This morning after breakfast, you’ll be driven from your hotel in Yangon to Bago, the capital city of the Bago Region located 91 km to the northeast. Once there, begin a full day tour of the city’s fascinating pagodas starting with Shwethalyaung Pagoda, which houses the second largest Reclining Buddha image in the world at 55 meters in length and 16 meters in height. The pagoda was built in 994 A.D. and restored in the late 19^th century. Next, it’s Shwemawdaw Pagoda(Great Golden God Pagoda), built around in the 10^th century. Officially the tallest pagoda in Myanmar, it was originally built to a height of 23 meters and was rebuilt higher several times until it finally reached its present 114 meters in 1954. Onward to Kyaik Pun Pagoda (built in the 7^th century, restored in the 15^thcentury), home of the impressive 27-meter-high statue of four Buddha images (Kakusandha, Konagamana, Kassapa, and Guatama) all sitting back to back facing four different directions. Continue to the Mya Tha Lyaung Buddha Image and Shwethalyaung Buddha nearby; both are very large reclining Buddhas.

 After lunch on your own, we’ll resume exploring at Mahazedi Pagoda. It was originally built by King Bayinnaung in 1560 A.D. and is one of the revered pagodas in Bago. The pagoda was originally thought to house a tooth relic of the Buddha. The structure has been destroyed by earthquakes and rebuilt numerous times since the 16^th century.

Next, it’s Hintha Gon Pagoda, named for the mythological Hintha Bird, a symbol of the Mon people. The monastery is situated on top of a hill that, according to Myanmar legend, was the only point rising from the sea where the Hintha bird could land. And lastly, we’ll take in Shwegugale Pagoda. This beautiful temple is unlike any of the others with its circular tunnel stupa housing 64 Buddha statues. The pagoda dates to 1494 and the reign of King Byinnya Yan. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. Overnight in Yangon.