History
Bago is just 80 km from Yangon, the capital of Myanmar. Apparently Mons were the first to settle at this site. The city was first founded by two Mon brothers Thamala and Wimala from Thaton about 825 A.D. In 13th century A.D. Bago was made the capital of the Mon Kingdom and it came to be known as Hansavati (Hanthawaddy). Bago today is the capital of Bago Division, one of the 14 States and Divisions that constitute the Union of Myanmar.
Economy and Industry
Bago is famous for its cheroot industry. Different brands of cheroot are available there. Other products are rice, salt, dried fish and various handicrafts.
How to get there
Bago can be reached by car or by train from Yangon. The journey takes just a couple of hours.
Sightseeing
Famous pagodas worth visiting, among others, are the Shwemawdaw Pagoda, the Shwetha Lyaung Pagoda and the Mahasedi Pagoda. Visitors and devotees throng to the Shwemawdaw Pagoda Festival which is usually held in the month of April.
For people who wish to have a glimpse of the traditional way of Myanmar life, Bago is an ideal place to visit. People are seen going about their business in a simple and peaceful way – unspoiled by the urbanity of metropolitan life.