Bago, Myanmar

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Bago, Myanmar

Region: Bago Region

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Geographic Coordinates: 17.333300, 96.483300

Climate: Bago has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.

Population: 284179

Language: Burmese

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Bago, Also known as Pegu, Is a city located in the central region of Myanmar. It is the capital of Bago Region and was once an ancient capital of the Mon Kingdom. The city has a rich history that dates back to the 6th century when it was founded by King Okkalapa. It served as an important trading center during the reign of King Bayinnaung in the 16th century. One of Bago’s most notable attractions is its religious sites. The Shwemawdaw Pagoda stands at over 114 meters tall and is considered one of Myanmar’s most sacred pagodas.

Another popular destination for tourists is Kyaiktiyo Pagoda, Which sits atop a large boulder that appears to be precariously balanced on a cliff edge. The city’s cultural heritage can be seen in its many temples and monasteries, Including Mahazedi Pagoda, Which features intricate carvings and colorful murals depicting Buddha’s life story. Additionally, Visitors can explore Hintha Gon Paya (Hamsa Waddy), Where they will find statues representing various animals from Buddhist mythology. Bago also offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Burmese life through its markets and local industries.

Visitors can browse through stalls selling handicrafts made from bamboo or wood or visit local workshops where artisans produce textiles using traditional weaving techniques. nature lovers will appreciate Bago’s natural beauty; it boasts lush forests and rolling hills dotted with vibrant flowers throughout much of the year. Visitors can take guided tours to explore these areas or hike up nearby mountains for breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside.

Bago offers visitors an authentic taste of Myanmar culture with its religious sites, Cultural heritage sites, Markets offering locally made handicrafts & textiles while surrounded by beautiful natural scenery that makes this city worth exploring!

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1. Shwemawdaw Pagoda is the tallest pagoda in Myanmar, standing at 114 meters tall.
2. Kanbawzathadi Palace was the palace of King Bayinnaung, one of the most powerful kings in Myanmar’s history.
3. Kyaik Pun Pagoda features four giant Buddha statues sitting back to back.
4. Mahazedi Pagoda is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful architecture.
5. Hintha Gon Paya is a temple that sits on a small island in a lake and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
6. Bago Market is a bustling market where visitors can find local products and souvenirs to take home.
7. Snake Monastery (Yay Kyaw Thu Monastery) houses pythons which are believed to be sacred by locals.
8. Shwegugale Pagoda is a small but beautiful golden temple with a unique shape.
9. Reclining Buddha Image (Shwethalyaung Buddha) is one of the largest reclining Buddha images in Myanmar.
10. Kambazathadi Golden Palace Museum showcases artifacts from Bayinnaung’s era.

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1. Agriculture
• Rice
• Beans
• Sesame seeds
• Peanuts
• Tobacco
• Sugarcane
• Fruits
2. Manufacturing
• Textiles
• Ceramics
• Furniture items (chairs and tables)
3. Tourism
• Ancient temples (Shwemawdaw Pagoda)
4. Retail
• Traditional Myanmar dresses (longyi)
• Local snacks (Mont Lone Yay Paw)
• Souvenirs for tourists

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1. The ancient city of Bago was founded in 573 AD by King Duttabaung.
2. The city was once the capital of the Mon Kingdom, which ruled over much of Southeast Asia from the 9th to the 11th century.
3. The Shwemawdaw Pagoda, one of Myanmar’s tallest pagodas at over 114 meters tall, is located in Bago and dates back to the Mon period.
4. King Bayinnaung (1551-1581), one of Myanmar’s most powerful kings and conquerors, made Bago his capital and built many important structures there.
5. During British colonial rule in Myanmar (1824-1948), Bago was an important center for trade and agriculture.
6. In World War II, Japanese forces occupied Bago from March 1942 until Allied forces liberated it in June 1945.
7. U Nu (1907-1995), a prominent political leader who served as Prime Minister of Burma three times between 1948 and 1962, was born in nearby Wakema but spent much time in Bago during his childhood.
8. Aung San Suu Kyi (born 1945), Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former State Counsellor of Myanmar, visited Bago during her political campaigns in the late twentieth century.
9. In recent years, tourism has become an increasingly important part of Bago’s economy due to its rich history and cultural heritage sites such as Shwethalyaung Buddha Image – one largest reclining Buddha images which measures about sixty metres long.

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1. Shwethalyaung Buddha is a massive reclining Buddha statue, one of the largest in Myanmar.
2. Kyaik Pun Pagoda is a four-sided pagoda with four 30-meter tall Buddha statues.
3. Kanbawzathadi Palace was the former palace of King Bayinnaung, now a museum showcasing Burmese history and culture.
4. Mahazedi Pagoda is a stupa built in the 16th century with intricate carvings and a beautiful view from the top.
5. Bago Market is a bustling market selling local goods and produce, including traditional textiles and handicrafts.
6. Taukkyan War Cemetery is a peaceful cemetery honoring Allied soldiers who died during World War II in Myanmar.
7. Hintha Gon Pagoda is an ancient pagoda dating back to the Mon period with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
8. Shwegugyi Temple is an ancient temple built during the reign of King Alaungsithu with intricate carvings and beautiful architecture.
9. Snake Monastery (Yele Paya) is home to dozens of pythons that are considered sacred by locals and believed to bring good luck when touched or fed.
10. Bago Archaeological Museum exhibits artifacts from Pyu period which dates back as early as 2000 BCE till 11th century CE, showcasing intricate sculptures, pottery, coins etc., among other things related to Bago’s rich cultural heritage.

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• Football, also known as soccer, is the most popular sport in Myanmar.
• Bago has several football clubs, including Yadanarbon FC and Hantharwady United FC.
• Yadanarbon FC was founded in 2009 and has won multiple domestic titles.
• Hantharwady United FC was founded in 2011 and has consistently been a top-tier team.
• Aside from football, basketball, volleyball, tennis, lethwei (traditional martial arts), and bando are other popular sports in Myanmar.
• There are also several annual sporting events held throughout the country that attract large crowds of spectators.
• Overall, there are many active sporting communities throughout Myanmar with a rich history of athletic achievement.

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Cultural Events

1. The Shwethalyaung Pagoda Festival is an annual celebration of the reclining Buddha statue located at the pagoda. The festival features traditional music, dance performances, and food.
2. In April, the Bago Bo Tree Watering Ceremony takes place to honor the sacred Bo Tree in Bago. Monks and devotees participate in a procession to water the tree, which is believed to have originated from a cutting of the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.
3. The Kyaik Pun Pagoda Festival occurs in November or December depending on the lunar calendar and celebrates four giant Buddha statues at Kyaik Pun Pagoda with traditional music, dance performances, and food stalls.
4. Held annually in February or March near Bago’s city center, the Mya Tha Lyaung Reclining Buddha Festival celebrates another famous reclining Buddha statue.
5. Thingyan Water Festival is a part of Burmese New Year celebrations that occur throughout Myanmar during mid-April where people splash each other with water symbolizing washing away their sins from the past year.
6. Celebrated during October or November depending on lunar calendar; Full Moon Day of Thadingyut Light Festival marks end of Buddhist lent period that lasts for 3 months (June-July-August). During this time pagodas are illuminated by lights and people go out for celebrations with friends & family members by eating different types of foods & playing games together etc..

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Cuisine

• Mon-style curry: This is a traditional dish of the Mon people, which is made with fish or meat and served with rice.
• Mohinga: This is a popular breakfast dish in Myanmar, which is a fish soup with noodles.
• Shan-style noodles: These are rice noodles served with a broth made from chicken or pork.
• Golden Emperor Restaurant: This restaurant serves Chinese cuisine and seafood dishes.
• Shwe Pyi Moe Cafe & Restaurant: This restaurant serves Burmese cuisine and has outdoor seating options.
• Aung Mingalar Shan Noodle Shop: This noodle shop serves delicious Shan-style noodles.
• Tharaphu Sanay Restaurant: This restaurant specializes in seafood dishes such as grilled prawns, squid salad, and fish curry.
• Myat Saw Nyi Naung Tea Shop: This tea shop serves traditional Burmese snacks like samosas, fried breadsticks, and sweet tea.
• Min Nan Thu Restaurant & Bar: This restaurant offers both Burmese and Chinese cuisine along with live music performances on some nights.
• Khaing Khaing Kyaw Zay Cafe & Bakery: This bakery offers freshly baked pastries like croissants, cakes, bread rolls along with coffee and tea options to go alongside them!

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Parks and Recreation

1. Kanbawzathadi Palace Park – a historical park with ancient palace ruins and beautiful gardens.
2. Shwethalyaung Buddha – a giant reclining Buddha statue located in a peaceful garden setting.
3. Bago Yoma Eco Resort – an eco-friendly resort offering outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and cycling.
4. Kyaik Pun Pagoda – a famous pagoda with four seated Buddha statues, surrounded by scenic views of the countryside.
5. Bago Golf Course – an 18-hole golf course set amidst lush greenery and scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
6. Kyauk Khat Wai Monastery – a beautiful monastery built on top of a hill with stunning panoramic views of the city below.
7. Bago City Park – a public park popular for jogging, picnics, and family outings with playgrounds for children to enjoy.
8. Mya Tha Lyaung Reclining Buddha Statue- another reclining buddha statue located in peaceful surroundings perfect for meditation or relaxation.

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Go Everywhere

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