Kanbawzathadi Golden Palace

This magnificent place is a great palace that’s worth to visit.

Ancient palace where Burmese kings lived (rebuilt). This palace is more than 550 years old. Inside you can see some of the royal regalia. Most of the space and the mist beautiful Myanmar architecture.

The Kanbawzathadi Golden Palace is a wonderful collection of buildings situated in a huge complex that is surrounded with a old buildings underground. The main showcase building is the Bee Throne Hall. If you are visiting the palace grounds by yourself, make sure to inquire about entrances that are open to tourists. The palace opens daily from 9 am until 5 pm, except on Burmese national holidays and important Buddhist holidays.
The architecture of the palace is striking. Some of the buildings have kept their gold leaf ornamentation, while those that no longer have it are painted in a deep gold color. The palace has an exhibition rooms, but the exhibits need significant improvement. This is one of the great architecture of Hantharwady dynasty of Mon and then Burmese Empire.
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Reconstruction of King Bayinnaung’s 16th century palace

Kanbawzathadi Golden Palace in Bago is a reconstruction of the original Royal palace from the second half of the 16th century.

The very ornate golden palace gives a good impression of the splendor and wealth of the second Burmese empire. It was rebuilt following the original design, based on knowledge gained from excavations and the original drawings of the building. The huge palace consisted of 76 apartments and halls.

King Bayinnaung of the Taungoo dynasty

The palace dates from a very prosperous time in Burmese history. It was built by King Bayinnaung of the Taungoo dynasty, a vast empire that included much of present day Burma, Thailand and parts of China.

Bayinnaung was one of Burma’s greatest rulers, a mighty King who possessed many white elephants, a sign of wealth and power at that time. The King even obtained a sacred Buddha tooth relic from Sri Lanka, which he had installed in the Mahazedi Pagoda. Bayinnaung built the new capital of the second Burmese empire, a large city called Hanthawadi (present day Bago) surrounded by walls with 20 gates. The palace was built on a 70 acres plot located at the center of the city. Construction started in 1553.

Records written by European visitors to the city tell about the magnificence and splendor of the richly gilded palace. Some of its buildings like the Great Audience Hall were roofed with gold plates.

The palace was looted and burnt down in 1599 during armed conflict. Its remains were abandoned, and the palace was not rebuild until the late 20th century. Excavation works started in 1990. Six mounds were excavated, revealing the brick foundations of several of the palace buildings. Several hundred of the original teak pillars used for the construction of the palace in the 16th century were found, many of them inscribed with Mon texts, as well as nearly 2,000 Buddha images.

The Bhammayarthana Throne Hall, also called Bee Throne Hall contained the private quarters for the King, including the Royal bed chamber and living chamber. This very ornate building has multiple roof sections and false floors, and is topped with a Pyatthat, a seven tiered Burmese style roof. Other buildings contained the chambers of members of the Royal family.

There used to be 9 Royal Thrones in the Kanbawzathadi Golden palace, each decorated with a different motif and used for different occasions. Eight of them were destroyed by fire, the only surviving is the Thihathana Throne, also called Lion Throne because of the lion figures carved on it. The gilded, hard wood throne is on display in the National Museum in Yangon.

On the palace grounds is the Nandawya research museum, which exhibits items and artifacts found during the excavations, as well as information about the history of the second empire. On display are a number of the original 16th century teak pillars and items like pottery, scales and weighs used for commerce, ancient coins, glazed jars, swords and other weapons. The museum also contains a collection of 16th century Buddha images in Mon, Siamese and Burmese styles from the palace.
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Ref: Renown Travel

Kanbawzathadi Golden Palace in Bago, Myanmar, is a historical marvel that stands as a living testament to the grandeur of the Kanbawzathadi Palace built by King Bayinnaung in the 16th century. This meticulously reconstructed palace offers not only a glimpse into Myanmar's royal past but also serves as an invaluable educational resource for future generations.

The palace, a faithful replica of the original structure, is an architectural masterpiece that showcases the opulence and sophistication of the bygone era. The intricate wooden carvings, gilded facades, and ornate detailing reflect the artistic prowess and craftsmanship of the artisans who contributed to its creation. As you step into the palace grounds, there's an immediate sense of stepping back in time, a journey into the golden age of Burmese history.

What sets Kanbawzathadi Golden Palace apart is its commitment to historical accuracy and preservation. The meticulous attention to detail in the reconstruction process, guided by historical records and archaeological findings, ensures an authentic experience for visitors. The palace's architecture, layout, and even the placement of artifacts within its walls adhere closely to the original design, offering an immersive experience that transcends time.

The palace complex is not merely a static display of historical artifacts; it is a dynamic educational hub. The on-site museum and exhibitions provide a wealth of information about the history, culture, and lifestyle of the Burmese royalty during the 16th century. Visitors, especially the younger generation, have the opportunity to engage with interactive displays, multimedia presentations, and informative panels that bring history to life.

The artifacts within the palace offer a tangible connection to Myanmar's royal heritage. From royal regalia and garments to ceremonial objects and religious artifacts, each item contributes to the narrative of a bygone era. The palace serves as a repository of cultural knowledge, preserving the legacy of Myanmar's kings and queens for generations to come.

The importance of Kanbawzathadi Golden Palace extends beyond its architectural and historical significance. It plays a pivotal role in fostering a sense of cultural identity and pride among the local community. Through guided tours and educational programs, the palace actively contributes to the understanding and appreciation of Myanmar's rich heritage, instilling a sense of responsibility in preserving this legacy for future generations.

For educators and parents, Kanbawzathadi Golden Palace presents a unique opportunity to impart historical knowledge in an engaging and tangible manner. The immersive experience allows young minds to connect with history beyond textbooks, fostering a curiosity that goes beyond the confines of the classroom. The palace becomes a living classroom, where lessons about Myanmar's past unfold in a vivid and captivating way.

In conclusion, Kanbawzathadi Golden Palace is a cultural treasure that transcends its role as a tourist attraction. It stands as a guardian of Myanmar's royal legacy, a beacon of historical accuracy, and an educational sanctuary for present and future generations. As it continues to weave the narrative of a glorious past, the palace beckons not only to curious travelers but also to those who seek to understand and preserve the rich tapestry of Myanmar's royal history for the generations yet to come.

Historical palace in Bago Myanmar sharing good historial values of Myanmar and neighbours. Must visit in Bago.

It`s an amazing historical landmark in Pego.

Nice historical place

Interesting here Saw the work and bed of the king in the past But traveling from Yangon to take a reasonable travel But it's really worth getting

This is an impressive tourist attraction, you definitely do not want to miss it. It has very detailed woodworkings, all finished with gold paint. There are multiple buildings on the site so you receive good value for money.

It is a great palace to visit. We can feel the greatness of King BayinNaung Empire. But I want to suggest to clean the compound of Palace where is full of bushes in somewhere and to preserve more effectively.

This is an historical site of ancient throne of Honsarwatoi (Hamsarwati) period, the old kingdom of Mon people where their ancestor used to rule the kingdom and exercised the court for justices. This historical site remain tourist attraction and local visitors or new generation to study and learn about the pass historical culture and heritage.

Beautiful building with history

Very unique design and impressive architecture.

Every Myanmar must visit.

Great historical place

Good historical place

Pullman Mandalay Mingalar Hotel had changed the name to Mingalar Mandalay Hotel already.

Once a capital city of Mon.

Amazing place to visit in Bago

Really beautiful and in stunning grounds. Very relaxed break from the hustle and bustle of Bago.

It was so cool and it was built like 1000 years ago and ba yint naung built that