Taungoo lies on Highway 1 between Yangon and Meiktila amid mountains and is worth stopping at to have a look at the old city walls and to check out the nearby Karen tribes.
Taungoo was capital of a post-Bagan Burmese kingdom, which was presided over by several successive kings to the tune of 155 years. The so-called King of Yatu-poem (Nat Shin Naung) was one of those kings, well known for his poems. Taungoo was also the base for the famous Flying Tigers in WWII.
Taungoo is big into logging, with teak and other hardwoods being the main money spinner. Areca palms cover the landscape. The main attraction in Taungoo is the historic city walls from the dynastic period, which still stand apart from the southern section. Unfortunately, the wide moat is largely dried up apart from one bit on the eastern side that is purposely maintained.
Getting There & Away
Taungoo is about 6 or 7 hours outside Yangon by train on the north line to Mandalay and there are three departures per day, including an express service. Buses are marginally faster yet not as comfortable. Yangon International Airport is the main gateway to Myanmar and is an hour transfer from downtown Yangon.
Things to Do
Taungoo Attractions
- Taungoo city walls
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The town’s main attraction still partially surrounds the city along with the dried up moat.