Bago
Bago ancient capital of the Mon Kings of 14th to 16th century and second Myanmar Empire Created by King Bayinnaung is located on the Yangon-Mandalay high way 80 km north of Yangon. In between these centuries Bago was controlled by Mon, Rakhine (Arakan) and Myanmar Kings alternatively till1757 AD when it was completely destroyed by Alaung-phaya and remained as a simple city until now. It was also known as “Hanthawaddy Bago,” when it was an active habour. Attractive Palaces in Bago are Shwe-maw-daw Pagoda, Shwe-tha-lyaung Pagoda, Kalyani Sima (Ordination Hall), Maha-Zodi Pagoda, Kyaik-Pun Pagoda and Kan-Bawga-Thati Palace.

Shwe Mawdaw Pagoda
Shwe Mawdaw Pagoda is one of the most venerated Pagodas in Myanmar. It is overlooking the plain with its spire of 114m.The legend says that Shwe-Mawdaw Pagoda was built by two merchants Mon brothers “Tha-phu-sa” and “Bha-Li-Ka” enshrining two hair-relics of Buddha which they brought from India 2000 years ago. It has been enlarged and rebuilt several times as it was damaged by earthquakes, in 1912, 1917 and 1930, when it was completely destroyed. Present Pagoda was built in 1950 by adding some holly relics (copies of Buddha’s tooth). There are four stair ways accessing the Pagoda. The different vestiges and statuaries recovered after the earthquake are kept in a small museum.

Shwe tha hlaung Pagoda
The gigantic colossal Buddha Image “Shwe Haling”, one of the biggest statuaries of lying Buddha seen more alive and elegant. It is over 1000 years old measures 55 long and 16m high. There are 108 distinctive symbols engraved on the sole.