Bago Travel Guide

The city was controlled by the Mon Kingdom - of which it was for some time the capital - and then the Bamar Kingdom for hundreds of years. Many Europeans visited the seaport and remarked on its magnificence. While Burmese King Alaungpaya completely destroyed the city in 1757, it was rebuilt by King Bodawpaya a few decades later. It was around that time that the river changed course, cutting Bago off from the sea.

Today, many of the buildings these rulers constructed have still been preserved. The Shwemawdaw (“Great Golden God”) Pagoda, one of the most famous Mon pagodas in the area, was built around 1000AD. Just behind it is Hinthargone Pagoda, which offers  an unparalleled view of Bago. The hill features a statue of the iconic birds who allegedly inspired the city’s founding.
 

Kyaikpun Pagoda, built four hundred years later, features four immense Buddha sculptures sitting back to back. Mahazedi (“Great Stupa”) Pagoda is one of the holiest pagodas in Bago. And Shwegugale Pagoda, dating from 1494, is a bit decrepit but still beautiful. Its stupa is a circular tunnel containing 64 Buddha statues.
The spectacular glittering Kanbawzathadi Palace, while not a religious building, is still worth a visit. It was built by King Bayinnaung, who founded the second Myanmar Empire.