Bago

Overview

Bago, located 80 kilometers northeast of Yangon, is one of Myanmar's historic capitals, known for centuries as Hanthawaddy; during colonial times, it was known as Pegu. As a result, the current city still has a variety of fascinating historic religious monuments. Bago City is referred to as the "Home of historical and natural richness" because of its role in the rich history of the province and the nation, as well as because of its stunning landscape and diversity of flora and fauna, which make it an attractive location for ecotourism. Tourists may admire the splendor of religious buildings while also having chances to immerse themselves in nature. 

Bago features some of the most magnificent pagodas in the nation; therefore, you must visit them during your Myanmar tour. Do you want to witness the tallest golden pagoda in the country? With Asia Private Travels, let's explore Bago and enjoy the greatest time in Myanmar.

Bago overview

What to do and what to see

When visiting Bago, one of the most significant things you should not miss is visiting the region's religious sites. Bago is well known for its religious structure:

Visit Shwemawdaw Pagoda: Near Myanmar Railway House, in the northeast, you can find the Shwemawdaw Temple. Visitors may clearly view this temple from throughout Bago city due to its height of 114m. The towering pagoda, which sparkles in the sunlight, is visible for miles in all directions. The temple has a history that dates back over 1000 years. A Mon king initially constructed it as a temple of devotion for the two hairs that the Buddha gave to him. The temple was only around 23 meters tall at the time. Shwemawdaw Temple is one of Myanmar's most precious and significant temples.

Exploring Shwemawdaw Pagoda in Bago

Visit Mya Tha Lyaung: Mya Tha Lyaung Buddha, located west of Bago City, is a reclining statue. The monument is 82 meters (270 feet) long, making it Myanmar's largest outdoor statue. Mya Tha Lyaung is a single reclining monument, not surrounded by pagodas or stupas like other statues in Myanmar. Visitors who visit this reclining Buddha can take pictures of this stunning structure and the surrounding serene environment.

Visiting Mya Tha Lyaung Buddha in Bago

Visit Shwethalyaung Reclining statue:  The Shwethalyaung Reclining statue, the second-largest statue in the world, is within 5 minute drive from Mya Tha Lyaung Reclining Buddha. So, after visiting Mya Tha Lyaung, visitors can stop by Shwethalyung to take in the architecture and the Burmese's efforts in creating such enormous constructions. Furthermore, there are several notable pagodas in Bago that you should visit, such as Bawbawgyi Temple, Hinthagon Pagoda, and Kyaik Pun Pagoda.

Admiring Shwethalyaung Reclining statue, in Bago, Myanmar

Additionally, you may discover more about Bago's history by going to a historical site like the Kanbawzathadi Golden Palace. If you enjoy majestic palaces and other royal structures, Kanbawzathadi Palace is a must-visit location in your Myanmar travel tour. The original palace had 76 rooms and apartments when it was first constructed in 1556 under King Bayinnaung's command. Although it was destroyed by fire in 1599, it was rebuilt in 1990 and completed in 1992. It now draws millions of tourists a year as one of the most magnificent palaces in the world. Here you will see reproductions and models of royal treasures such as the king's golden coach, as well as spaces such as the Great Audience Hall, which has 167 teak pillars. The Bhammayarthana Throne Hall, which contains the royal bed chamber and the king's living quarters, is another significant location.

Discovering Kanbawzathadi Golden Palace in Myanmar

Also, Bago is home to some of the greatest national forests, making it a great destination for anyone seeking to unwind and connect with nature. Moeyungyi Wetland Wildlife Sanctuary is a great location in southern Myanmar for picnickers, naturalists, botanists, birdwatchers, or those who prefer peace, calm, and tranquility and dream of getting away from the city. It is not too far from the center of Bago town. You will have the chance to observe more than 42 different species of waterbirds, 33 different species of shorebirds, more than 20 different species of aquatic grasses, and several aquatic plants during your visit to Moeyungyi Wetland Wildlife Sanctuary. If you want to get away from the bustle of the city, Moeyungyi is the place for you.

Discovering Moeyungyi Wetland Wildlife Sanctuary

What to eat and what to drink

Your Myanmar journey would be incomplete if you do not sample Bago's wonderful food. Here, you may find a variety of tasty meals that contribute to the region's renown.

Mohinga is well-known throughout the nation, not only in Bago. You could buy Mohinga everywhere in Bago. Mohinga is frequently sold by street hawkers, who carry a soup pot on one side of a shoulder pole and rice vermicelli and other ingredients, as well as cups and utensils, on the other. Don't forget to sample this unique dish.

It is relatively simple to find Ohn no kauk swe in Bago because, after Mohinga, it is unquestionably the most well-known Burmese dish. It is typically thought of as a type of street cuisine dish that is sold by roving vendors and is accessible at markets and roadside stalls. Therefore, don't be hesitant to give it a try!

Another dish you must taste while visiting Bago is Shan noodles. It's simple compared to other Burmese noodle meals, but it's reassuringly comforting and always great.

Enjoying Shan noodles special cuisine in Myanmar

On your Myanmar trip, warm tofu is another excellent option. Although the meal is called tofu, it really consists of a thick porridge prepared from chickpea flour instead of tofu. It is served with thin rice noodles, marinated pig or chicken pieces, and a layer of chili oil on top. Don't ignore it or you'll regret it.

Furthermore, there are several other appetizing foods, such as Ngar Htamin, Laphet Thoke, and dosas, that you may try in Bago.

About drinks, you could taste Myanmar beer, which is really well-known in the nation. Burmese milk tea, a tea beverage from Myanmar, is another excellent option. It is traditionally made with milk and strongly brewed black tea.

Drinking Myanmar beer with local people

When to visit

You may take the weather into consideration when deciding on a convenient Myanmar package. Let's spend some time learning more about this area's climate!

Spring ( from March to May) 

Temperatures and humidity make this season feel particularly hot. The temperature is between 32°C and 38°C. Rainfall is comparatively rare, with just 0 to 1 day of heavy rain each month. Spring is the lowest season for tourists, making it ideal for those seeking bargains.

Summer (from June to August) 

The hottest time of year is in the middle of the year. With 4 to 10 days of rainfall every month, these months receive the greatest precipitation. Since Bago's tourist season is relatively low from June to August, hotels and other accommodations could be a little less expensive.

Babaylan Festival Street Dancing in February

Fall ( From September to November) 

Due to the humidity and wind, it seems extremely pleasant. The temperature is between 30°C and 34°C. Because of the high travel demand during this time, hotel rates may be a little higher.

Winter ( From December to February) 

As this is the season following the monsoon, when the weather is often pleasant and dry, November to February is generally the ideal time to visit Myanmar.

Tours

Bago is an attractive place to explore, don’t hesitate to explore it. For a better Myanmar travel guide, you should contact Asia Private Travels to have better support. 

Yangon and Bago tour: You may spend time taking a trip to Yangon because it's not far from Bago. Both Bago and Yangon are gorgeous cities in Myanmar, yet they each have their own distinctive features. Bago, which the British called Pegu, served as the capital of the powerful Mon Kingdom for many years, while Yangon is the country's major city and commercial center. Yangon serves as Myanmar's spiritual center as well. It will be one of your most memorable experiences to visit these two locations!

Exploring Yangon in Myanmar 

Bago sightseeing tour: There are several fascinating and significant historical sites in Bago. Bago Region is an economically significant region with a network of railways and roads, so it’s very convenient to explore this city. Bago Shwethalyaung Pagoda is one of Myanmar's most famous and oldest reclining Buddha images, dating back over a thousand years. It would be fascinating to spend time discovering Bago's top attractions!

Bago and Golden Rock: Your Myanmar vacation should include a visit to the Golden Rock. Golden Rock is one of Myanmar's most well-known locations, so if you have the time, you may also travel there from Bago.  The rock that gives the impression of being gold is actually a granite boulder that has gold leaves placed on it by Buddhist devotees. The Golden Rock, with its great weight perfectly balanced on the brink of a cliff, is certainly a natural and unique sight, which is why it is regarded with such spiritual astonishment.

Visiting Kyaikhtiyo Golden Rock Landscape

Bago Yoma trip: Are you feeling pressured in city life and wondering where you may go for a day to get away? Going to the Bago Yoma forest for the day is a great option if you want to enjoy nature, walk along a forest creek, and establish a connection with it. You should take advantage of this chance to go out of the city and unwind in nature!

Hope you have enough Myanmar travel information before traveling to Myanmar. A great journey will result from careful planning. If you encounter any problems, get in touch with Asia Private Travels for a thorough itinerary and the best assistance.