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ပဲခူးSouthern Myanmar
An old Mon royal capital with a towering pagoda and giant reclining Buddhas, usually seen on the road from Yangon. Here is what to see and how long to stay.
Bago, once known as Pegu, was the capital of the Mon kingdom of Hanthawaddy and for a time one of the great trading cities of Southeast Asia. Today it is a busy provincial town, but its religious monuments are on a grand scale: the soaring Shwemawdaw Pagoda, said to be the tallest in Myanmar, and several enormous Buddha images.
Most travellers stop here for half a day on the drive between Yangon and the Golden Rock at Kyaiktiyo, or on a day trip from Yangon. That is the right amount of time: see the main sights with a guide, have lunch and move on.
Bago fits easily into a private, tailor-made journey, as a half-day stop or a day trip from Yangon.
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The experiences our travellers enjoy most, in order of what we would not miss.
A huge golden stupa, said to be the tallest in Myanmar, rebuilt after earthquakes over the centuries. Visit in the late afternoon light.
A giant reclining Buddha about 55 metres long, with a serene painted face and decorated pillow, under a large open hall.
Four tall seated Buddhas sitting back to back, each facing a different direction. Striking and rarely crowded.
Another huge reclining Buddha, this one in the open air, a short drive from Shwethalyaung.
A reconstruction of the old Mon royal palace on its original site, worth a short look for the history.
A lively local market near the centre, good for a quick walk and a snack.
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Customise My TripMost travellers drive from Yangon, either as a day trip or as a stop on the way to the Golden Rock. Bago is also on the main railway line north from Yangon.
Places that pair well with Bago, with approximate travel times.
November to February is the most comfortable time for sightseeing. March to May is very hot, so start early. The June to October monsoon brings heavy rain, though the sights are still visitable.
A general guide. Weather varies from year to year, and we plan each route around the season.
Quick answers from our local team. Anything else, just ask your travel specialist.
Ask us on WhatsAppYes, as a half-day stop. Its pagoda and giant Buddhas are impressive and it breaks up the drive to the Golden Rock. It is not worth an overnight stay for most travellers.
Yes. It is about two hours each way by road, so a day trip with a guide covers the main sights comfortably, with lunch in town.
Cover your shoulders and knees, and be ready to remove shoes and socks at every pagoda and Buddha hall. Slip-on sandals make it much easier.
Travel advice for Myanmar changes often, and many governments advise against travel to some or all of the country. Check your government's latest advice and your travel insurance before planning. We only suggest routes our local team considers safe at the time, and we will tell you plainly if a place is not a good idea right now.
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