Bago is less than a 100 kms from the capital yangoon, and was known under the famed name of PEGU before. It is home to the Shwemandaw Pagoda, whose golden spire is, I understand, taller than the Shwedagon's in Yangon. as well as possibly the biggest reclining Buddha in the country.

This is one of my favorite places in Myanmar. The hotels are quite basic, but the activity around town and in the neighboroods easily makes up for it. I have been lucky to be there for a Nat Pwe, (spirit festival) years ago, and this year for the Diwali festival of burmese folks originating from tamil nadu (gallery upcoming).
The sights are many, but the life around them is the real treat.
It sees few travellers staying more than a day or 2, and i can only recommend to give it a few more and get rewarded with the hospitality of its people.