Kyaik Khauk Pagoda Thanlyin
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Kyaik Khauk Pagoda Thanlyin

4.4
·573 reviews·, Myanmar (Burma)

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning

Clearer skies for views

CrowdLow
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Kyaik Khauk Pagoda Thanlyin

Kyaik Khauk Pagoda Thanlyin

Best Time

Early morning

Clearer skies for views

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.4
(573 reviews)

"The pagoda, perched on a hill, offers stunning panoramic views that are absolutely mesmerizing."

Vertical photo
TIP

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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Hilltop Views

Panoramic Hilltop Views

Top of the hill

Breathtaking 360-degree views of Thanlyin and potentially Yangon on a clear day.

Gilded Buddha Statue

Gilded Buddha Statue

Main pagoda complex

A magnificent gilded Buddha statue, a central focus for worship and admiration.

Unique Statues and Murals

Unique Statues and Murals

Throughout the complex

Explore diverse Buddha representations and intricate murals depicting religious stories.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Views

Kyaik Khauk Pagoda sits atop a hill, offering panoramic views. Visit during clearer weather to truly appreciate the scenery. Be aware that road upgrades in Thanlyin can cause traffic jams, so plan your travel time accordingly.

Navigating Entrance Fees

While there's a foreigner entrance fee, some visitors suggest it can be bypassed by using alternative entrances. However, always be prepared to pay the official fee to support the site's upkeep and avoid any potential issues.

Best Times

When
Early morning
Why
Clearer skies for views
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Tip Bar & Grill (Yangon) 📍Level(19), Yangon ThanLwin Hotel (In front of Shed D,Theingyi Market, Shwedagon Pagoda Rd, Yangon) #yangon #bar #rooftopbar
@joyniniwin.mm
24K likes • 383.3K views

Skip the Main Entrance? 🤔

Consider using west or other side entrances to potentially bypass the foreigner fee. Reddit

Check the Weather ☀️

Haze can obscure views. Visit on a clear day for the best panoramic experience. Reddit

reddit.com

Yangon Myanmar at dusk

reddit.com

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. Reddit

Explore Smaller Buildings 🕌

Don't miss the numerous smaller structures housing various Buddha statues. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Skip the Main Entrance? 🤔

Consider using west or other side entrances to potentially bypass the foreigner fee. Reddit

Check the Weather ☀️

Haze can obscure views. Visit on a clear day for the best panoramic experience. Reddit

Allow Extra Travel Time 🚗

Road upgrades in Thanlyin can cause traffic jams. Plan accordingly. Reddit

Explore Smaller Buildings 🕌

Don't miss the numerous smaller structures housing various Buddha statues. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(573 reviews)

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

Amazing panoramic views
Historic architecture
Gilded Buddha statue

What People Dislike

Foreigner entrance fee
Traffic delays

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is a foreigner entrance fee of K2500. However, some visitors have reported successfully entering through alternative, less monitored entrances. Reddit

Yes, typically there is a specific entrance fee designated for foreigners, which is higher than for locals. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. Reddit

Yes, there are elevators available to help visitors ascend to the main pagoda level, making it accessible for most visitors. Reddit

The pagoda offers stunning panoramic views. On a clear day, you can see across Thanlyin and potentially all the way to Yangon. Reddit

Yes, there are souvenir shops located within the pagoda complex where you can purchase religious items and local crafts. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

Early morning or late afternoon, during the golden hours, provides the best light for photography, enhancing the colors of the stupas and the landscape. Reddit

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Kyaik Khauk Pagoda can be an interesting outing for families, offering a mix of cultural exploration and impressive views. The elevators make it easier for families with young children or strollers to access the main pagoda level. Encourage kids to look for the different Buddha statues and the colorful murals, turning the visit into a visual scavenger hunt. Reddit

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. TikTok

Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Kyaik Khauk Pagoda offers significant value. While there's a foreigner entrance fee, some visitors have found ways to enter without paying by using alternative entrances, though this is not guaranteed. Reddit The main cost will likely be transportation from Yangon. Opting for local buses or ferries to Thanlyin, followed by a short taxi ride, can be more economical than a direct taxi from Yangon. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Significance of Kyaik Khauk Pagoda

Kyaik Khauk Pagoda is a significant religious site with a history stretching back approximately 2,000 years. Its name, 'Kyaik Khauk,' translates to 'Golden Rock' in Mon, hinting at its ancient origins and importance. The pagoda is not just a place of worship but also a pilgrimage destination for Buddhists, drawing devotees from across the region. Its strategic location on a hill has made it a prominent landmark for centuries, offering both spiritual solace and a vantage point for observing the surrounding landscape. Reddit

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. Reddit

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

One of the most compelling reasons to visit Kyaik Khauk Pagoda is the breathtaking panoramic view it offers. Perched atop a hill, the pagoda provides an unobstructed 360-degree vista of Thanlyin and, on a clear day, the distant skyline of Yangon. This elevated perspective allows visitors to appreciate the geographical layout of the region and the confluence of rivers. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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