Bago Travel Guide

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City

Facts and practical information

Welcome to Bago, a city in Myanmar (Burma) that is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Located just 80 kilometers northeast of Yangon, Bago is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the wonders of Myanmar.

Bago is renowned for its magnificent Buddhist temples and pagodas, which reflect the country's deep spiritual heritage. One of the most significant attractions is the Shwemawdaw Pagoda, a towering structure that stands at a staggering height of 114 meters. As you approach the pagoda, you will be awestruck by its golden spires that glisten in the sunlight, creating a mesmerizing sight. Take your time to explore the temple complex and marvel at the intricate carvings and statues that adorn its walls.

Another must-see temple in Bago is the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, also known as the Golden Rock. This gravity-defying pagoda sits on the edge of a cliff, seemingly defying all laws of physics. It is believed to enshrine a strand of the Buddha's hair, making it a sacred pilgrimage site for Buddhists. To reach the pagoda, you can take a thrilling journey on a truck that winds its way up the mountain, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

In addition to its religious landmarks, Bago is surrounded by lush greenery, making it a haven for nature lovers. The Kanbawzathadi Palace, a reconstruction of the former palace of King Bayinnaung, is nestled amidst beautiful gardens and offers a glimpse into the city's royal past. Stroll through the palace grounds and imagine the grandeur of a bygone era.

To experience the local culture and way of life, don't miss the bustling Bago Market. Here, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as you browse through a variety of stalls selling fresh produce, traditional handicrafts, and local delicacies. Engage in friendly conversations with the locals and sample some of the delicious street food on offer.

Local name: ပဲခူးမြို့ Founded: 1152 (872 years ago)Population: 244.4 thous.Elevation: 52 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 17°19'58"N, 96°28'39"E

Location

Region: BagoMyanmar (Burma)

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Bago Top Attractions

Bago Attractions - What to See and Explore

Bago offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Shwemawdaw Pagoda, Shwethalyaung Temple, Kanbawzathadi Palace, Kyaik Pun Pagoda. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Buddhist architecture • Temple
Shwemawdaw Pagoda
The Shwemawdaw Pagoda is a stupa located in Bago, Myanmar. It is often referred to as the Golden God Temple. At 114 metres in height, the Shwemadaw holds the record for the tallest pagoda in the country although the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon is usually credited as the tallest pagoda in Myanmar.
Buddhist architecture • Temple • Monuments and statues
Shwethalyaung Temple
The Shwethalyaung Temple Burmese: ရွှေသာလျှောင်းဘုရား is a Buddhist temple in the west side of Bago, Myanmar.
Museum
Kanbawzathadi Palace
Kanbawzathadi Palace is a palace in Bago, Myanmar. The original palace, built for King Bayinnaung in 1556, consisted of 76 apartments and halls. It was burned down in 1599. It was reconstructed in 1990 and finished in 1992.

Buddhist architecture • Temple • Monuments and statues
Kyaik Pun Pagoda
Kyaikpun Pagoda, is a pagoda in Bago, Myanmar. Most notably, Kyaik Pun Pagoda is the home to the Four Seated Buddha shrine, a 27 m statue depicting the four Buddhas namely Kakusandha, Konagamana, Kassapa, and Gautama seated in four positions, sitting back to back to four directions.
Buddhist architecture • Temple
Mahazedi Pagoda
Mahazedi Pagoda is a prominent Buddhist pagoda in Bago, Myanmar.
Temple
Hintha Gon Pagoda
The Hinthagon Pagoda is a shrine in Bago, Myanmar. It is a popular tourist destination as it was named after the mythological Hintha bird, a symbol of the Mon people. The monastery is situated on top of a hill that, according to Myanmar legend, was the only point rising from the sea where the Hintha bird could land.
Temple
Kalyani Ordination Hall
Kalyāṇī Ordination Hall is a Buddhist ordination hall located in Bago, Myanmar. The ordination hall is a major pilgrimage site, and houses the Kalyani Inscriptions, a set of 10 sandstone pillars inscribed in Pali and Mon in 1480.

Day trips

Bago – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Bago, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Shwedagon Pagoda (Yangon), Kandawgyi Lake (Yangon), Kyaiktiyo Pagoda.

43 milesSW
Large gilded stupa with a visitor center
Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon
Shwedagon Pagoda stands as a majestic beacon in the heart of Yangon, Myanmar, casting a golden glow that is visible from various parts of the city. This ancient temple, believed to be more than 2,500 years old, is the most sacred Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar as it...
42 milesSW
Reservoir and park with pagoda views
Kandawgyi Lake, Yangon
Kandawgyi Lake, a serene expanse of water located in the heart of Yangon, Myanmar, serves as an oasis of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. This artificial lake, which was created to provide a clean water source for the city during the colonial era...
42 milesE
Temple, Sacred and religious sites
Kyaiktiyo Pagoda
Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, also known as the Golden Rock, is one of the most sacred and spectacular Buddhist sites in Myanmar. Perched on the edge of a cliff at the top of Mount Kyaiktiyo, this small pagoda is a marvel of gravity, as it seems to defy logic by delicately...
44 milesSW
Golden Buddhist pagoda with statues
Sule Pagoda, Yangon
Sule Pagoda stands as a beacon of spirituality amidst the bustling streets of Yangon, Myanmar. This ancient temple, believed to be over 2,500 years old, is a pivotal site for the local Buddhist community and a significant landmark for visitors from around the world.
42 milesSW
Buddhist architecture, Temple, Sacred and religious sites
Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple, Yangon
The Chaukhtatgyi Buddha Temple is one of the most revered religious sites in Yangon, Myanmar. The temple is famed for its enormous reclining Buddha statue, which measures an impressive 66 meters in length. This colossal figure is housed under a large metal-roofed...

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Best Time To Visit Bago

Learn when is the best time to travel to Bago weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

April is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in March, May, June and July.

Average temperatures in °F

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The air temperature in this location remains at a similar level throughout the year.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in January and February. Most of it rains in June, July and August.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Bago?

The top attractions to visit in Bago are:

What is the best time to visit Bago?

April is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in March, May, June and July. The air temperature in this location remains at a similar level throughout the year.