
Kyaik Khauk Pagoda Thanlyin
A 2,000-year-old sacred site in Thanlyin, offering breathtaking panoramic views and rich Buddhist history.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer skies for views

Kyaik Khauk Pagoda Thanlyin
Best Time
Clearer skies for views

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 2,000-year-old sacred site in Thanlyin, offering breathtaking panoramic views and rich Buddhist history.
"The pagoda, perched on a hill, offers stunning panoramic views that are absolutely mesmerizing."

Skip the Main Entrance? 🤔
Consider using west or other side entrances to potentially bypass the foreigner fee.
Check the Weather ☀️
Haze can obscure views. Visit on a clear day for the best panoramic experience.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Hilltop Views
Top of the hill
Breathtaking 360-degree views of Thanlyin and potentially Yangon on a clear day.

Gilded Buddha Statue
Main pagoda complex
A magnificent gilded Buddha statue, a central focus for worship and admiration.

Unique Statues and Murals
Throughout the complex
Explore diverse Buddha representations and intricate murals depicting religious stories.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Navigating Entrance Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Skip the Main Entrance? 🤔
Consider using west or other side entrances to potentially bypass the foreigner fee.
Check the Weather ☀️
Haze can obscure views. Visit on a clear day for the best panoramic experience.
Yangon Myanmar at dusk
Woke up at 5AM to see the sunrise at Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar.
Allow Extra Travel Time 🚗
Road upgrades in Thanlyin can cause traffic jams. Plan accordingly.
Explore Smaller Buildings 🕌
Don't miss the numerous smaller structures housing various Buddha statues.
Tips
from all over the internet
Skip the Main Entrance? 🤔
Consider using west or other side entrances to potentially bypass the foreigner fee.
Check the Weather ☀️
Haze can obscure views. Visit on a clear day for the best panoramic experience.
Allow Extra Travel Time 🚗
Road upgrades in Thanlyin can cause traffic jams. Plan accordingly.
Explore Smaller Buildings 🕌
Don't miss the numerous smaller structures housing various Buddha statues.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Kyaik Khauk Pagoda for its rich history, stunning hilltop panoramic views, and unique architectural details. The gilded Buddha statue and intricate murals are highlights, offering a glimpse into Myanmar's spiritual heritage. Some travelers note the foreigner entrance fee and potential traffic delays due to road upgrades.
"Kyaik Khauk Pagoda is one of the most famous and historic landmarks in Thanlyin, a city in the southern district of Yangon. Its rich history and beautiful architecture are truly fascinating, making you want to visit again. The pagoda, perched on a hill, offers stunning panoramic views that are absolutely mesmerizing. Visiting Kyaik Khauk Pagoda was a wonderful experience I will always remember."
OKKA KYAW
"This Pagoda is located on top of the hill and has very nice view from the top. Pagoda itself is also big and there are several souvenir shops and elevators."
Chiko Y
"There is a K2500 foreigner entrance fee that can be kind of skipped if you enter any entrance other than the main East one. I came in on the west side, which is near a lookout area, and if it weren't hazy, I believe I could have seen all the way to Yangon. There are some unique statues and murals, and plenty of smaller buildings to check out and see many different varieties of Buddhas."
Rodney Egel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kyaik Khauk Pagoda is located in Thanlyin, south of Yangon. You can hire a taxi or a private car from Yangon. The journey typically takes around 45-60 minutes, but be prepared for potential traffic delays due to ongoing road upgrades in Thanlyin.
While direct public transport to the pagoda might be limited, you can take a bus or ferry from Yangon to Thanlyin town and then a short taxi ride to the pagoda. Research local bus routes and ferry schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Once in Thanlyin, local taxis or motorbike taxis are readily available to take you to the pagoda, which is situated on a hill. Negotiate the fare before starting your journey.
Recent reviews mention road upgrades in Thanlyin that can cause traffic jams. It's advisable to check local traffic conditions before you depart and allow for extra travel time.
Ride-sharing apps are becoming more prevalent in Yangon and surrounding areas. It's worth checking if popular apps operate in Thanlyin for convenient transport options to the pagoda.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a foreigner entrance fee of K2500. However, some visitors have reported successfully entering through alternative, less monitored entrances.
Yes, typically there is a specific entrance fee designated for foreigners, which is higher than for locals.
Currently, there is no information available about purchasing tickets online in advance for Kyaik Khauk Pagoda. It's best to purchase your ticket upon arrival.
Pagodas in Myanmar are generally open from early morning until sunset. It's advisable to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the site and its views.
The foreigner entrance fee is generally fixed. While some visitors have found ways to enter without paying, it's recommended to be prepared for the official fee.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Kyaik Khauk Pagoda is a historic site featuring a main gilded stupa, numerous smaller stupas, unique statues, and intricate murals. The pagoda is perched on a hill offering impressive panoramic views of Thanlyin and the surrounding areas.
Yes, there are elevators available to help visitors ascend to the main pagoda level, making it accessible for most visitors.
The pagoda offers stunning panoramic views. On a clear day, you can see across Thanlyin and potentially all the way to Yangon.
Yes, there are souvenir shops located within the pagoda complex where you can purchase religious items and local crafts.
As with most religious sites in Myanmar, it is respectful to dress modestly. This means covering your shoulders and knees. You will also need to remove your shoes before entering the main pagoda area.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed within the pagoda complex, especially for capturing the architecture and the views. However, always be respectful and avoid photographing people without their permission, particularly monks or devotees in prayer.
The panoramic viewpoints from the hilltop offer incredible photo opportunities. The intricate details of the statues and murals inside the various buildings also make for great shots.
There are no specific mentions of drone photography restrictions, but it's always wise to check with local authorities or pagoda management upon arrival, as regulations can change.
Early morning or late afternoon, during the golden hours, provides the best light for photography, enhancing the colors of the stupas and the landscape.
Yes, you can photograph the Buddha statues, but do so respectfully. Avoid posing in front of them or using flash if it might disturb worshippers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be mindful of the dress code, ensuring children are dressed modestly to show respect. The open spaces around the pagoda can be fun for kids to explore, but always supervise them closely, especially near any edges. Consider bringing snacks and water, as amenities might be limited. The journey to Thanlyin itself can be an adventure, with opportunities to see local life along the way.
Budget Travelers
Once at the pagoda, the experience itself is free beyond the entrance fee. You can spend hours exploring the grounds, admiring the architecture, and taking in the views without additional cost. Pack your own snacks and water to save money on purchases within the pagoda complex. The historical and cultural insights gained are invaluable and come at a minimal expense.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of Kyaik Khauk Pagoda
The architecture of Kyaik Khauk Pagoda is a blend of traditional Mon and Burmese styles, evident in its tiered structure and the numerous smaller stupas that surround the main edifice. Visitors can explore various chambers and halls adorned with intricate murals and statues, each telling a story from Buddhist mythology and history. The presence of a 'Princess Cemetery' nearby also adds a layer of historical intrigue, suggesting ancient royal connections to the site.
Beyond its religious and historical value, Kyaik Khauk Pagoda serves as a cultural hub. It's a place where traditions are preserved and passed down through generations. The ongoing presence of worshippers and the maintenance of the site reflect its enduring importance in the local community and its role in preserving Myanmar's rich cultural heritage.
Experiencing the Panoramic Views
To truly maximize your viewing experience, timing is key. Visiting during the early morning hours often means clearer skies and less haze, allowing for sharper, more defined views. The soft light of sunrise can also cast a beautiful glow over the landscape. Alternatively, late afternoon offers the magic of the golden hour, where the setting sun bathes the scenery in warm, ethereal light, creating stunning photographic opportunities.
While the views are a major draw, remember that atmospheric conditions can significantly impact visibility. Haze, common in the region, can sometimes obscure distant landmarks. Despite this, the immediate surroundings of Thanlyin are always visible, offering a glimpse into local life and the natural beauty of the area. The presence of elevators makes reaching these vantage points accessible for most visitors, ensuring everyone can enjoy the spectacular scenery.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit