Explore the ancient capital of Bago on a day trip from Yangon

Yangon , Myanmar (Burma)

Explore the ancient capital of Bago on a day trip from Yangon

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About this experience

Bago is full of ancient monuments that have been well kept so it gave us the opportunity of visiting a monastery, a few golden Payas, a reclining Buddha and a Bhuddhist temple in a relaxing and quiet way and it was a breath of fresh air after our experience in the chaos of Yangon.

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Explore the ancient capital of Bago on a day trip from Yangon

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pick up and drop off

English Language Guide

Full-day sightseeing tour

Air-conditioned vehicle

A Bottle of water

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

On the way to Bago, you stop by the Taukkyan War Cemetery, a monument for allied soldiers from the British Commonwealth who died in battle in Burma during the Second World War

The first sight you visit is the Shwemawdaw Pagoda, often referred to as the "Golden God Temple". This pagoda is the tallest pagoda in the, although the Shwedagon Pagoda in Yangon.

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.
Kanbawzathadi Golden Palace in Bago is a reconstruction of the original Royal palace from the second half of the 16th century.

The very ornate golden palace gives a good impression of the splendor and wealth of the second Burmese empire. It was rebuilt following the original design, based on knowledge gained from excavations and the original drawings of the building. The huge palace consisted of 76 apartments and halls.

The reconstructed palace does not contain much of the original furniture and personal items used by the Royals, as most of it was lost when the palace was looted and destroyed in 1599. There are several reproductions on display, like a replica of the King’s golden coach, decorated with two peacocks and a Pyatthat style roof.

Stop 4

Continue to the Shwethalyaung Pagoda, a reclining Buddha, which has a length of 55 meters. Myanmar people say about the Buddha image, that it represents Buddha in a 'relaxing' mode.

Four towering images of the Buddha sitting back to back
The Kyaik Pun Pagoda is a small Buddhist monastery near the town of Bago, known for its four towering images of the Buddha visible from far away. The impressive 27 meter high images are out in the open, without shelter from the elements by any covering temple structure.

The Kyaik Pun Pagoda was built in 1476 by Dhammazedi, a devout Buddhist and King of the Mon Kingdom of Hanthawaddy (Pegu).

The Kyaik Pun Pagoda or Kyaikpun Paya is an active place of worship; the images are highly revered by Laotian Buddhists who come to pay their respect.

What's not included

Entrance fees and zone fees

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Yangon

Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon, is Myanmar's largest city and its commercial capital. Known for its colonial architecture, bustling markets, and the iconic Shwedagon Pagoda, Yangon offers a rich blend of tradition and modernity. The city's relaxed pace and vibrant culture make it a must-visit destination in Myanmar.

Top Attractions

Shwedagon Pagoda

The Shwedagon Pagoda is the most revered Buddhist pagoda in Myanmar. It is said to contain relics of the four Buddha's and is covered in gold leaf.

Religious/Historical 2-3 hours Free (donations welcome)

Bogyoke Aung San Market

This bustling market is a great place to shop for traditional handicrafts, jewelry, and souvenirs. It's also a good spot to try local street food.

Market/Cultural 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary by item

Chauhtatgyi Buddha Temple

This temple is home to one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in Myanmar. The statue is 65 meters long and 16 meters high.

Religious 1 hour Free (donations welcome)

Kandawgyi Lake

This beautiful lake is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It's surrounded by lush gardens and offers a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle.

Nature/Relaxation 1-2 hours Free

Sule Pagoda

This ancient pagoda is located in the heart of Yangon and is believed to be over 2,000 years old. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Religious/Historical 1 hour Free (donations welcome)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Mohinga

A popular rice noodle soup made with fish, lemongrass, and other aromatic spices. It's often eaten for breakfast or as a light meal.

Breakfast/Lunch Contains fish, can be made vegetarian with tofu

Tea Leaf Salad (Laphet Thoke)

A traditional Burmese salad made with fermented tea leaves, nuts, seeds, and other ingredients. It has a unique tangy and savory flavor.

Snack Vegetarian (if no fish sauce is added)

Samosa

A popular street food item, samosas are deep-fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes, onions, and sometimes meat. They are often served with a tangy tamarind sauce.

Snack Can be vegetarian or with meat

Shan Noodles (Nan Gyi Thok)

A popular noodle dish from the Shan state, made with rice noodles, chicken or pork, and a flavorful gravy. It's often served with pickled vegetables and a fried egg.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat, can be made with chicken or pork

Popular Activities

Hiking in nearby national parks Boat tours on the Yangon River Visiting spas and wellness centers Enjoying a traditional Burmese massage Exploring historic sites and temples Attending traditional performances and festivals Fishing trips Not applicable

Best Time to Visit

November to February

This is the cool and dry season, making it the most pleasant time to visit. The weather is ideal for exploring the city's attractions and enjoying outdoor activities.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Burmese
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other areas

Currency

Burmese Kyat (MMK)

Time Zone

GMT+6:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Yangon is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night. Avoid political demonstrations and protests, as they can turn violent.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at night.
• Use reputable taxi services and avoid unlicensed cabs.
• Keep your valuables secure and out of sight.

Getting there

By air

Yangon International Airport • 15 km (9.3 miles) from city center

By train

Central Railway Station

By bus

Aung Mingalar Bus Terminal, YBS (Yangon Bus Service) Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport in Yangon. They are affordable but can be crowded and slow.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Yangon Kamayut Dagon

Day trips

Bago

80 km (50 miles) from Yangon • Half day to full day

Bago is an ancient city with a rich history and many historic sites, including the Shwemawdaw Pagoda, the Kyaik Pun Pagoda, and the Bago Palace.

Thanlyin

25 km (15.5 miles) from Yangon • Half day to full day

Thanlyin is a historic town with a rich past and many interesting sites, including the Kyaik Kauk Pagoda, the Ancient Ships Museum, and the War Cemetery.

Twante

25 km (15.5 miles) from Yangon • Half day to full day

Twante is a small town known for its pottery and traditional crafts. It's a great place to try local food, shop for souvenirs, and experience the local way of life.

Festivals

Thingyan (Water Festival) • April (dates vary by year) Tazaungdaing Festival (Festival of Lights) • October/November (full moon of Tazaungmon) Kason Festival (Water Festival) • April/May (full moon of Kason)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in Burmese, such as 'Mingalabar' (hello) and 'Kayzu tin bar de' (thank you), to show respect and make a good impression.
Dress modestly and respectfully, especially when visiting religious sites, to show respect for local customs and traditions.
Use reputable taxi services and avoid unlicensed cabs to ensure a safe and reliable ride.
Carry small denominations of cash, as change can be difficult to come by, and bargaining is expected in markets and with street vendors.
Be mindful of your impact on the environment and local communities, and support sustainable and responsible tourism practices.