Kanbawzathadi Palace, also known as the Kambowzathadi Palace and the Kanbawza Thadi Palace, is a reconstruction of a 16th Century Palace in Bago, which is one of the 5 most visited places in Myanmar by foreign tourists after Bagan, Yangon, Mandalay and Inle Lake. The reconstructed palace is open to visitors daily from 09:00 to 17:00 and admission costs $4 USD.
About the Kanbawzathadi Palace
Construction of the Kanbawzathadi Palace commenced in 1553 during the reign of the Taungoo King Bayinnaung. The Tuangoo were the dynastic rulers of Myanmar from the mid 16th Century to mid 18th Century. The Taungoo dynasty was at its strongest during the reign of King Bayinnaung with an Empire which covering most of modern day Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, part of Vietnam, and a small part of China. Following the death of King Bayinnaung in 1581 the power of the Taungoo Dynasty waned until the Empire collapsed in 1599 which is the same year that the royal capital in Bago was attacked and the Kanbawzathadi Palace, which was largely made of teak, was looted and then burned down.

The reconstruction of the Kanbawzathadi Palace commenced in 1990. Archaeological digs uncovered the location of the original foundations and well as 167 of the original teak pillars and over 2,000 Buddha statues. Many of these original parts of the Kanbawzathadi Palace are on display in Bago. The original Kanbawzathadi Palace was cluster of buildings including 76 residential apartments and a series of halls used for public occasions and the business of running the Empire. The iconic building with the 7 tiered Burmese style roof is a reconstruction of what was the Bhammayarthana Throne Hall which originally contained the private living quarters of the King and his immediate family. The other major building which has been reconstructed is the Great Audience Hall which was the largest of building in the original palace used by the King to meet with his ministers and officials.
Location of the Kanbawzathadi Palace
- The Kanbawzathadi Palace is 2.6 km from Bago Railway Station.
Travel to Kaunghmudaw Pagoda
Kaunghmudaw Pagoda is located near Mandalay. Follow the links below for information about travel to Bago:
- Travel from Yangon to Bago
- Travel from Mandalay to Bago