Golden Rock

The golden glory of Kyaiktiyo (sounds like chake-tee-oh), also known as the Golden Rock, is the third most sacred Buddhist shrine in Myanmar, behind Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon and the Mahamuni Buddha in Mandalay. As such, it is a very popular pilgrimage site among Myanmar Buddhists and increasing numbers of tourists. Luminous Journeys definitely recommends a visit if you have the time, as being about 5 hours by road from Yangon, it is a bit out of the way. This can be alleviated somewhat by including a visit to Bago, or by continuing on a Southern Swing to Hpa An and beyond.

In theory it can be visited in a day from Yangon, if you leave early enough. Two days works best for most people, including a night spent on top just a short distance from the rock. This way it can be experienced in the afternoon/sunset/night, as well as early the following morning. This works perfectly for the most luminous photography.

If you want to spend the night on top, we recommend Mountain Top hotel. There is precious little available, and this is easily the cleanest and most modern. If you have difficulty climbing a lot of steps, request an upper floor room. They start at lobby level and go down!