Location
Bago, known as Hantharwaddy, it was the capital of the Mon kingdom. Bago is located 80km north of Yangon, the capital of Bago Prefecture.
The city is located on both sides of the Ayearwady river, on the east side is the Old Quarter and and the west side is the New Quarter. The city has over 200,000 inhabitants.
History
Legend has it that Bago was discovered in 573 by two Prince Mon from Thaton, who looked out over a hamsa roof (a mythical bird) standing on a back hamsa vacated on an island in the middle of a large lake. It is said that Bago was an immense waters, one day the tide came down to make a small earthen cannot stand for two standing birds, so the new female stood on the back of the male bird on this land.
The Bamar ruled in 1539 when King Tabinshwehti merged Bago into his Taungoo kingdom. The city often referred by former European visitors – still know Bago as Pegu – an important seaport. In 1740, the Mon people, after a long time in Taungoo, reestablished Bago as their capital. In 1757, Alaungpaya destroyed the city. King Bodawpaya, who ruled from 1782 to 1819, rebuilt the city. Due to the river’s change, the city separated from the sea. Therefore, Bago has never returned to his glory days.
Climate
The average temperature of Bagon is high all year round. Bagon will suffer from much higher rainfall in May, June, July, August, September and October. June, July, August and September are the months with the most pleasant weather, because of the moderate temperature.
Architecture
During its existence and development, Bago is home to many of the famous Buddhist buildings. It is home to the huge shrine of Shwethalyaung, once hidden in the jungle and discovered by railway engineers in the 19th century. The unique location of this statue’s size has recently been replaced by the Myathalyaung Buddha statue at the southern end of the town, currently the third largest Buddha statue in Myanmar.
Cultural identity
Not only have the unique architecture, Bago visitors also have the opportunity to learn about the lifestyle, customs of the people here. As an ancient city, the beauty of living culture has been preserved and handed down from generation to generation. That cultural identity is reflected in the costumes, how to communicate as well as unique, attractive dishes. If you have come to Myanmar, do not forget to spend a day exploring and experiencing interesting things in Bago.
Transportation
To get in Bago, you can get in a taxi or take a bus from Yangon. From Hpa-An, there are always daily bus routes to Bago. Furthermore, you can take a train from Kyaikto at 12:30 pm. If you start from Inle Lake, you can catch some buses in the afternoon. To get around Bago, you can hire a bicycle, or rent a motorbike. It will be convenient for you to choose the driver or not.
Tourist attractions
There are some famous destinations that you should not ignore if you have opportunities to visit Bago. Some popular attractions are: Shwegugale Pagoda, Mahazedi Pagoda, Kyaik Pun Pagoda, Shwe mawdaw Pagoda, Maha Kalyani Sima, Shwethar lyaung Pagoda, Kanbawzathadi Palace site and museum and Snake Pagoda,…
Food and drink
Although the food world in Bago is not as plentiful as some of the other tourist cities, you can also enjoy the intriguing street food. All these dishes are typical dishes of Myanmar. You will feel the speciality of the local food, experience the daily life of local people in Bago. The nightlife in Bago is not really busy and dynamic, but you can also find some interesting coffee shops and bars.
Explore more topics: Yangon Overview; Bagan Overview; Mandalay Overview; Things to do in Mandalay; Places to visit in Bago; Things to do in Inle; Most famous food in Myanmar