Chic . Explore . ThinkerTen
  • Home
  • Destinations
    • Asia
      • Cambodia
      • China
      • India
      • Japan
      • Malaysia
      • Myanmar
      • Philippines
      • Singapore
      • South Korea
      • Thailand
      • Turkey
      • UAE
      • Vietnam
    • Europe
      • Austria
      • Belgium
      • Czech Republic
      • France
      • Germany
      • Hungary
      • Netherlands
      • Poland
      • Portugal
      • Spain
      • Switzerland
      • UK
    • North America
      • USA
    • Oceania
      • Australia
    • Africa
      • Egypt
  • Itineraries
    • Asia
      • China
      • India
      • Japan
      • Malaysia
      • Singapore
      • South Korea
      • Thailand
      • Turkey
      • Vietnam
    • Europe
      • Eastern Europe
      • UK
      • Spain
      • Western Europe
    • North America
      • USA
    • Oceania
      • Australia
    • Africa
      • Egypt
  • Videos
  • Reviews
    • Hotel
    • Rental Car
    • Food
    • Airport
    • University
  • Resources
    • Agoda
    • RentalCars
    • Klook
    • Trip
  • 中文版
  • About
  • Home
  • Destinations
    • Asia
      • Cambodia
      • China
      • India
      • Japan
      • Malaysia
      • Myanmar
      • Philippines
      • Singapore
      • South Korea
      • Thailand
      • Turkey
      • UAE
      • Vietnam
    • Europe
      • Austria
      • Belgium
      • Czech Republic
      • France
      • Germany
      • Hungary
      • Netherlands
      • Poland
      • Portugal
      • Spain
      • Switzerland
      • UK
    • North America
      • USA
    • Oceania
      • Australia
    • Africa
      • Egypt
  • Itineraries
    • Asia
      • China
      • India
      • Japan
      • Malaysia
      • Singapore
      • South Korea
      • Thailand
      • Turkey
      • Vietnam
    • Europe
      • Eastern Europe
      • UK
      • Spain
      • Western Europe
    • North America
      • USA
    • Oceania
      • Australia
    • Africa
      • Egypt
  • Videos
  • Reviews
    • Hotel
    • Rental Car
    • Food
    • Airport
    • University
  • Resources
    • Agoda
    • RentalCars
    • Klook
    • Trip
  • 中文版
  • About

Chic . Explore . ThinkerTen

My Style ~ My Journey ~ My Inspiration

BagoMyanmarTravel

Myanmar : Bago Reclining Shwethalyaung Buddha (Indoor)

by kumamonjeng October 5, 2018
written by kumamonjeng October 5, 2018
Myanmar : Bago Reclining Shwethalyaung Buddha (Indoor)

Myanmar : Bago Reclining Shwethalyaung Buddha (Indoor)

Reclining Buddha in Bago

There are two reclining Buddha in Bago, one indoor and one outdoor. The one indoor is called Shwethalyaung Buddha. Shwethalyaung Buddha is measuring 55 meters long and 16 meters high, slightly shorter by 10 meter compared to the famous Chauk Htat Gyi Buddha, the other reclining Buddha located in Yangon city. In total, I have seen 3 reclining Buddha during my visit to Myanmar.  2 in Bago city and 1 in Yangon city.

Myanmar : Bago Reclining Shwethalyaung Buddha (Indoor)

Built in the 10th Century

Shwethalyaung Buddha was built by the Mon King Mgadeikpa in the 10th century and only rediscovered until 1881 when the workers unearthed it while building the Yangon Bago railway line.  The Shwethalyaung Buddha was actually partly destroyed in 1757 and was under the cover of jungle growth.

Myanmar : Bago Reclining Shwethalyaung Buddha (Indoor)

Beautiful mosaic stones was used and added to the pillow on which the Buddha’ head rests.

Myanmar : Bago Reclining Shwethalyaung Buddha (Indoor)

Temple attire

The temple complex is not big, as usual no shoes, no socks are allowed and no shoulders and knee revealing clothes.

Myanmar : Bago Reclining Shwethalyaung Buddha (Indoor)

Murals with Story 

There are several murals at the back of the reclining Buddha. These murals depicting stories of how the reclining buddha came to be.

Myanmar : Bago Reclining Shwethalyaung Buddha (Indoor)

There are English words printed at the mural so you can take your time and read the story.

Myanmar : Bago Reclining Shwethalyaung Buddha (Indoor)

Buddha Feet

Another highlight not to be missed is the foot of the Buddha which has intricate print and pattern, painted in gold.

Myanmar : Bago Reclining Shwethalyaung Buddha (Indoor)

Market Hall

The market souvenir hall is at the entrance way to the Shwethalyaung Buddha, both sides of stalls selling all kind of things, including flowers offering to the Buddha.

Myanmar : Bago Reclining Shwethalyaung Buddha (Indoor)

After visiting the Shwethalyaung Buddha you may like to have a look at the souvenirs sold at the market hall. Things sold here are the longyi or sarong (long skirt to wrap around at your waist), Thanaka – the yellowish powder painted in most Burmese faces and many other little trinket.

Myanmar : Bago Reclining Shwethalyaung Buddha (Indoor)

Entrance fee :

Entrance fee is 10,000 Kyat (USD$10) for 4 historical sites in Bago. Buy Bago archeological zone ticket and visit all the 4 sites located nearby. Shwethalyaung Buddha is one of the site, the staff at the entrance will help you stamp at your ticket before you enter. The other three historical sites are Shwemawdaw Pagoda (Tallest pagoda in Burma), Kyaik Pun Pagoda (Four towering images of the Buddha) & Kanbawzathadi Golden Palace (Reconstruction of King Bayinnaung’s 16th century palace).  This is the 4 must see in Bago.

Myanmar : Bago Reclining Shwethalyaung Buddha (Indoor)

Final thoughts :

In total, I have seen three reclining Buddhas in Myanmar, one in Yangon also the biggest and two in Bago; indoor & outdoor. The reclining buddha in Myanmar look different from the one I saw in Dafo temple in Gansu China few months ago. Over here in Myanmar, the face features are sharper with bright lipstick and dark eyebrows color as compared to the Dafo Buddha in Gansu China. Hence the reclining Buddha in Myanmar look younger and modern.

Why there are so many reclining Buddha? It is said that this position represent the historical Buddha during his last illness, about to enter the parinirvana/nirvana after death.

Myanmar : Bago Reclining Shwethalyaung Buddha (Indoor)

Other attractions in Bago :

  • Mya Tha Lyaung Reclining Buddha – Outdoor
  • 4 Seated Buddha – Kyaik Pun Pagoda
  • Bago Golden God Temple : Shwemawdaw Pagoda – Myanmar Tallest Pagoda
  • Bago Monk School – Kya Kha Wain Kyaung Monastery
  • The Golden Palace in Bago – Kanbawzathadi Palace
  • White Elephant in Hsin Hpyu Daw Park Yangon
  • Taukkyan War Cemetery
  • Road Trip from Yangon to Bago – 14 Things to observe

Share this:

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
BagoBago Reclining Shwethalyaung BuddhaBuddhistlongyi in MyanmarMyanmarmyanmar culturemyanmar souvenirsnirvanaReclining BuddhaReclining Buddha historythanaka powder
previous post
China : Xinjiang Cultural Show @ International Grand Bazaar Urumqi /絲綢之路 千年印象
next post
Myanmar : Bago Road Trip – A Brief Stop at Taukkyan War Cemetery

You may also like

Self drive in Japan – Kyoto top places...

January 31, 2023

Japan Self Drive – Uji and Arashimaya 3...

January 5, 2023

Self drive in Thailand – Bangkok – Khaoyai...

December 7, 2022

Bangkok Chao Phraya Princess – Dinner Cruise

November 21, 2022

Chiang Rai top places to visits 4 days...

November 5, 2022

69 comments

Jessica Taylor October 5, 2018 - 3:18 pm

Wow! I love how beautiful and colorful everything is! I understand a little bit about the culture, but I’d love to learn more!

Reply
Stacie October 5, 2018 - 4:05 pm

That is so beautiful! Things like that are why I love to travel. You never know what you’re going to find. I’d love to visit one day.

Reply
Yasmine October 5, 2018 - 4:15 pm

Wow that’s so amazing! So much work must have gone into creating this magnificent place! I’d love to travel there one day – thanks for sharing.

Reply
Chloé Arnold (@ChloeBArnold) October 5, 2018 - 6:19 pm

Myanmar is one my bucket list and loves big Buddha is stunning! Would love to visit here!

Reply
kumamonjeng October 6, 2018 - 12:42 am

Dear Chloe,

You are right, Myanmar is a Buddhist country and the land is full of pagodas and temples. Everywhere you will spot big and small pagodas. However, the reclining Buddha Swethalyaung (indoor) is one of the historical site in Bago city, about 2 hours drive from Yangon.

Reply
Aditya October 5, 2018 - 7:10 pm

Wow! Everything is almost perfect. I heard them from stranger at Train, they were right almost. It is really beautiful and you know culture within you gets wake up.

Reply
kumamonjeng October 6, 2018 - 12:35 am

Dear Aditya,

I quess the stranger in the train should be very proud of the Reclining Buddha so spoke about it.

Reply
Lyosha Varezhkina (@lyoshathegirl) October 5, 2018 - 7:22 pm

The place looks so dreamy! I really want to travel there, the country is so exotic and unusual. I used to study with a guy from Miamar, it soo takes me back

Reply
kumamonjeng October 6, 2018 - 12:34 am

Dear Lyosha,

Glad to learn that you have some exposure from the Myanmar culture. It’s pretty interesting to learn other countries culture which can be quite different from ours.

Reply
beautythatwalks October 5, 2018 - 8:36 pm

Lots of colour, seems like an interesting culture.

Reply
kidneyfornikki October 6, 2018 - 12:57 am

I would have never known about this! I love when blogs introduce me to cool places that I am unfamiliar with.

If I am ever in the area, I would love to visit this!

Thanks for sharing!

Reply
Wendy October 6, 2018 - 1:03 am

Great to know about the position. That’s such a fascinating place. Would love to visit it someday.

Reply
Silvia Martinez (@mamalatina) October 6, 2018 - 2:54 am

What a great story. I´m always amazed of the details and colors of the Buda, the picture of the feet is something else!

Reply
kumamonjeng October 6, 2018 - 8:36 am

Dear Silvia,

The Buddha in Myanmar uses lots of gold and the facial make up is brighter, the lip and the eyebrow. Slightly different from the one in China.

Reply
TheSuperMomLife October 6, 2018 - 3:32 am

I love all of the colors! Myanmar looks like a beautiful place to visit.

Reply
kumamonjeng October 6, 2018 - 8:33 am

Dear Supermom,

Myanmar is still very backward compared to Thailand and Vietnam in term of tourism. The Myanmar government only open up few years ago so plenty of work such as infrastructure and other amenities are on it way.

Reply
Alexandra October 6, 2018 - 5:22 am

Wow! This is just stunning – I can imagine that experiencing this in person would be truly wonderful. Thank you so much for sharing!

Reply
delhifundos2014 October 6, 2018 - 5:55 am

This place looks awesome. I love their culture. Myanmar is a must visit place. This is very detailed article about Bago Reclining Shwethalyaung Buddha. Will save this blog for future.

Reply
kumamonjeng October 6, 2018 - 8:30 am

Dear Delhi,

Bago city is an ancient city for Myanmar, just 1.5 to 2 hrs drive from Yangon. Worth to do a day trip and there are several historical site to visit within a day.

Reply
Catherine Santiago Jose October 6, 2018 - 9:31 am

I have never been in Bago, Myanmar but it looks like a nice place to visit and their architecture designs of their buildings are really gorgeous.

Reply
Joanna October 6, 2018 - 11:55 am

I have seen a few reclining Buddha statues during my travels in South East Asia but I never knew the significance of it. The one in Bago looks very impressive and it’s incredible that it dates all the way back from the 10th century.

Reply
Marysa October 6, 2018 - 12:18 pm

What a neat place to visit. This would definitely be impressive to see in person. Sounds like there is so much to see an learn about.

Reply
kumamonjeng October 7, 2018 - 8:24 am

Dear Marysam

The one thing I realised is the sleeping position is represent the historical Buddha during his last illness, about to enter the parinirvana/nirvana after death. No wonder there are many reclining Buddha all over Asia.

Reply
allthingssimplywindy October 6, 2018 - 2:31 pm

This looks so interesting. I love learning historical facts when I travel and I’m putting this on my list of places to visit

Reply
kumamonjeng October 7, 2018 - 8:22 am

Dear Allthingsimplywindy,

It is very interesting to learn about history of a place as it reveals all of the past. We also get to learn about their culture along the way and broaden our horizon.

Reply
Enriqueta Lemoine October 6, 2018 - 5:09 pm

I saw a reclining Buddha in Bangkok. The thing that impressed me the most was his feet. So thank you for showing me the feet of this amazing Buddha. Great post.

Reply
kumamonjeng October 7, 2018 - 8:16 am

Dear Enriqueta,

There are many reclining Buddha in Asia and Bangkok is another top location to check on the reclining Buddha 🙂 Glad you have seen one too. The Buddha feet of the reclining Buddha in Myanmar has intricate pattern and I think it meant something.

Reply
Christie Moeller October 6, 2018 - 5:10 pm

WOW this is simply magical. would love to see in person!

Reply
sincerelymissj October 6, 2018 - 5:41 pm

Thank you for sharing. I had no idea about the two reclining Buddha in Bago.

Reply
kumamonjeng October 7, 2018 - 8:13 am

Dear Missj,

There are two Reclining Buddha one indoor and one outdoor in Bago city. Both are quite close to each other.

Reply
Heather October 6, 2018 - 7:02 pm

What a unique and beautiful place! The dress code is a good bit of information to have, but I would love to see it one day!

Reply
kumamonjeng October 7, 2018 - 8:12 am

Dear Heather,

The national dress code for Burmese people in Myanmar are usually Longyi which is a long piece of cloth to wrap around your waist. For many temples & pagoda complexes, a strict dress code is a must – that is no sleeveless and knees must be covered.

Reply
Jasmine - LoveLifeLaughMotherhood October 7, 2018 - 1:10 am

i admire and respect the teachings of buddha even though i am technically a taoist. i would love to come here

Reply
kumamonjeng October 7, 2018 - 8:05 am

Dear Jasmine,

Well, they may have differences but both Taoism and Buddhism belief in reincarnation which means the life after death and both have similar ultimate goals.

Reply
Sam October 7, 2018 - 2:16 am

Wow! This is beautiful! I would love to see the intricate details in person.

Reply
kumamonjeng October 7, 2018 - 8:03 am

Dear Sam,

Do check on the pillow where the Buddha’s head rested, built with beautiful masaic and the 10 murals behind the Buddha, telling story and history of the Buddha.

Reply
Preet October 7, 2018 - 5:53 am

I have never been to Bago but I always wanted to visit. Such a wonderful place.

Reply
kumamonjeng October 7, 2018 - 8:00 am

Dear Preet,

Bago is a hidden gem near Yangon, about 2 hours drive from Yangon City Myanmar. Most people would do a day trip to Bago city to check out the few historical sites there.

Reply
Vaibhav Mehta October 7, 2018 - 10:50 am

I am still wondering how did they actually make it..lying down tilted and of such size, that statue is definitely something epic! Keep exploring offbeat wonderful places like these!

Reply
kumamonjeng October 8, 2018 - 12:28 am

Dear Vaibhav,

The reclining Buddha was built in 994 but only discovered in 1881 after the British trying to build a railway to connect Bago city with Yangon City. The reclining Buddha was covered by the forest for years.

Reply
sara lafountain October 7, 2018 - 11:39 pm

This reclining Buddha is really cool! I have never seen anything like this in my life!

Reply
kumamonjeng October 8, 2018 - 12:30 am

Dear Sara,

There are many reclining Buddha in Asia but Bago Reclining Buddha is one of the historical and well-known one in Myanmar.

Reply
Devyani Ray October 8, 2018 - 12:26 am

This looks gorgeous! The reclining buddha is very fascinating.

Reply
Faneshia October 8, 2018 - 12:31 am

Wow I never though about visiting here before. I love your photos and it shows a different side I haven’t seen. Thanks for sharing

Reply
kumamonjeng October 8, 2018 - 12:38 am

Dear Faneshita,

Myanmar is country that is full of culture and history, a little backward compared to its neighboring countries, such as Vietnam and Thailand. The Myanmar Government has recently open up the door for foreigners to visit the country so many tourists has rushed in but the infrastructure and other amenities are still lacking to support the tourist industry.

Reply
Nikki October 8, 2018 - 12:40 am

This is nice. Looks like you had fun.

Reply
Synz October 8, 2018 - 1:23 am

Myanmar is one of the country I’m looking forward to visit. Most of my workmates came from that country.

Reply
kumamonjeng October 8, 2018 - 7:51 am

Dear Synz,

I guess you are well exposed to some of the Burmese culture since you mingle with your Burmese workmates. Hope you enjoy their culture and better understand them when you explore Myanmar.

Reply
Danielle October 8, 2018 - 1:44 am

This place is absolutely stunning! I am loving all the murals and the pretty colors.

Reply
Anwesha Guha October 8, 2018 - 4:07 am

I have never been to Myanmar before and your post made me feel like I was right there. Thanks a ton for writing about this!

Reply
Catherine October 8, 2018 - 4:53 am

How beautiful and interesting! What an incredible journey!

Reply
Anosa October 8, 2018 - 5:12 pm

Whenever I travel, I often after cultural experiences and this is so beautiful

Reply
Liza Perry October 8, 2018 - 9:14 pm

The temple attire is just breathtaking! It is definitely a place you need to go to in a lifetime!

Reply
duffelbagspouse October 9, 2018 - 2:22 am

I got a chance to briefly visit Myanmar a couple years ago. But I didn’t see this reclining Buddha. I did see the one in Bangkok though– both are beautiful.

Reply
kumamonjeng October 9, 2018 - 10:49 pm

Dear Duffebagspouse,

Asia has quite a few of reclining Buddha and glad that you have seen one in Bangkok.

Reply
Natalia October 9, 2018 - 9:21 am

Myanmar is on my list of places I want to visit next year. Your pictures only ensured me that I need to visit

Reply
Alexander Popkov October 10, 2018 - 4:49 am

This looks really colorful, very usual for a European Eye. For me, photography is the main thing in traveling and I would love to get to this place with my camera.

Reply
Danielle W. October 10, 2018 - 5:46 am

You have some really amazing photos here! I have never been to Myanmar but would love to!

Reply
Peachy A. October 10, 2018 - 10:37 pm

I’d love to see those reclining Buddhas in person

Reply
pujarinimitra October 20, 2018 - 1:21 pm

Wow! Myanmar through your eyes looks beautiful. This reclining Buddha reminded me of the Buddha statues in Sri Lanka which we saw recently.

Reply
kumamonjeng October 20, 2018 - 3:05 pm

Dear Puja,
I have not yet been to Sri Lanka so would really love to check the Buddha statues there too.

Reply
Wanda Lopez October 22, 2018 - 10:27 pm

So beautiful. I love to travel and bring the kids with me. It’s always a wonderful experience and you never know what you’ll get to see.

Reply
kumamonjeng October 22, 2018 - 11:16 pm

Dear Wanda,

These are little nuns dressed in pink with shaved heads who gives us blessing.

Reply
Anita October 25, 2018 - 1:19 pm

This reminds me the sleeing Budda in Bangkok. It made a huge impression on me. The place you mention looks similar, very decorative. I really like your pictures and the dress you are wearing is so pretty.

Reply
Hollie November 7, 2018 - 12:13 pm

Wow built in the 10th century? That is truly amazing and I can’t even Imagine.

Reply
kumamonjeng November 7, 2018 - 11:23 pm

Dear Hollie,

The reclining Buddha get discovered in the forest when the British built the rail track from Bago to Yangon.

Reply
Tisha November 7, 2018 - 4:32 pm

Wow the colors here are so vibrant! I bet this is a stunning sight to see in person! Great photos too!

Reply
kumamonjeng November 7, 2018 - 11:07 pm

Dear Tisha,

The make up of the reclining Buddha are really bright color which look different from the reclining Buddha in China. China reclining Buddha has more natural make up, no dark eyebrow and no blue eye shadow and no red lipsticks like the one in Bago Myanmar.

Reply
shanelle November 9, 2018 - 2:08 pm

Myanmar is top of my travel list. very jealous you were able to experience this

Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Follow us on FaceBook!

Facebook

Popular Posts

  • Top 10 souvenirs to buy in Dubai International Airport DXB

  • Have you collected your Malaysia VEP (Vehicle Entry Permit)?

  • Top 5 Reasons why you should self drive in Kyushu – 8 days – Itinerary Summary

  • Japan 8 days self drive in Central Region – Summary Itinerary

  • Dream Cruise Hidden Gem and tips for you – April 2021

  • The most famous Portuguese egg tarts in Lisbon Portugal – Pastéis de Belém

  • Taiwan Self Drive Round The Island – 8 Days Summary Itinerary

  • China Xi’an 5 : Hua Shan Lun Jian/ 华山论剑 – Discussion of Swords in Mount Hua

  • Japan Shikoku : Takamatsu Pride – Ritsurin Garden in Kagawa Prefecture 栗林公園

  • Tanjong Pagar also known as Little Korean Town in Singapore!

About Me

About Me

I am the travel writer for Thinkerten. I lived in Japan, Australia, Malaysia and now based in Singapore. Speak 4 languages, Japanese, English, Malay, and Chinese. There are the many types of travels one can experience and mine are mostly focus on self-driving/road trip to explore the places I wanted to see and learn about. Only if you get out of your country, you will see the real you and understand more about yourself, to realize of your own identity, your own culture, and your root.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Klook.com

Copyright © 2017 - 2022 · ThinkerTen. All rights reserved.