Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The
Shwe Taung Yoe Paya
zedi
, nearby on a small hilltop, is great for watching sun-
sets; however you have to cross a festering rubbish dump to reach it.
The monastery and
zedi
are about mile south of Hintha Gon Paya; locals should be
able to direct you there.
THE HAMSA
In deference to legend, the symbol for Bago is a female hamsa(hinthaor hanthain
Burmese; a mythological bird) standing on the back of a male hamsa.At a deeper
level, the symbol honours the compassion of the male hamsain providing a place
for the female to stand in the middle of a lake with only one island. Hence, the men
of Bago are said to be more chivalrous than men from other areas of Myanmar. In
popular culture, however, men joke that they dare not marry a woman from Bago
for fear of being henpecked!
Festivals & Events
Shwemawdaw Paya Festival
RELIGIOUS
On the full moon of Myanmar's lunar month of Tagu (March/April) this festival attracts
huge crowds of worshippers and merrymakers.
Sleeping
The cheapest places to stay are located on the busy and - make no mistake about this -
noisy main road, so rooms towards the back of these hotels are the choice pickings. Elec-
tricity is generally available only from the evening to early morning.
Emperor Motel
HOTEL $
( 052-21349; 8 Main Rd; r $5-10; )
The pick of the downtown budget selection -
which is not saying much. Musty rooms are painted pink; the more expensive ones have
a bit of light and space. The rooftop offers great views of the surroundings.
San Francisco Guest House
HOTEL $
MAP
GOOGLE MAP
