Mrauk U

Mrauk-U is in Rakhine state, formerly known as Arakan, in touch with Chin state, bordering Bangladesh and India. Mrauk-U, tardily civilized with its peak in 15th century, in comparison with Bagan, was one of the richest cities in all of Asia, and now becomes a distinct archeological splendor. The city eventually reached a size of 120,000 in the mid 16th century. The city traded with Portugal, the Netherlands, Persia and India. After one hour flight from Yangon to Sittwe, regional capital for Rakhine state, located on the Bay of Bengal's estuary, the only accessible way to reach Mrauk-U is five-hour long boat trip on the river called Kaladan, which has gone back up from Sittwe.

As Mrauk-U was prospered, there are many pagodas and temples, among them, the major places of interest in the ancient city of Mrauk-U, are numerous. The list of some most interesting monuments in the ruins of once great city is such as follow; The well-preserved Shitthaung temple, Laungbanbyauk pagoda with its exquisite carvings, the ornate Sakyamanaung pagoda, and the largest of Mrauk-U's stupas, Yadanamanaung. Apart from religious monuments, the site of royal palace, and the archeological museum are quite interesting. From Mrauk-U it is easy to visit the nearby Chin villages, where women have been traditionally tattooed on their faces.