Shwethalyaung Pagoda
For historians and people interested in discovering the arts of the past, Shwelthalyung Pagoda is a rich and rare find.
Shwethalyaung Pagoda is a shrine to the gigantic reclining statue of Buddha that measures 181 feet long. It is one of two reclining Buddhas in existence and the most lifelike too. Purportedly built in AD 994, it was buried under jungle growth from the time the old city of Bago (Pegu) was destroyed until it was rediscovered in 1881, almost 124 years after it was considered lost.
Location
Shwethalyaung Pagoda is located on the western side of Bago, Myanmar.
Opening Days and Hours
Shwethalyaung Pagoda is open to tourists from 6:00 to 21:00 every day.
Entry Fee and Bookings
A USD 10 entrance fee at the Bago Zone includes non-guided tours at Shwethalyaung Pagoda, Shwemawdaw Pagoda, Kanbawzathadi Palace, and KyaiKPun Pagoda. Bookings can be made through the Bago Archaeological Zone.
How to Get There
- Board a bus from Yangon to Bago.
- From the downtown area, sightseers can hire a private taxi from their hotel. Or one can ride a rickshaw to the pagoda that costs around MMK 1,000 (USD 35.78).
Suggested For
- Solo travelers/backpackers
- Couples
- Group of friends
Time to Spend
Suggested duration in this attraction is one hour.
Popularity and Best Time to Go
It is best to visit Bago around noontime – between 11:00 and 13:00 – when fewer people are visiting because they are at lunch.
Food
A number of Chinese restaurants are available nearby to the hungry tourist. The famous tea-leaf salad and Shan-style rice are worth trying.
Nearby Attractions
- Kyaik Pun Paya
- Golden Palace
Stay
Tourists can avail accommodations from Oak Thar Kyaw Hotel, Shwe Pyi Resort, Famous Hotel Bago, and Bawga Theiddi Hotel. Rates range from USD 50 to USD 65.
