From Yangon: Full Day Excursion to Golden Rock

Yangon , Myanmar (Burma)

From Yangon: Full Day Excursion to Golden Rock

Active

12h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Learn not only about the spiritual heart of the Buddhism but also discover the natural beauty of the region around Kyaikhtiyo (Golden Rock). This is an adventure trip as you must take a ride by an open truck from the base camp to the mountain top. On the way back to Yangon, make a short visit in Bago.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Make a pilgrimage tour up to Mount Kyaiktiyo, home of the famous Golden Rock Pagoda.
• Admire the gilded dome of the Shwemawdaw Pagoda and see the Great Reclining Buddha Image, Shwetharlyang Pagoda in Bago.
• Enjoy having lunch at local restaurant.
• Visit the War Cemetery which is maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

Available options

From Yangon: Full Day Excursion to Golden Rock

Pickup included

What's included

Pick up & drop off at your Hotel in Yangon

1 Purified Water Bottle / 1 Snow Towel per day during the tour,

Private sightseeing with an English speaking guide & air-conditioned vehicle

Lunch at Local Restaurant,

Entrance Fees in Kyaikhtiyo Pagoda, Shwemawdaw and Shwetharlyaung Pagoda in Bago

Detailed itinerary

At 05:30 AM. pick up from your hotel in Yangon and start overland drive to Kin Pun "base camp" of Golden Rock (110 miles – 4 hours) and onward to Kyaiktiyo (the "Golden Rock"), a huge boulder completely covered by gold leaves and delicately balanced on the edge of a cliff. Arrive Kim Pun Based Camp at approx noon. As soon as arriving to the Kim Pun Base Camp at about 1000 AM, you will take the open truck to reach to the mountain top pagoda. After arriving to the top of the mountain pagoda, you can visit the Golden Rock Pagoda and take the photo around there. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant en-route.

After lunch, leave from Kyaikhto and return back to Yangon via Bago. Short visit in Bago includes great Shwemawdaw Pagoda, which is over a thousand years old.

Stop 3

Its spire is even taller than that of Yangon's Shwedagon Pagoda, the 55-meter-long reclining Shwe Thalyaung Buddha Image, one of the country's most revered objects. Then, continue drive to Yangon, with a brief stop at Kyaik Pun Pagoda, famous for its four giant Buddha figures. Drive back to Yangon.

Then, continue drive to Yangon, with a brief stop at Kyaik Pun Pagoda, famous for its four giant Buddha figures. Drive back to Yangon.

Stop 5

If time permit, visit Allied War Cemetery in Htauk Kyant. Arrive back to your hotel in the late evening.

What's not included

Services not mentioned in our itinerary,

Hotel accommodation,

Tips for your guide and driver (USD 8 for guide and USD 3 for driver)

Camera Fee (MMK 1,000), Travel insurance (MMK 10,000)

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please note that this tour should be booked in advance at least 14 days ahead, as we need to apply the permission to Ministry of Hotel and Tourism due to the current political unrest situation in that area.

As you will be visiting religious sites, please wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, and remember to take off your shoes and socks when entering pagoda areas.

Due to road conditions, travel in this region is not recommended during the monsoon season (June - September).

This tour is not available during the Water Festival between 12 to 18 Apr. During this time, everything in town is closed: restaurants, shops, markets, Museum, etc. Driving through Yangon is extremely difficult if not impossible because people celebrate the famous water-festival. You cannot avoid of getting very wet because everyone throws water at everybody. People drive through the city in open cars and there are stages along the street where people throw water. Everybody going up will get very wet.

Important notes

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

About Yangon

Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is Myanmar's largest city and its commercial capital. Known for its colonial architecture, bustling markets, and the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon offers a rich blend of tradition and modernity. The city's relaxed pace and vibrant culture make it a must-visit destination in Myanmar.

Top Attractions

Shwedagon Pagoda

The Shwedagon Pagoda is the most revered Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar. It is said to contain relics of the four Buddha's and is covered in gold leaf.

Religious/Historical 2-3 hours Free (donations welcome)

Bogyoke Aung San Market

This bustling market is a great place to shop for traditional handicrafts, jewelry, and souvenirs. It's also a good spot to try local street food.

Market/Cultural 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary by item

Chauhtatgyi Buddha Temple

This temple is home to one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in Myanmar. The statue is 65 meters long and 16 meters high.

Religious 1 hour Free (donations welcome)

Kandawgyi Lake

This beautiful lake is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It's surrounded by lush gardens and offers a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle.

Nature/Relaxation 1-2 hours Free

Sule Pagoda

This ancient pagoda is located in the heart of Yangon and is believed to be over 2,000 years old. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Religious/Historical 1 hour Free (donations welcome)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Mohinga

A popular rice noodle soup made with fish, lemongrass, and other aromatic spices. It's often eaten for breakfast or as a light meal.

Breakfast/Lunch Contains fish, can be made vegetarian with tofu

Tea Leaf Salad (Laphet Thoke)

A traditional Burmese salad made with fermented tea leaves, nuts, seeds, and other ingredients. It has a unique tangy and savory flavor.

Snack Vegetarian (if no fish sauce is added)

Samosa

A popular street food item, samosas are deep-fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes, onions, and sometimes meat. They are often served with a tangy tamarind sauce.

Snack Can be vegetarian or with meat

Shan Noodles (Nan Gyi Thok)

A popular noodle dish from the Shan state, made with rice noodles, chicken or pork, and a flavorful gravy. It's often served with pickled vegetables and a fried egg.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat, can be made with chicken or pork

Popular Activities

Hiking in nearby national parks Boat tours on the Yangon River Visiting spas and wellness centers Enjoying a traditional Burmese massage Exploring historic sites and temples Attending traditional performances and festivals Fishing trips Not applicable

Best Time to Visit

November to February

This is the cool and dry season, making it the most pleasant time to visit. The weather is ideal for exploring the city's attractions and enjoying outdoor activities.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Burmese
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other areas

Currency

Burmese Kyat (MMK)

Time Zone

GMT+6:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Yangon is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night. Avoid political demonstrations and protests, as they can turn violent.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.
• Use reputable taxi services and avoid unlicensed cabs.
• Keep your valuables secure and out of sight.

Getting there

By air

Yangon International Airport • 15 km (9.3 miles) from city center

By train

Central Railway Station

By bus

Aung Mingalar Bus Terminal, YBS (Yangon Bus Service) Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Yangon. They are affordable but can be crowded and slow.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Yangon Kamayut Dagon

Day trips

Bago

80 km (50 miles) from Yangon • Half day to full day

Bago is an ancient city with a rich history and many historic sites, including the Shwemawdaw Pagoda, the Kyaik Pun Pagoda, and the Bago Palace.

Thanlyin

25 km (15.5 miles) from Yangon • Half day to full day

Thanlyin is a historic town with a rich past and many interesting sites, including the Kyaik Kauk Pagoda, the Ancient Ships Museum, and the War Cemetery.

Twante

25 km (15.5 miles) from Yangon • Half day to full day

Twante is a small town known for its pottery and traditional crafts. It's a great place to try local food, shop for souvenirs, and experience the local way of life.

Festivals

Thingyan (Water Festival) • April (dates vary by year) Tazaungdaing Festival (Festival of Lights) • October/November (full moon of Tazaungmon) Kason Festival (Water Festival) • April/May (full moon of Kason)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in Burmese, such as 'Mingalabar' (hello) and 'Kayzu tin bar de' (thank you), to show respect and make a good impression.
Dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting religious sites, to show respect for local customs and traditions.
Use reputable taxi services and avoid unlicensed cabs to ensure a safe and reliable ride.
Carry small denominations of cash, as change can be difficult to come by, and bargaining is expected in markets and with street vendors.
Be mindful of your impact on the environment and local communities, and support sustainable and responsible tourism practices.