Bago Essentials

Bago, the former capital of the Hanthawaddy Kingdom, contains some of Myanmar's most significant religious and royal sites. The Shwemawdaw Pagoda stands as the country's tallest stupa, while the reconstructed Kanbawzathadi Palace showcases 16th-century Mon architecture. Religious landmarks include the massive 55-meter Shwethalyaung reclining Buddha and the four back-to-back seated figures of Kyaik Pun Paya. The city’s spiritual life is centered around active institutions like the Kha Khat Wain Kyaung monastery and the legendary Snake Monastery, home to a century-old python.