BAGO
 
 
 
     
     

You are unlikely to find Bago on any 'must-see' itinerary of Myanmar, but still I would recommend stopping here if you have the chance. It makes a decent break when travelling between Mandalay and Yangon, or as a stop on the way to the famous Kyaiktiyo golden rock stupa. Bago was once an important capital, and has many shrines and pagodas to show its once-significant status.

The Shwemawdaw Paya, left, is one of the many sites in Bago. Most of the attractions in Bago are spread out around the town, so it is advisable to find a trishaw guide or even rent out a car for the day. Find a driver who speaks reasonable English and he will also serve as an excellent guide and show you the 'unseen' corners of Bago.

  
   
The Kha Khat Wain Monastary is one of the most important Buddhist centres in Myanmar. At lunch time, hundreds of monks line up to collect alms.
 
Seated Buddha images populate a quiet little wood.
 
   
 
 

Bago's most famed attraction is the reclining Buddha at Shwethalyaung. When Bago was destroyed in the 18th century, the Buddha was gradually forgotten and swallowed up by the jungle. It was rediscovered during the 19th century and lovingly restored to its current state.

 

 
 

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