Kyaik Htee Yoe Pagoda — Attraction in Thaton District

Kyaik Htee Yoe Pagoda, also known as the Golden Rock, is a breathtaking testament to Myanmar's rich history and spirituality. Perched atop the precariously balanced Golden Rock, this iconic pagoda has become a symbol of religious devotion and a major tourism attraction, drawing pilgrims and visitors from around the world.

The origins of Kyaik Htee Yoe Pagoda are steeped in legend and myth, adding to its mystique. According to local folklore, the pagoda is perched on a strand of the Buddha's hair, making it a site of great veneration. Historical records trace the establishment of the pagoda back to the 11th century, and its significance has only grown over the centuries.

During the reign of King Tissa in the 15th century, the pagoda received royal patronage and underwent expansions and renovations. The pagoda has weathered the tests of time and even natural disasters, yet its spiritual importance and architectural marvel have endured.

What sets Kyaik Htee Yoe Pagoda apart is the remarkable Golden Rock itself. The giant boulder, seemingly defying gravity as it balances on the edge of a cliff, is said to be perched exactly as it was placed by the celestial beings. This unique geological formation adds a layer of wonder to the pagoda's historical narrative.

The pilgrimage to Kyaik Htee Yoe Pagoda is not merely a physical journey but a spiritual one. Pilgrims undertake the challenging ascent to seek blessings and make offerings, believing that the pagoda holds the power to fulfill wishes and bring good fortune. The spiritual significance combined with the historical legacy makes Kyaik Htee Yoe Pagoda a revered site for Buddhists and a source of fascination for historians and travelers alike.

Kyaik Htee Yoe Pagoda is not only a spiritual sanctuary but also a captivating tourism attraction. The journey to the pagoda is an adventure in itself. Visitors embark on a scenic drive to the base camp, followed by a thrilling open truck ride up the winding mountain roads. The journey, surrounded by lush landscapes and panoramic views, sets the stage for the awe-inspiring encounter with the Golden Rock.

As visitors reach the pagoda precincts, the shimmering golden stupa against the backdrop of the hills creates a mesmerizing sight. The spiritual ambiance, coupled with the fresh mountain air, offers a serene escape from the urban bustle. The pagoda complex includes prayer halls, meditation spaces, and viewing platforms that allow visitors to fully immerse themselves in the spiritual and natural beauty of the site.

The unique nature of Kyaik Htee Yoe Pagoda and the Golden Rock makes it a photography enthusiast's dream. The changing hues of the golden surface at different times of the day, especially during sunrise and sunset, create a magical spectacle. Visitors often find themselves captivated by the play of light on the sacred rock, making it a perfect setting for both reflective moments and photography.

In recent years, there have been developments to enhance the tourism experience, including improved infrastructure, accommodation options, and cultural activities at the base camp. These initiatives aim to make the pilgrimage more accessible and comfortable for visitors, ensuring that the allure of Kyaik Htee Yoe Pagoda continues to attract a diverse range of people seeking both spiritual solace and a unique travel experience.

In conclusion, Kyaik Htee Yoe Pagoda stands as a beacon of spirituality, history, and natural wonder. Its significance as a pilgrimage site is intertwined with the geological marvel of the Golden Rock, creating a destination that resonates with both the devout and the curious traveler. As Myanmar's cultural and natural treasures gain global attention, Kyaik Htee Yoe Pagoda remains a must-visit destination, inviting all who come to witness the confluence of history, spirituality, and...

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda and How to Get There

Also known as the Golden Rock, Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is one of those iconic Pagoda of Myanmar. It is a golden rock sitting atop another rock with a Stupa on top of it. Legend has it that one of the dieties picked a rock from the sea and placed it in this area. Also, that the rock is being held by the hair of Buddha that's why it has withstood time. This place is one of the major Buddhist religious places in Myanmar and part of the highlights of being in Myanmar.

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda can be reached by taking a 3-hour bus ride from Yangon, a 45-minute ferry bus fro Kin Pun and then by foot from the bus terminal to the Pagoda.

The bus ride was okay and surprisingly comfortable. It was a new unit so it was all good. I took the Yoe Yoe Lay Bus in Aung Mingalla Bus Terminal. The ticket was at MMK5,000. You have to book your bus early, as it coud be fully booked during peak seasons. The number of trips are also limited. There are other buses that heads to this area so you can get other options. Make sure that you indicate your destination at Kin Pun and not Kyaiktiyo Township. Kin Pun is the base of the mountain where the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is located. This is a good ride and a chance to see Myanmar's countryside. From Aung Mingalla, the bus will stop at Kin Pun within the compounds of a restaurant called Emerald Restaurant.

From Emerald Restaurant, the way to the ferry bus station is about three minutes walk going back. Which means you just passed by it. Once at the station, you will need to ask where the ferry bus is going to Kyaiktiyo. The one I rode was in waiting station #3. There are no ticket counters here, you just ride the ferry bus and someone will aproach you aong the way to get your payment. The trip costs MMK 2000. This is the interesting part of the ride, especially if you are accustomed to city living. Roads are small, ride is bumpy and, since they squeeze as much passenger as they can, seating is cramped. Not a good ride if you have a big backpack or luggage. From the ferry station, there will be a few stops before you reach the top of the mountain where Kyaiktiyo is. An option before you reach the precint is to take the cable car going to the top. If you haven't taken a cable car before, this may be an option for you. If you have, I don't really recommend it as it looks unexciting and the view is not that great.

Reaching the mountain, a little more walk and you are at Kyaiktiyo Pagoda. But before you reach the entrance, you will be required to pay MMK 10,000 entrance fee if you are not from Myanmar.

Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is simply amazing just by itself. Even without the stupa, it will make you wonder how this rock has remained atop another rock without falling. I guess the legend that Buddha's hair is underneath keeping the rock from falling may be more than a legend. A lot of the locals go here to pray. Tourists go, of course, more to be awed.

And yes, Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is a Golden Rock as the rock's facade is adorned with...

Are you feeling bored? Want to escape from busy Yangon life. Then I highly recommend you must visit Kyaiktiyo Pagoda. From Yangon, you can do a day trip on the weekend. Also if you are a tourist entering Myanmar from Thailand using Myawaddy border then please pay a visit to the golden rock Pagoda. I start from home at 6 am morning and reach the Aung Mingalar Hi-Way Bus Station At 7 am. The Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is located on top of Mt. Kyaiktiyo at 1102 meters above sea level, in the Mon State and approximately 210 km from the city of Yangon. At 7.30 am bus start and near to 12 PM I manage to reach Kin Pun Sakhan a small town in Kyaikto. First thing I did after getting off the bus I bought a return ticket from Win Express bus. At 6.15 PM bus will start the journey from Kyaikhtiyo to Yangon. The bus from Yangon does not go up to the top of the mountain. Kyaikhtiyo base station I found a local bus and buy a ticket for a cable car. By local bus, anyone can reach up to the top. But I want to enjoy the cable car ride. For foreigner one way trip is 10000MMK and round trip is 20000MMK but for a local person it is only 5000MMK for one way and round trip is 7000MMK. Even I rode cable cars before but feel so excited to use it in traveling between mountains. It is one of the best things I did on my trip. The Pagoda was built more than 2500 years ago. Legend has it that the Pagoda was built on a Hair relic that was given to a hermit by Buddha Himself. Kyaiktiyo Pagoda is a well-known Buddhist pilgrimage site in Mon State, Myanmar. It is a small pagoda built on the top of a granite boulder covered with gold leaves pasted on by its male devotees. It is the third most important Buddhist pilgrimage site in Myanmar after the Shwedagon Pagoda and the Mahamuni Pagoda. Currently, women are not allowed into the inner sanctuary of the rock's vicinity, maintained by an employed security guard who watches over the gated entrance. Women are permitted in the outer balcony and the lower courtyard of the rock. After finish visits the Pagoda I decide to visit Kyaik Htee Yoe Waterfall. I took another bus and it took 10 minutes to reach the place. Beautiful setting and visitor-friendly swimming area. A very popular place to relax and hang out. A couple's places to eat or grab drinks. Water is so cool in the winter season and if you walk to this place, you will get sweat and after you swim under the waterfall, it is the best feeling for you, I guarantee. I love this place and feeling. I will go there again. Again come back to Kyaiktiyo Pagoda bus stand at top of the mountain to go to Kyaikhtiyo base station. Finally, I manage to catch my Yangon bus on time and after 3 hours journey, I safely come back to Yangon at 9.15 PM. This trip I finish in one day but I am planning to visit Kyaiktiyo again at The Full Moon day of...