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Capital Town in Bago Region, Myanmar
Photo: Go-Myanmar, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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A large ancient stupa, which looks quite new due to restorations. Only men are allowed to climb up to the top, from where there is an awesome view of the city. Overall, this stupa is more impressive than the Shwe Mawdaw Pagoda, which looks quite average and is similar to the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon.
Golden God Temple
At 114 m in height, the Shwemawdaw is the tallest pagoda in the country. It is similar to the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon or the Uppatasanti Pagoda in Naypyidaw, but somewhat less impressive.
This palace and its enclosed museum contain some important history information about the city and the surrounding area, especially the ancient fortress Bago apparently was in the past. The museum is not very excessive, but worth a visit if you already have paid the government fee.
Home to a famous reclining Buddha, which at the length of 55 m and a height of 16 m, which is one of the largest ones behind the one in Mawlamyine and the one in Dawei (Tavoy). The Buddha is believed to have been built in 994, during the reign of Mon King Migadepa.
Probably more beautiful than the one in Shwethar Lyaung Pagoda. This is the one that looks beautiful within the green surrounding as seen from the top of Mahazedi Pagoda. Directly west of it is a small lake with dozens of turtles that turn up when it is feeding time right before sunset. When walking through the temple gardens, take off your shoes. It is possible to walk through the monastery where many monks are living, just ask for the way.
A complex of four standing Buddhas facing each geographic direction. Only worth it if you are already in that area, e.g. for the reclining Buddha or the Mahazedi Pagoda.
More Buddha statues.
Most notably the home of the Four Seated Buddha shrine, a 27-m statue depicting the Buddha seated in four positions, sitting back to back.
If you have never seen a big snake or python, this one looks quite nice. Otherwise the trip (the monastery is a bit off the track) is not worth it. If you're already there, you can go to the Shwetaungyoe Pagoda just north on a small hilltop, which provides great sights over the city. Overall, the hillside pagoda is more impressive than the Snake Pagoda.
A famous pagoda to the east of Shwemawdaw Pagoda that's very much worth visiting.
Known for its large, open-air reclining Buddha image. It is one of three major reclining Buddha statues in the area, along with the more famous, Shwethalyaung Buddha and the Mya Thar Lyaung Buddha.
The morning market has many vendors with traditional foods.
Outdoor tables, cold beer and welcoming atmosphere. Look for the Myanmar beer sign, but they will have other brands as well, such as Tiger, for those who are avoiding government-sponsored products. Bottle of Tiger beer 1,800 kyat, pork noodles with side of soup and condiments 1,500 kyat.
Ice cream shop. Free WiFi. Snacks, sandwiches, fruit juice, coffee, beer. The noodle dishes are recommended.
KBZ Hinthar Hotel
This 3-star hotel opened in 2014. Nice and perfectly clean bungalows with flatscreen TV and air conditioning.
Friendly hotel with a swimming pool. 26 bungalows, but dark and shady rooms without much chique. Includes breakfast. Very quiet due to its location. However, too pricey for the service and quality provided.
Rooms facing the road suffer hugely from traffic noise. Rooms to the rear are quieter, but you will certainly be aware of the mosque behind the hotel. Rooms are small and looking quite shabby. You get better value for money at the Mya Nanda Hotel across the street. WiFi included.
Although it looks worse than Emperor Hotel from the outside, the rooms are nicer and bigger. Additionally it has Internet. Same as for Emperor, the rooms facing the road suffer hugely from traffic noise. Breakfast and WiFi included.
This motel is run by a couple of friendly women, nice and clean rooms although only with fan, no air-con. They have WiFi.
By train
The train offers a hassle-free way to get out and into Yangon, since the Yangon train station is in the middle of the city, contrary to the Yangon bus stations.
By taxi
You can leave Yangon in the morning by taxi (US$40-50). A taxi is a very convenient (but still pricey) choice because you use it to see the sights in Bago, which are quite far apart.
By bicycle
They can be rented at several places, ask your hotel or at San Fransisco Hotel, and are a good way to explore the city if the heat is not too bad. The price is between 1,000 and 2,000 kyat.
By shared ride
Many shared tuk-tuks and pickups are available along the main roads. Do not pay more for transportation than the locals do: 200 kyat for a shared tuk-tuk or pickup ride.
By motorbike
You can hire motorbikes or tuk-tuk for a whole day for 6,000 kyat, if you discuss a bit, just the bike without driver.
By private ride
You can get private tuk-tuks or motorbikes at most street corners and sights, however they charge more and will try to rip you off (they want up to 1,000 kyat for a ride, 5,000 kyat for an hour).
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Yangon · International · RGN
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