Mountain Top Hotel, Golden Rock (Mt Kyaiktiyo)

Here is a nice, simple and friendly way to enjoy the phenomenal mountain scenery around the Golden Rock (Kyaiktiyo) Pagoda. The Mountain Top Hotel is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is known for its atmosphere: built on the side of the hill, the hotel makes the most of the boulder faces by incorporating them into the architecture, and has carved lovely stairways into of the natural rock formations surrounding it. Come here for decent facilities and beautiful sunsets.

It takes some effort to reach this small pilgrim village in the mountains, but once you’re committed, it’s unforgettable. The Golden Rock is a dazzling gilded boulder that seems to be defying gravity as it balances precariously on top of a cliff. The ride up is to the top is either a thrill or a nightmare, depending on your temperament, so you might be grateful to discover that the Mountain Top Hotel is just a ten-minute walk away from the truck drop-off point. At the hotel, you can dine at one of the two restaurants, grab a sundowner and sit back at the bar, or poke around the souvenir shop. Wherever you end up, take in the endless mountain panorama while you’re there.

Choose from a deluxe or a super deluxe room – they share the same facilities but vary in size. In all rooms, you can expect en-suite bathrooms, comfortable bed, terrific mountain views, air conditioning, and teak furniture. Some of the rooms can only be accessed by steep stairs.

There isn’t much competition up there on the mountain top, and the Mountain Top Hotel is not a five-star establishment. It is, however, simple, friendly and more than adequate for a spot of relaxation and an overnight stay after a thrilling day.