Second Myanmar Dyansty once called “Hanthawadi; Bago is just 80 km north of Yangon. Mons was first to settle in 573 AD and become the center of the Mon Kingdom which consist of all lower Myanmar (Burma) in 13thcentury.

Bago is renowned for the 65-meters long reclining Buddha image Shwethalyaung, a huge reclining Buddha with a sign on the platform in front of the image giving the measurements of each body part. It is reputed to be one of the most lifelike of all reclining Buddha Images, near by Maha Kalyani Sima, a 'Sacred hall of Ordination' was originally constructed in 1476 by King Dhammazedi, the famous alchemist king and son of Queen Shinsawpu. It was the first of 397 similar simas he built around the country.

Shwemawdaw Pagoda is one of the most venerated pagodas in Myanmar having 1000-year history and a walk to the Hinthagone Pagoda with a view over Bago from the roofed platform on the hilltop. According to legend, this was the one point rising from the sea when the mythical bird (the Hintha) landed here.  124 meters high Mon style, beautiful golden and many more religious monuments such as the old ordination hall built by king Dhammazedi. It has an interesting lively market and just 10 minutes out of town, one can see authentic rural life including water buffaloes yoked in front of a plough working in the paddy fields. It is situated on the road to the Golden Rock Pagoda and to Mawlamying.

Bago remains a quite and easy-going town with a lot more bicycles than cars. It is, however, constantly expanding. Another Famous site are, Kyait Pun Pagoda, Unusual and impressive Kyaik Pun Pagoda built by King Dhamma Zedi in 1476 A.D is in the form of four gigantic Buddha images all in sitting posture facing the four cardinal points of the compass. They are seated back to back against a massive brick pillar is only a few hundred feet off the Yangon-Bago road and the Excavated site of Kambawzathardi Palace and museum.  In the morning, go to Kha Khat Waing monastery to observe Buddhist monks and novices daily activities.