Travel Guide to Mt Popa

Getting There

• Car

  From Bago, head south on the Bago-Yangon Highway (AH1) for approximately 70 kilometers (about 1.5 hours drive). Watch for road signs indicating directions to Mt Popa, which is situated near the town of Kyaukpadaung. As you approach Kyaukpadaung, take the left turn onto the road leading to Mt Popa. The road will take you directly to the base of the mountain, where parking is available.

• Public Transportation (Bus)

  From Bago, find a local bus station and board a bus heading to Mandalay. Inform the conductor that you want to get off at Kyaukpadaung, which is the nearest town to Mt Popa. The journey will take around 2-3 hours, and the fare typically ranges between 3,000 to 5,000 MMK (approximately $2-$4 USD). Once you arrive in Kyaukpadaung, you can hire a taxi or local tricycle (known as a 'trishaw') to take you the remaining distance to the base of Mt Popa, which is about 15 kilometers away.

• Taxi or Private Car Hire

  If you prefer a more direct and comfortable option, consider hiring a taxi or a private car from Bago. Negotiate the fare beforehand; it usually costs around 50,000 to 70,000 MMK (approximately $30-$45 USD) for a round trip. The driver will take you directly to the base of Mt Popa and wait for you while you explore the site.

• Motorbike Rental

  For the adventurous traveler, renting a motorbike in Bago is an option. There are several rental shops in the city. Rent a motorbike for about 10,000 MMK (approximately $6 USD) per day. Follow the same route as by car; however, be cautious on the highways. Once you reach Kyaukpadaung, be sure to have a map or GPS handy to navigate to Mt Popa.