Golden Rock

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda (also well-known as Golden Rock) is a prominent Buddhist pilgrimage site in Mon State, Burma. It is a small pagoda (7.3 metres (24 ft)) built on the top of a giant rock perching on a cliff edge and gilled with gold leaves by its male devotees. By visiting this unique pagoda, you would be fascinated and can’t stop wondering why it can keep balance for years.

According to legend, Golden Rock itself is perched on a strand of the Buddha's hair and the balancing rock seems to defy gravity to stand still perpetually. The rock and the pagoda are on the top of Mt. Kyaiktiyo. Another legend states that a Buddhist priest impressed the celestial king with his asceticism and the the king used his supernatural powers to carry the rock to its current place, specifically choosing the rock for its resemblance to the monk's head.

Golden Rock is the third most important Buddhist pilgrimage site of Burma after the Shwedagon Pagoda and the Mahamuni Pagoda.

Golden Rock

Climate, best time to visit

The atmosphere during the pilgrimage season (November to March) is filled in worship, with pilgrims chant, light candles and meditate all through the night, while men (only) are permitted to walk over a bridge spanning a chasm to the boulder to paste gold-leaf squares to the rock’s surface. And the boulder itself is stunning, especially when bathed in the light of dusk and dawn.

During the rainy season (May to October), the mountain is mostly covered in a chilly coat of mist and rain, although people still flock here. The area's hotels are open during this period, but some restaurants are shut down.

How to get there

The best way to visit the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is going from Yangon. For your convenience, you are suggested to have a private car transfer with a tour guide, who can help you know more about Golden Rock before your visit and help you find out some of the best views of the pagoda if you would like to take some photos.

If you want to start your excursion from the nearby town to the pagoda, you will have to walk to the truck stop in the middle of town.

Walking around the pagoda for some nice photoshoots is a great idea.