Bago
Bago was formerly known as Pegu. It is just 80 km
(50 miles) north of Yangon. It is just about an hour
drive from Yangon. Bago is accessible easily from
Yangon, Mandalay, Pyay and other cities.
Bago is one of the richest archaeological sites
in Myanmar.
 Apparently Mons were the first to settle
at this site. Two Mon brothers Thamala and Wimala
from Thaton, first founded the city about 825 A.D.
In 13th century A.D. The site, which was then on the
Gulf of Martaban, had already been earmarked as the
location of a great city by Gautama, the historic
Buddha. Bago was made the capital of the Mon Kingdom
and it came to be known as Hansavati (Hanthawaddy).
It was also the seaport of ancient Mon kings. Then
it became the Second Myanmar Empire founded by King
Bayinnaung.
Travel Tips
- Accessible by car. Only about 2 hours drive from
Yangon.
- There are also express buses carrying
passengers everyday. Click to see the map of this destination
Interesting Places
Shwe-tha-lyaung Reclining Buddha
 Built by the Mon in 994 this big Buddha was
restored several times but was overgrown by the
jungle after the total destruction of Bago by the
Burmans in 1757. The 55 meter long and 16 meter high
reclining Buddha is well known in Bago. It was
rediscovered in 1880 and restored again several
times to bring it to this condition. This huge
reclining Buddha with a sign on the platform in
front of the image giving the measurements of each
body part. It is reputed to be one of the most
lifelike of all reclining Buddhas. The Myanmar
people say that the image represents Buddha in a
'relaxing' mode.
Measurements of the reclining Buddha Image
Height at the shoulder is 52.5 feet (16m). Extent of
the face is 22.5feet (6.9m). Lengthwise dimension of
the throat is 7.5 feet (2.3m). Length of the upper
torso is 47.5 feet (14.5m). Length of the ear is 15
feet (4.6m). Length of the eyebrows is 7.5 feet
(2.3m). Width of the mouth is 7.5 feet (2.3m). Width
of each eye is 3.5feet (1.1m). Bridge of the nose is
7.5 feet (2.3m). Length of the sole of the foot is
25.5 feet (7.8m). Dimension of the palm lengthwise
is 22 feet (6.7m). Height of the big toe is 6 feet
(1.8m).
View Larger Map
Travel Tips
- Opening hours : 4am to 9pm; Opening days
: Daily;
Admission fee : US$ 2
Shwemawdaw Pagoda
The Shwemawdaw or 'Great Golden God Pagoda' of
Bago has b een growing for more than 1000 years. The Shwemawdaw Pagoda whose spire can be seen behind
this impressive entrance portal, was originally
built by the Mon to a height to 23 meters in the 8th
century and was rebuilt higher several times until
it finally reached its present 114 meter stature in
1954. The pagoda was originally built by 2
merchants, Taphussa and Bhalita, to house some hair
relics of the Buddha. Originally built to a height
of 23 meters, it has over the centuries become the
tallest of the Burmese pagodas. As with other
pagodas, this growth in size occurred during
numerous reconstruction periods, usually following
great earthquakes. The most recent quake, in 1930,
nearly leveled the ancient structure and it was not
until 1952 that it again dominated the Bago skyline.
Legends say that enshrined beneath the towering
pagoda are the hairs and teeth of the Buddha.
Because of these relics, Shwemawdaw is visited by
throngs of Buddhist pilgrims during all hours of the
day and night.
View Larger Map
Travel Tips
- Opening hours : 4am to 9pm; Opening days
: Daily;
Admission fee : US$ 2
Kyaik Pun Buddha Images
Kyaik Pun Pagoda is in the form of four gigantic
Buddha images all in sitting posture facing the four
cardinal points of the compass. They are seated back
to back against a massive brick pillar. This unusual
and impressive pagoda is only a few hundred feet off
the Yangon-Bago road. It was built by King Dhamma
Zedi in 1476 A.D. They are kept in a fair state of
preservation. Kyaik Pun pagoda is situated amidst
the lush rugged countryside strewn with a large
number of ancient ruins many of which are under
repair. According to a legend four mon sisters were
connected with the construction of the images. It
was said that if one of them marry, one of the
Buddha would collapse.
Travel Tips
- Opening hours : 4am to 9pm; Opening days
: Daily;
Admission fee : US$ 2
Mahazedi
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There are many other famous pagodas in Bago, like
the Mahazedi (the Great Stupa) built by King
Bayinnaung in 1560 A.D., and Hinthakone Pagoda,
which you should see.
It is known that the pagoda enshrines a
tooth-relic brought from Sri Lanka. Tradition has it
that Hinthakone is the hill where the two sacred
mythical ducks called Hintha (Hamsa) alighted, when
only the very top of the hill was above the ocean.
The name Hantha-wadi or Hamsavati by which Bago
and her kingdom were known, originated from this
name.
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View Larger Map
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Travel Tips
- Opening hours : 4am to 9pm; Opening days
: Daily;
Admission fee : US$ 2
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