BAGO

Situated only 80km from Yangon, Bago is on of the major archeological sites in Myanmar, having been the 15th century royal capital of the Mon Kingdom. Today a large busy town, it hosts many grand Buddha images, including a massive reclining Bddha, ornate pagodas and monasteries, including the Kyahat wine making monastery, and old palace ruins. The palace dates back to the time of King Bayinnaung.

TAUNGOO

Toungoo, formerly a dynastic kingdom capital in the 15th century, is 280 km north of Yangon, adjoining the Mandalay division and Kayin State. It can be reached by road – an interesting 7 hour drive. These days Toungoo is Myanmar's teak production centre. Teak plantations often use working elephants, and you can make a trip to an elephant camp in the nearly BagoYoma mountain range to watch the teamwork between man and powerful animal. Places of interest in Toungoo include shwesandaw and Myazigon Pagodas, and the runins of the old palace wall.