From Yangon: Full Day Excursion to Bago

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.

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.