Yangon , Myanmar (Burma)

From Yangon: Full Day Excursion to Bago

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11h

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About this experience

Uncover the highlights of Bago, a wonderful just 2 hours drives out of Yangon, on a 1 day tour with an experienced guide. Your guide will share you the great knowledge of the history and culture about the real life of Myanmar and its customs.

HIGHLIGHTS
• You can learn about the local traditions and culture of old Mon Kingdom Bago.
• Learn the life of monks at Kya Khat Wine Monastery where you can watch the monks accepting the meals from the donors and peacefully having their meals.
• Enjoy having lunch at local restaurant.
• Lean about the History of late King Bayint Naung and its late Palace site.
• Visit the gilded dome of the Shwemawdaw Pagoda and Great Reclining Buddha Image Shwetharlyang Pagoda.
• Visit to Mahazedi, different in structure built by King Bayint Naung.

Available options

From Yangon: Full Day Excursion to Bago

Pickup included

What's included

Pick up & drop off at your Hotel in Yangon

Private sightseeing with English speaking guide & air-conditioned vehicle

Snow towel & purified drinking wate

Zone fee in Bago

Lunch at local restaurant

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

In the morning at 07:30 A.M., pick-up at your hotel and drive from Yangon to Bago 84 km (approximately 2 hours driving time) from Yangon. The way to Bago leads through a picturesque rural landscape of paddy fields and small villages. Bago, formerly called Pegu, is an ancient port and capital was founded in the year 825 by two Mon princes.

Visit Htaukkyant War Cemetery, situated between Bago and Yangon. It houses the graves of more than 27,000 allied soldiers. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission administers this beautifully landscaped cemetery.

Upon arrival in Bago, visit includes the Shwemawdaw Pagoda, which is over a thousand years old. Repaired after an earthquake in the 1930’s, the pagoda has an impressive spire, one that is even taller than that of Yangon’s Shwedagon Pagoda. Also visit to Hinthargone Pagoda, where you can see the Nat Shrine. You can also enjoy or experience the ways of worshiping the Nats by its Nat Worshippers.

Then, at about 10:40 A.M. proceed to Kya Khat Wine Monastery, where more than 400 monks line up soundlessly and in orderly queues every morning at 11:00 A.M. for the last meal of the day. When witnessing the monks exact routine, speaking and interfering is not allowed and visitors have to adhere to a strict observing only policy.

Enjoy your Lunch at a local restaurant.

Visit Kanbawzathadi Golden Palace, which 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.

Stop 5

Then, visit to the enormous (55 meters long and 15 meters high) reclining Shwethalyaung Buddha image, one of the country’s most revered objects. At the nearby local market, agricultural produce grown locally is on sale. Visit also Maharzedi Pagoda with its impressive bell-shaped stupa. This is a tour that gives insight into the history and culture of this region. Return to Yangon and transfer back to your hotel.

What's not included

Hotel accommodation

Services not mentioned in our itinerary

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

As you will be visiting religious sites, please wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, and remember to take off your shoes and socks when entering pagoda areas

This tour is not available during the Water Festival between 12 to 18 Apr. During this time, everything in town is closed: restaurants, shops, markets, etc. Driving through Yangon and Bago is extremely difficult if not impossible because people celebrate the famous water-festival. You cannot avoid of getting very wet because everyone throws water at everybody. People drive through the city in open cars and there are stages along the street where people throw water. Everybody going up will get very wet.

Important notes

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity

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.