At 07:30 AM, you will leave your hotel in Yangon and drive the 84 km to Bago. On the way, you will pass picturesque rural landscapes of paddy fields and small villages. Bago, formerly called Pegu, is an ancient port and capital which was founded in the year 825 by two Mon princes. On the way, visit Htaukkyant War Cemetery, situated between Bago and Yangon. It houses the graves of more than 27,000 allied soldiers.
Upon arrival in Bago, you will visit Shwemawdaw Pagoda, which is over a thousand years old. Repaired after an earthquake in the 1930’s, the pagoda has an impressive spire, one that is even taller than that of Yangon’s Shwedagon Pagoda. After, visit Hinthargone Pagoda, where you can see the Nat Shrine.
Then, at about 10:40 AM, proceed to Kya Khat Wine Monastery, where at 11:00 AM more than 400 monks line up silently every morning for the last meal of the day. When witnessing the monks routine, speaking and interfering is not allowed and visitors have to adhere to a strict observing only policy.
After an enjoyable lunch at a local restaurant, you will visit Kanbawzathadi Golden Palace, which is a reconstruction of the original Royal Palace from the second half of the 16th century. The very ornate golden palace gives a good impression of the splendour and wealth of the second Burmese empire. It was rebuilt following the original design, based on knowledge gained from excavations and the original drawings of the building.
Then, visit to the enormous, 55 metre long and 15 metre high, reclining Shwethalyaung Buddha image, one of the country’s most admired objects. After, discover Maharzedi Pagoda with its impressive bell-shaped stupa. You can also visit the nearby local market where locally grown produce is on sale. At the end of the tour, you will return to Yangon.