This has been a wonderful day of seeing a large number of fantastic pagodas at a range of sites

Bago, formerly known as Hanthawaddy is situated 50 miles north east of Yangon.

First stop Shwemawdaw paya
A large pagoda complex, similar to the mighty Shwedagon pagoda in downtown Yangon and a popular place for locals as well as tourists.
It is interesting to see unusual buildings like a pagoda built especially for birds and an astrology building for pilgrims to discover their fate in life.

next stop Kambazathadi Golden Palace
A reconstruction on the original site of the 16th century palace complex built by King Bayinnaung of the Taungo dynasty. This was a prosperous time for the Burmese and the empire encompassed Burma,Thailand and parts of China.

Shwethalyaung Buddha indoor reclining Buddha
This is set quite high up and so offers good views back to the maisn pagoda in Bago. All around the complex are inscription boards with donor names with their donation amounts. This pagoda dates back to 994!


And then in the afternoon,

Shwegulay lay pagoda and nine lakh site
The first pagoda this afternoon includes an inner chamber with the 28 Buddhas represented in sitting positions.
A 'lakh' is 100,000 and so I was amazed to visit the site over the river, through a wooded village area which contained a vast number of pagodas.
It even had a children's area with chicken and mice themed pagodas!

Mya Tha Lyaung recline Buddha
I love this place and the photo opportunity it provides. Workmen on bamboo scaffolding restoring the face and head of the reclining Buddha. This is a photo which will find a place in my home I am sure!

Kyaik Pun pagoda four faces
This is a fabulous four face pagoda 27 metres high originally buit way back in 1476.
The four faces represent the images of the four Buddhas that have reached nirvana.