the pagoda, fee is pricey (20000 kyats) and then you have to pay admission to the pagoda complex ,10000 kyats each.there are many souvenir vendors, trying to persuade to buy their goods, too scam.However, local people are very kind and generous. This is sacred place ,so please don't make it into a lot of money things that tourists need to pay for being inspired or impressed.
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dr Hema de Silva
4 contributions
Except for the ride from Kyaikhtiyo base station to Yatetaung in an open truck — driven by a manic driver — the whole experience of our visit to Kyaiktiyo Pagoda (Golden Rock Pagoda) was honestly a memorable one. Views of the serine surrounding soon made us forget the horrible ride. The rock which is balanced on a knife edge makes one believe the popular legend that, a celestial king used his supernatural powers to carry the rock to its current place. The Golden Rock Pagoda is considered the third most important Buddhist pilgrimage site in Myanmar after the Shwedagon pagoda and the Mahamuni pagoda. We are so pleased that we visited such a place that is so sacred to Buddhists all over the world.
Written January 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
WhiteMouseBurrow
Moscow, Russia2,343 contributions
A unique shrine - you must visit here! BUT, be prepared: 1. The only transport is a cargo vehicle adapted for the transport of pilgrims. 2. A huge number of pilgrims. 3. Women are not allowed directly to the stone. 4. Constant strong wind at the top. 5. Remember that you will have to enter the territory of the shrine without shoes! 6. I advise you not to forget to buy a piece of gold leaf to add it to the stone!
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tranqil R
Hoi An, Vietnam81 contributions
Friends
A must go destination in Myanmar
If you have chance to visit Yangon, you must try Kyaiktiyo pagoda. It is really a heartbreaking highlight with a complex of religion area.
The first impression when you arrive there is the way the truck take you from the parking lot to the top of mountain where the pagoda is located. It is like a horrible feeling to the peoples who has heart desease but very exciting to everyone.
It worths every penny and time you take to get there with the landscape, sightseeing and architecture appointments.
Highly recommended
If you have chance to visit Yangon, you must try Kyaiktiyo pagoda. It is really a heartbreaking highlight with a complex of religion area.
The first impression when you arrive there is the way the truck take you from the parking lot to the top of mountain where the pagoda is located. It is like a horrible feeling to the peoples who has heart desease but very exciting to everyone.
It worths every penny and time you take to get there with the landscape, sightseeing and architecture appointments.
Highly recommended
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mahteck
Klang, Malaysia440 contributions
Friends
For sure, getting to the Golden Rock is a personal test. A test of your physical condition and the state of your mind. The way to get there has already been discussed, so no repeats here. The Truck journey is necessary to keep the hoards of tourist vehicles and local buses off the hill. There is also no place to park the vehicles up there anyway. So, they need to operate those converted trucks. I am not that impressed by the tight squeeze to really fill up a truck before it leaves. But what the heck, try talking with the other travellers and the locals while you wait. We did and it prepared us for what's next up the hill.
Next, the steep walk up. Most of us can make it. For those who may find it too big a challenge can easily hire the sedan chairs. There are so many of them waiting for your business. So, give it to them and it will help them put bread on the table for their families. Don't feel bad about getting another person to carry you-you will be helping them in return. Same too with the luggage porters! They have designed it for you to walk up the hill from Station 2 to Station 3. You will realise later that LOCALS can ride up the trucks to Station 3. Its OK, its their way of giving the local peddlars a chance to make a living! Tourism should benefit the local people!
The views of the Rock are amazing. See it in the late afternoon, if you can get a sunset with it. Or see it in the night with the floodlights! Or see in the soft early morning light. We were lucky to get a "Sea of Clouds" view over the background mountains ( see attached photo).
Go and enjoy the Golden Rock with an open mind.
Next, the steep walk up. Most of us can make it. For those who may find it too big a challenge can easily hire the sedan chairs. There are so many of them waiting for your business. So, give it to them and it will help them put bread on the table for their families. Don't feel bad about getting another person to carry you-you will be helping them in return. Same too with the luggage porters! They have designed it for you to walk up the hill from Station 2 to Station 3. You will realise later that LOCALS can ride up the trucks to Station 3. Its OK, its their way of giving the local peddlars a chance to make a living! Tourism should benefit the local people!
The views of the Rock are amazing. See it in the late afternoon, if you can get a sunset with it. Or see it in the night with the floodlights! Or see in the soft early morning light. We were lucky to get a "Sea of Clouds" view over the background mountains ( see attached photo).
Go and enjoy the Golden Rock with an open mind.
Written November 22, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David908
Atlanta, GA351 contributions
Couples
Visiting the Golden Rock is an adventure. You ride a bus (really an open truck) up the mountain, then hike the last 30 minutes. The view from the mountain ridge is fantastic, overlooking the jungle below.
Hundreds of people are walking along the several hundred yard facility leading to the Rock. As you are along a ridge, you can look off both sides of the mountain at once.
The Rock itself is amazing. Allow at least 1 1/2 hours at the top.
You will have to hike 30 minutes down from the Rock to catch the bus (truck) back down the mountain. At the bus station there are several restaurants.
There are hotels at the top, should you want to stay there, or you can choose several at the base of the mountain..
Hundreds of people are walking along the several hundred yard facility leading to the Rock. As you are along a ridge, you can look off both sides of the mountain at once.
The Rock itself is amazing. Allow at least 1 1/2 hours at the top.
You will have to hike 30 minutes down from the Rock to catch the bus (truck) back down the mountain. At the bus station there are several restaurants.
There are hotels at the top, should you want to stay there, or you can choose several at the base of the mountain..
Written November 23, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
danybambi
Bagolino, Italy5,586 contributions
Buongiorno volevo sapere se nel mese di febbraio 2020 la pagoda è in restauro oppure no. Grazie
Francesca B
Genoa, Italy4,877 contributions
Ciao. Io ci sono stata a novembre 2019 , due mesi fa e il restauro era terminato. Esperienza bellissima. Noi abbiamo dormito al Mountain top hotel.
boazgoldberg2
Kiryat Tivon, Israel8 contributions
Hi,
What is the earliest hour in the morning for the truks to go down from the golden rock to Kinpun?
Tnx!
Boaz
Traveling in Myanmar
Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar123 contributions
7am
Francesca B
Genoa, Italy4,877 contributions
Buongiorno! Da Yagoon vorrei prenotare il treno per Bago , fermari una notte a Bago e la mattina seguente vorrei visitare la Golden rock e fare ritorno a Bago per poi proseguire per lago inle.
Dove posso prenotare il treno da Yangoon a Bago?
E da bago a Golden rock meglio driver o bus ?
Valentina U
Fombio, Italy638 contributions
Ciao a tutti .
Ho letto che esiste anche la funivia .Dove parte e dove arriva ? Quali hotel sono più vicini alla pagoda ? Ho qualche problema a camminare ..grazie
Luciano S
Milan, Italy1,648 contributions
La funivia esiste ma da camminare c’è in ogni caso è tanto. Però ci sono i portatori che conducono anche alla pagoda. Un albergo vicino abbastanza è consigliabile è il top mountain
Gareth William
7 contributions
Is it possible to see the whole stone now? Have they removed the scaffolding?
Doudou49400
Saumur, France208 contributions
Since march 2019, the whole stone is visible. There is no more scarefolding ...
Enjoy this fantastic visit !
nadine86s
58 contributions
Does anyone know if he rock is still under renovation, thus fully covered?
Is it still?
froginthemist
London, UK4 contributions
Hi, I am planning to go to the Golden rock on 18 October and return to Yangon on 19 October. I have booked a private car and I was wondering if anyone would be interested in joining me and sharing the cost?
boazgoldberg2
Kiryat Tivon, Israel8 contributions
Hi!
Any chance that you go there on 19 and go back on 20/21?
Boaz
Marshall H
Phitsanulok, Thailand765 contributions
We want to spend the night at the rock, on the mountain top. . Are there many guesthouses/hotels available? Can you give names and email if you have it. We know about the Mountaintop hotel but it is more costly than we want to spend. Is it necessary to book in advance or is getting a room easy. We travel there about February 22, 2019.
Marshall H
Phitsanulok, Thailand765 contributions
Do you have to use the truck to go up the mountain. I will have a private car and driver, can h take me up?
Ko948
Toronto, Canada114 contributions
No, you cannot take your private car up the mountain to the pagoda on the rock. You have to either take the truck or the cable car to go up there. Even to take the cable car, you will still need to the cable car station at the foot of Rathay Mountain. There is a public bus service between the Kinpun Station (the usual place where all buses and cars stop) to the cable car station.
Frostburne
Bandung, Indonesia108 contributions
Is it still under renovation?
Erik2938
Singapore, Singapore143 contributions
No. Not under renovation
Frequently Asked Questions about Kyaiktiyo Pagoda
- We recommend booking Kyaiktiyo Pagoda tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 18 Kyaiktiyo Pagoda tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Kyaiktiyo Pagoda:
- (0.02 mi) Yoe Yoe Lay Hotel
- (0.42 mi) Mountain Top Hotel
- (0.44 mi) Lotus Da Dar
- (0.33 mi) Kyaik Hto Hotel - The Golden Rock Pagoda
- (0.77 mi) Golden Rock Hotel