Private Journeys in Bago

Key facts

Role	capital of the Bago Region
Distance	91 km northeast of Yangon
Population	179,505 in 2019
History	a historical capital of the Taungoo Dynasty
Old names	Pegu until 1989; formerly Hanthawaddy

When you are at Bago, take time to drop by various Buddhist constructions there. Pay a visit to Shwemawdaw Pagoda, a semi-hemispherical structure (called ‘stupa’) of 114.3 meters, considered the tallest pagoda in Myanmar. This solemn place is also known as the Golden God Temple, and it is believed to enshrine Buddha’s hairs and teeth underneath. Also, in western Bago, the reclining Buddha statue of Shwethalyaung is worth contemplating. Being meticulously made and amazingly lifelike, with a length of 55 meters and a height of 16 meters, this is the second biggest reclining Buddha, after the one in Dawei, Myanmar. According to Burmese people, the statue presents the image of Buddha in a relaxing mode. Another remarkable building is Kyaik Pun Pagoda which is famous for its Four Seated Buddha statue of 27 meters, including four Buddhas named Kakkusana, Kassapa, Konagamana, and Gotama situated to four directions, heading their back to one another.

Leaving these Buddhist related sites, head to Kanbawzathadi Palace, a destination included in the Archaeology Department of Bago. Originally, in 1556, the palace was built for King Bayinnaung – Second Myanmar Empire’s founder, and it consists of 76 apartments and halls. In 1599, the palace was burned and later has been reconstructed since 1990. Kanbawzathadi Palace promises to be the highlight in any Bago trips in the near future – once its reconstruction is finished. In order to catch a glimpse of nature, take a two hour drive towards the north of Bago in the early morning and you can observe a wide variety of birds at Moeyinghi Park.  Bird watching on boat is an interesting experience for anybody; also, do not forget to use the observation stands.

Last but not least, give Mote Hin Khar a try when you visit Bago. The delicious soup is sold in every morning at a stand shop in the street of San Taw Tywin, in front of the south entrance to Shwemawdaw Pagoda.

The old capital

English Wikipedia describes Bago, formerly spelled Pegu, as the capital of the Bago Region, 91 kilometers northeast of Yangon, with a population of 179,505 in 2019. It was a historical capital of the Taungoo Dynasty and is known for its large pagodas. It was called Hanthawaddy, the name of a Burmese-Mon kingdom, and English place names were changed across the country in 1989. We have not verified the older text on individual pagodas, opening hours or prices. Conditions in Myanmar can change quickly, so check your government’s current travel advice and confirm access with your operator before booking.

Sources (read in English, English Wikipedia): Bago. Last checked November 2026.

Bago: FAQ

Where is Bago?

91 km northeast of Yangon.

What was Bago called before?

Pegu, until 1989, and earlier Hanthawaddy.

What is Bago known for?

Its large pagodas and its history as a Taungoo capital.

How many people live there?

179,505 in 2019.

Can you visit from Yangon in a day?

Many itineraries do, subject to current conditions.