The Golden Rock of Kyaiktiyo: A Spiritual Marvel in Myanmar's Mountains
Kyaiktiyo, also known as the Golden Rock, is one of Myanmar's most famous pilgrimage sites. Nestled atop Mt. Kyaiktiyo in the Mon State, this city is home to the revered Golden Rock Pagoda. The Golden Rock itself is a massive, gold-leaf-covered boulder that appears to delicately balance on the edge of a cliff. According to legend, the rock is held in place by a single strand of Buddha’s hair, making it a deeply spiritual site for Buddhists. Reaching Kyaiktiyo is an adventure in itself. Visitors often start their journey from Yangon, Myanmar's largest city, and travel to the base camp at Kinpun. From there, it’s a scenic hike or an exhilarating truck ride up the mountain to reach the pagoda. The hike, though challenging, rewards you with breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Once at the summit, the atmosphere is both serene and vibrant. Pilgrims and tourists alike gather to meditate, pray, and apply gold leaf to the rock. The views from the top are spectacular, especially at sunrise and sunset, when the Golden Rock glows magnificently. Whether you are seeking spiritual fulfillment or simply wish to witness one of Myanmar's most incredible natural and cultural wonders, Kyaiktiyo offers a memorable and enriching experience.
Local tips in Kyaiktiyo
- Wear comfortable shoes for the hike. The path can be steep and uneven.
- Bring warm clothing. It can get quite chilly at the summit, especially in the early morning and evening.
- Plan to stay overnight. The town of Kyaikto nearby offers accommodations and allows you to experience the Golden Rock at different times of the day.
- Respect local customs. Dress modestly and be mindful of the religious significance of the site.
- Carry small denominations of Myanmar Kyat for donations and purchases at the stalls along the way.
The Golden Rock of Kyaiktiyo: A Spiritual Marvel in Myanmar's Mountains
Kyaiktiyo, also known as the Golden Rock, is one of Myanmar's most famous pilgrimage sites. Nestled atop Mt. Kyaiktiyo in the Mon State, this city is home to the revered Golden Rock Pagoda. The Golden Rock itself is a massive, gold-leaf-covered boulder that appears to delicately balance on the edge of a cliff. According to legend, the rock is held in place by a single strand of Buddha’s hair, making it a deeply spiritual site for Buddhists. Reaching Kyaiktiyo is an adventure in itself. Visitors often start their journey from Yangon, Myanmar's largest city, and travel to the base camp at Kinpun. From there, it’s a scenic hike or an exhilarating truck ride up the mountain to reach the pagoda. The hike, though challenging, rewards you with breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Once at the summit, the atmosphere is both serene and vibrant. Pilgrims and tourists alike gather to meditate, pray, and apply gold leaf to the rock. The views from the top are spectacular, especially at sunrise and sunset, when the Golden Rock glows magnificently. Whether you are seeking spiritual fulfillment or simply wish to witness one of Myanmar's most incredible natural and cultural wonders, Kyaiktiyo offers a memorable and enriching experience.
When is the best time to go to Kyaiktiyo?
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Kyaik Htee Yoe Pagoda
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Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple
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Kyauk Taw Gyi (White Marble Buddha)
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Sri Mingala Taung Taw (Taung Kwe Zedi)
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Kyauktawgyi Pagoda
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Kyaik Paw Law Buddha Statue
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Kyaikhtiyoe Museum
Explore the cultural richness of Myanmar at Kyaikhtiyoe Museum, where history and heritage come alive for every visitor.
Three Pagodas Mount.
Experience the serene beauty and spiritual allure of Three Pagodas Mount in Kyaikto, Myanmar - a must-visit for every traveler seeking tranquility.
Kyaik Htee Yoe Waterfall
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Kyaik Ka Le Pagoda
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Statue of Gautama Buddha (World's Largest Sitting Buddha)
Discover the world's largest sitting Buddha in Kyaikto, Myanmar, where spirituality meets stunning artistry in a serene natural setting.
Kyaikpawlaw Pagoda
Experience the spiritual beauty and tranquility of Kyaikpawlaw Pagoda, a must-visit landmark in Kyaikto, Myanmar.
Kyaiktiyo Monastery
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Kyaikhtiyo Wildlife Sanctuary
Explore the lush landscapes and rich biodiversity of Kyaikhtiyo Wildlife Sanctuary, a serene nature preserve in Myanmar perfect for nature lovers.
kyaikhto
Explore Kyaikhto, Myanmar’s majestic historical landmark featuring the breathtaking Kyaiktiyo Pagoda and stunning natural landscapes.
Unmissable attractions to see
Kanbawzathadi Golden Palace
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Shwethalyaung Buddhist Temple
Experience the serenity and grandeur of Shwethalyaung Buddhist Temple, home to Myanmar's majestic reclining Buddha, in the heart of Bago.
Kyaik Pun Pagoda
Discover the serene beauty of Kyaik Pun Pagoda, a stunning Buddhist temple in Bago, Myanmar, featuring four majestic seated Buddhas and rich cultural heritage.
Kyaik Paw Law Buddha Statue
Explore the Kyaik Paw Law Buddha Statue in Kyaikto, a serene pagoda offering stunning architecture and a glimpse into Myanmar's spiritual heritage.
Balloons over Bagan
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Bagan from above with Balloons Over Bagan, where ancient temples meet stunning sunrises.
Snake pagoda
Discover the unique charm of Snake Pagoda in Bago, Myanmar, where spirituality meets stunning serpent-inspired architecture.
Kyaikhtiyoe Museum
Discover the cultural depth of Myanmar at Kyaikhtiyoe Museum, where history and tradition come to life.
Three Pagodas Mount.
Explore the breathtaking Three Pagodas of Mount Kyaiktiyo, a spiritual haven atop a granite boulder in Myanmar, surrounded by stunning natural beauty.
Hlay Khwin Taung Pagoda
Explore the serene beauty of Hlay Khwin Taung Pagoda, a peaceful Buddhist temple in Kyidaung, offering stunning views and rich cultural experiences.
Kyaik Htee Yoe Waterfall
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Statue of Gautama Buddha (World's Largest Sitting Buddha)
Experience the serene beauty of the world's largest sitting Buddha in Kyaikto, a spiritual journey through Myanmar's rich Buddhist heritage.
Oriental Balloning
Discover Nyaung-U's majestic temples from above with Oriental Ballooning; an unforgettable hot air balloon adventure in Myanmar.
Kyaiktiyo Pagoda Rd
Explore Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, the iconic Golden Rock, a breathtaking Buddhist pilgrimage site in Kin Pun Sakhan, Myanmar, offering stunning views and spiritual significance.
Kin Pun Sakhan
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Essential places to dine
Shan Yoe Yar Restaurant (Manaw Hari)
Experience authentic Burmese flavors at Shan Yoe Yar Restaurant in Yangon – a culinary journey through Myanmar's rich traditions.
Aung Thu Kha Traditional Myanmar Food House
Discover authentic Burmese cuisine at Aung Thu Kha Traditional Myanmar Food House in Yangon, where every dish tells a story of local flavors.
Golden Duck
Experience authentic Chinese flavors at Golden Duck in Yangon’s scenic Kan Taw Mingalar Garden Compound.
Le Planteur Restaurants & Lounge
Experience luxury dining at Le Planteur Restaurants & Lounge, where exquisite French cuisine meets serene elegance in Yangon.
Unique Mandalay Tea Room
Discover authentic Burmese flavors at Unique Mandalay Tea Room – your gateway to local cuisine and culture in Mandalay.
Royal Garden Restaurant
Discover authentic Chinese flavors at Royal Garden Restaurant, nestled in Kandawgyi National Park's tranquil surroundings in Yangon.
Golden Big Kettle (ရွှေခရားကြီး)
Discover Golden Big Kettle in Yangon – a Halal cafe offering delightful cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere perfect for tourists.
Taing Yin Thar Restaurant, Yankin
Discover authentic Burmese flavors at Taing Yin Thar Restaurant in Yankin - a culinary journey through Myanmar's rich heritage.
Koe Kant Kou Fu
Discover authentic Chinese cuisine at Koe Kant Kou Fu in Kandawgyi Garden, where flavor meets tranquility amidst nature's beauty.
Shwe Myot Taw( Chetty Food Restaurant and Tea House)
Experience authentic Indian cuisine and traditional teas at Shwe Myot Taw in Ahlone – a must-visit for food lovers exploring Myanmar.
Green Gallery
Discover authentic Thai cuisine at Green Gallery in Yangon—a culinary haven for food lovers seeking vibrant flavors.
White Cottage Restaurant & Beer Garden
Experience fine dining at its best in Yangon at White Cottage Restaurant & Beer Garden – where Asian flavors meet European elegance.
the teak spa & restaurants
Discover serenity at The Teak Spa & Restaurants in Kyarpin—where relaxation meets exquisite culinary experiences.
ခါလာကြီးထမင်းဆိုင် ထောက်ကြန့် (Khar Lar Kyi Restaurant Htauk Kyant)
Experience the best of Halal cuisine at Khar Lar Kyi Restaurant – a must-visit dining destination along the Yangon-Mandalay Highway.
Unique Myanmar Restaurant
Experience authentic Burmese and Chinese cuisine at Unique Myanmar Restaurant in Mandalay - a culinary journey worth savoring.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Zay Cho
Discover the heart of Mandalay at Zay Cho Market, where vibrant stalls and local flavors come together in a cultural shopping experience.
Khit Sunn Yin Lotus, Silk & Cotton
Explore the exquisite craftsmanship of Khit Sunn Yin Lotus, Silk & Cotton in Nampan, where traditional textiles meet contemporary fashion.
Amazing Grace
Explore Amazing Grace Souvenir Store in Yangon for unique crafts that reflect Myanmar's rich culture and artistry.
Tagu Silk & Souvenir
Explore the vibrant craftsmanship of Myanmar at Tagu Silk & Souvenir, your go-to destination for exquisite silk and unique local gifts.
ARTISAN SOUVENIR SHOP
Explore the Artisan Souvenir Shop in Yangon for unique, handcrafted treasures that embody Myanmar's rich culture and craftsmanship.
U Khin Mg
Explore authentic Myanmar handicrafts and unique gifts at U Khin Mg, a must-visit destination for souvenir shopping in Mandalay.
ဧကရာဇ်သင်္ကန်းတိုက် Ekarit Monk's Religious Goods Shop
Discover a rich tapestry of spiritual goods and cultural heritage at Ekarit Monk's Religious Goods Shop in Cith, Myanmar.
Tun Kyai Sin - Silver Shop
Discover the exquisite craftsmanship of silver at Tun Kyai Sin, a must-visit jeweler in Heyarywarma.
U Kyin Tun & Daw Kyin Hnome Gold Shop
Experience the vibrant culture of Hinthada at U Kyin Tun & Daw Kyin Hnome Gold Shop – your destination for fresh produce and authentic local goods.
ခိုင်ရွှေလာဘ် ကုန်စုံဆိုင်
Explore the vibrant offerings of ခိုင်ရွှေလာဘ် ကုန်စုံဆိုင် in Kyaukse, a treasure trove of local crafts and everyday essentials.
ရတနာပျိုမေအမျိုးသမီးများဖွံ့ဖြိုးတိုးတက်ရေးအသင်းဆိုင်
Explore a treasure trove of authentic Myanmar souvenirs at the charming souvenir store in Kyauktaw, where local craftsmanship meets cultural heritage.
KhitkyaeMone Art,Sculpture and Handicraft shop,Phyu
Discover KhitkyaeMone in Phyu: a unique shop for exquisite religious art and handcrafted treasures that embody Myanmar's rich heritage.
ကြိုက်တာယူ-2 (3000/5000/7000 )
Explore an exquisite selection of fashion accessories that highlight the unique cultural heritage and style of Myanmar at ကြိုက်တာယူ-2 in Kyaukpadaung.
မီးပြတိုက် စတိုး
Discover unique handmade crafts and local artistry at မီးပြတိုက် စတိုး, your boutique destination for authentic souvenirs.
Good
Discover exquisite jewelry at Good Jewelry Store in Yangon, where tradition meets elegance in every handcrafted piece.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Teak Bar at Pan Pacific Hotel
Experience the elegance and tranquility of The Teak Bar at Pan Pacific Hotel, where exquisite drinks meet stunning views in the heart of Yangon.
kyaikhto
Discover Kyaikhto, a serene bar in Myanmar's lush landscapes offering local drinks, light snacks, and a friendly atmosphere for travelers.
Local Phrases
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- Helloမင်္ဂလာပါ
[mingala ba] - Goodbyeသွားပါ
[swa ba] - Yesဟုတ်ပါ
[hote ba] - Noမဟုတ်ပါ
[ma hote ba] - Please/You're welcomeကျေးဇူးတင်ပါ
[chay zu tin ba] - Thank youကျေးဇူးပါပါ့
[chay zu ba ba] - Excuse me/Sorryအားလုံးချင်းပါ
[a lom chit ba] - How are you?ဘယ်ဘက်လဲ
[be ba lae] - Fine. And you?ကျေးဇူးပါရဲ့ ဘယ်ဘက်လဲ
[chay zu ba ye be ba lae] - Do you speak English?အင်္ဂလိပ်ပြီးရင်းလဲ
[in gale pyi yan lae] - I don't understandမဟုတ်ဘူးပါ
[ma hote bu ba]
- Helloမင်္ဂလာပါ
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- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseမီနုပြီးရေးကို၊ ကျေးဇူးပါ
[mi nu pyi re ko, chay zu ba] - I don't eat meatဆီဇွန်ကိုမဟုတ်ပါ
[hsi zwam ko ma hote ba] - Cheers!လျှပ်စစ်ရှင့်!
[hlut sae shang] - I would like to pay, pleaseငါကျေးဇူးပါ။ ငါလက်ခံရမှာ
[nga chay zu ba. nga lakkhan yama]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseမီနုပြီးရေးကို၊ ကျေးဇူးပါ
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- Help!အကူအညီ!
[a ku a ni] - Go away!နောက်သွား!
[naw swa] - Call the Police!ရုံးတီးကိုဆက်ပါ
[yone ti ko hkat ba] - Call a doctor!ဆရာဝန်ကိုဆက်ပါ
[sha wan ko hkat ba] - I'm lostငါမှားလားပါ
[nga hmar la ba] - I'm illငါအမှားနေပါ
[nga amhar ne ba]
- Help!အကူအညီ!
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- I'd like to buy...ငါဝယ်ယူပါရေးကို
[nga yae yu pyi re ko] - I'm just lookingကျော်သွားပါ
[chaw swa ba] - How much is it?အစားဘွဲလေးဟာရင်းလဲ
[a sa bho lei ha yan lae] - That's too expensiveဒီလို့အစားဘွဲလေးညိုးရမှာ
[di lo a sa bho lei nu ma] - Can you lower the price?စစ်ရေးစားပါအစားဘွဲလေးကို
[saer sei ba a sa bho lei ko]
- I'd like to buy...ငါဝယ်ယူပါရေးကို
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- What time is it?ဘယ်ဘက်လဲပါ
[be ba lae ba] - It's one o'clockတစ်နှစ်ရာ့ပါ
[ta nhote ra ba] - Half past (10)တစ်ဆယ်ရာ့
[ta hsa ra] - Morningမနက်
[ma neik] - Afternoonနောက်
[naw] - Eveningည
[ye] - Yesterdayမနေ
[ma ne] - Todayယနေ
[ya ne] - Tomorrowမနက်
[ma neik] - 1တစ်
[ta nhote] - 2နှစ်
[nhote] - 3သုံး
[sohn] - 4လေး
[lei] - 5ငါး
[nga] - 6ခြောက်
[chaw] - 7ရှစ်
[shet] - 8ရှစ်သုံး
[shet sohn] - 9ကိုး
[kaw] - 10တဆယ
[tat hsa]
- What time is it?ဘယ်ဘက်လဲပါ
-
- Where's a/the...?ဘယ်ဘက်တော်၊
[be ba tau,] - What's the address?လိုချင်တော်၊
[lo chit tau,] - Can you show me (on the map)?ဘယ်ဘက်ကိုပြသလို၊
[be ba ko pya lae,] - When's the next (bus)?ဘယ်ဘက်ညီမှာ၊
[be ba ni ma,] - A ticket (to ....)လက်ခံရမှာ
[lakkhan yama]
- Where's a/the...?ဘယ်ဘက်တော်၊
History of Kyaiktiyo
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Kyaiktiyo, also known as the Golden Rock, is a massive boulder perched precariously on the edge of a cliff. According to local legend, the rock is balanced by a single hair of the Buddha, placed there by an ancient hermit. The origins of the site are shrouded in mystery, with its significance dating back over 2,500 years.
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Kyaiktiyo is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Myanmar for Buddhists. The Golden Rock is covered in gold leaf, applied by male devotees as a sign of reverence. Pilgrims believe that visiting the rock and making offerings can grant them merit and bring them closer to enlightenment.
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The Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, which sits atop the Golden Rock, was constructed during the 11th century under the reign of King Tissa. The pagoda is small, only 7.3 meters tall, but it holds immense spiritual significance. It is said to enshrine a hair relic of the Buddha, adding to the site's sacredness.
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During the British colonial era, Kyaiktiyo became more accessible to foreigners. The British constructed roads and railways, making it easier for tourists to visit. The Golden Rock quickly gained international attention, becoming a symbol of Myanmar's rich cultural heritage.
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In recent years, the Myanmar government has invested in infrastructure to support the increasing number of pilgrims and tourists. New hotels, roads, and amenities have been developed to enhance the visitor experience. Despite modernization, efforts have been made to preserve the site's spiritual and historical significance.
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The most significant festival at Kyaiktiyo is the Tazaungdaing Festival, held in November. During this time, thousands of pilgrims gather to light candles and make offerings. The festival features traditional music, dance, and ceremonies, creating a vibrant atmosphere that highlights the cultural richness of the region.
Kyaiktiyo Essentials
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Kyaiktiyo, also known as the Golden Rock, is located in the Mon State of Myanmar. The nearest international airport is Yangon International Airport, approximately 210 kilometers away. From Yangon, you can take a bus or taxi to Kinpun, the base camp for Kyaiktiyo. The journey by road generally takes around 4 to 5 hours. From Kinpun, you can either hike to the Golden Rock, which takes around 4 hours, or take a truck up to the Yatetaung terminal, which is closer to the summit.
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Within Kyaiktiyo, transportation options are limited due to its mountainous terrain. The primary means of getting around is by foot or by the local open-air trucks that shuttle visitors from Kinpun to the Yatetaung terminal. These trucks are the most common and economical way to ascend the mountain. For those who prefer convenience, private taxis can be arranged from Yangon to Kinpun.
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The official currency in Myanmar is the Kyat (MMK). While some larger hotels and tourist establishments may accept credit cards, it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas like Kyaiktiyo. ATMs are available in Yangon and other larger cities, but they are scarce in Kinpun and Kyaiktiyo, so withdraw sufficient cash before you arrive.
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Kyaiktiyo is generally safe for tourists, but standard travel precautions should be observed. Avoid walking alone at night and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it’s always best to stay vigilant. Be cautious while hiking, as the paths can be steep and slippery.
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In case of emergency, dial 199 for police assistance or 192 for medical emergencies. There is a small clinic in Kinpun for minor health issues, but for serious medical emergencies, you would need to travel to a larger hospital in Yangon. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Always carry a basic first-aid kit when hiking.
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Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do show respect at the Golden Rock pilgrimage site. Remove your shoes and socks before entering sacred areas. Public Transport: Do be respectful and follow the locals when using the open-air trucks. Don't overcrowd the trucks, as it can be unsafe. Greetings: Do greet people with a slight bow or by saying 'Mingalaba' (Hello). Avoid physical contact with monks. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
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To experience Kyaiktiyo like a local, take the pilgrimage route on foot from Kinpun to the Golden Rock. Engage with local pilgrims, who often share stories and insights about the site's spiritual significance. Visit the local markets in Kinpun to buy fresh produce and traditional Myanmar goods. Don't miss the sunrise or sunset views from the Golden Rock, which offer breathtaking scenery.
Trending Landmark in Kyaiktiyo
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Kyaik Htee Yoe Pagoda
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Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple
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Kyauk Taw Gyi (White Marble Buddha)
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Sri Mingala Taung Taw (Taung Kwe Zedi)
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Kyauktawgyi Pagoda
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Kyaik Paw Law Buddha Statue
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Kyaikhtiyoe Museum
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Three Pagodas Mount.
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Kyaik Htee Yoe Waterfall
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Kyaik Ka Le Pagoda
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Statue of Gautama Buddha (World's Largest Sitting Buddha)
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Kyaikpawlaw Pagoda
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Kyaiktiyo Monastery
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Kyaikhtiyo Wildlife Sanctuary
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kyaikhto
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