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Mrauk U ::
Once the capital of the powerful Rakhine Kingdom with a 3000-year history. In the 16th century it was an important free trade port, and is now an archaeological complex with several very interesting buildings and temples. The most impressive is the massive Shittaung temple that shrines 80.000 images. Its interior walls are engraved with over 1.000 Buddhist figures.
1st day:
Morning flight to Sittway.
After pick up at the airport by our tour guide, you will proceed to the Jetty and board the ferry to Mrauk U. The ferry ride takes about 5hrs, on which we will provide lunch.
2nd day:
Full day sightseeing of the Mrauk U area.
3rd day:
Early morning return to Sittway, where we will be able to visit some sights before you proceed to the airport fo fly back to Yangon.
If you choose a 4 day trip or 5 day trip we will visit Wethali and Mahamuni north of Mrauk U, close to the Chin State and/or Chin Tattoo villages close to Mrauk U. We can also include a more intensive sightseeing trip in Sittway.
Temples & Pagodas of Mrauk U:
Shittaung :
The most complex and well preserved temple, although suffering from recent renovation. It was constructed in 1535 by King Minbin, the most powerful of the Rakhine kings. In reference to the number of holy images inside the temple the name means "Shrine of the 80000 Images".
Andaw Thein :
King Minrazagyi rebuilt this Paya in 1596, formerly constructed in 1521 by King Minhlaraza, to enshrine a tooth relic brought from Sri Lanka by King Minbin. While Shittaung features three square passages inside the temple, Andaw Thein has two passages around an eight side pillar, which supports the roof.
Ratanabon Pagoda :
was built by King Minkhamaung in 1612. Of interest are the sandstone Chintes (half-lion/half dragon guardians) at each of the four corners.
Laungbonprauk Pagoda :
King Minsalotasawmon ordered to build this monument in 1525. It features nice tiles in different colors, symbolizing flowers, on the wall surrounding this Paya. It formerly reached a height of 37m, nowadays it only measures 23m.
Anoma Image :
this beautifully ornamented and sizeable Buddha image was donated in 1501 by Princess Anoza. It faces east towards the rising sun, but strangely has a large hill blocking the view eastwards.
Lawkamaung :
built by King Sandathu Dama Raza in 1685, very famous for the guinea-pig guards surrounding the base. He chose the guinea-pig he was born on a Friday, and this animal is the Buddhism symbol for all those born of Friday.
The museum within the old palace walls is also very interesting, and features a good collection of religious sculptures and other artifacts. Also worth a visit are the small Bronze casting workshops at Nyaung Bon Zay, or the spot where you can see Ox and Horse carts being repaired near the Moe Cherry restaurant. For sunset and sunrise we suggest climbing up to Haridaung Paya, from where you can enjoy a magnificent view to the east and west.
Mahamuni & Wethali :
You can reach Mahmauni by car via a bumpy road. Mahamuni temple is the former place of the famous Mahamuni image, which is now situated in Mandalay. Next to the modern copy of the Mahamuni, the temple features 3 old images, of which the middle one dates back to the 6th century BC (Dahnayawaddy Kingdom). The copy of the Mahmuni image was donated by Ray Kyaw Thu 103 years ago. On the way back we stop in Wethali to visit the Hsu Taung Pre Image. This 5m high image, carved out of a single stone, was built by King Mahataing Chandra during the Vesali Kingdom in 327 AD.
Sittway (Akyab) :
There are some interesting sights to visit in Sittway, such as old monasteries, some with ancient artifacts and old coins from Mrauk U on display, Payagyi temple with its Rakhaing-style sitting Buddha image, cast in 1900 and Aha Tan Kyaung Pagoda. This Pagoda is fairly new (5 years old) and contains a lot of Buddha images cast in the typical style of different countries like Nepal, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, China, Japan, Indonesia, etc. A very nice view can be enjoyed from "the point" at the confluence of Kaladan River and the Bay of Bengal during sunset. Also very interesting is the market in Sittway and the Indian/Bangladesh fishing village to the north-east of the city center.
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