Sittwe, Mrauk Oo (Mrauk U – MYAUK Oo)

Sittwe used to be a former important port town near the Bangladeshi Border on the Westcoast. The fish auction-market in Sittwe is interesting but smelly and best visited early morning. There is Sanda Muni Pagoda and the cultural museum and one can walk along Strand road with a nice breeze from the sea.
Otherwise the town with it’s airport is a transit hub for travelers going to the former dynasty of Rakhine (Arakan) kingdom situated 80 km north of Sittwe. The boat trip up on Kitsapanadi (Kaladan) river will take you 5 to 6 hours.

Mrauk Oo flourished between the 15th and 18th Century. Tuda of England, Magol dynasty of India and Ayuthaya of Thailand are the contemporary dynasty of Myrauk Oo kingdom. 60 stupas and temples from 15th – 18th century are still visible today. Different styles and architectural concepts in Mrauk Oo will impress visitors. Mrauk Oo market, museum and Rakhine culture are worth to visit.
The area does not receive by far as many tourists as Bagan although impressive as well. It can only be reached by plane, although irregular scheduled passenger boats go.

SHITTHAUNG PAGODA
Built in Rakhine architectural style from the early 16th century. It is said that 80,000 Buddha relics are enshrined on the second precinct of the pagoda. Inside the temple, there are relief sculptures portraying the life of Lord Buddha. Nat worshiping, Hinduism and James ism are all mixing in this pagoda.

VESALI (WETHALI) OLD TOWN
Situated about 8 km north of Mrauk Oo. It is an old town which flourished between AD 300-900. Some ruined Stupas and an old fort can be seen.

CHIN & MRO ETHNIC VILLAGES
After sightseeing in Mrauk Oo one can visit Chin and Mro ethnic villages with their ways of live, dress and daily life. Chin ladies usually tattoo their faces traditionally.

The boats going to the Chin villages are not very good. Delays caused e.g. by engine break-downs are possible.