Rakhine
Rakhine, one of the national races of the Union of Myanmar, has a long history of glory. Chronicles speak of many ancient royal cities that were seats of the Rakine dynasties. The Ann valley is an important trade route between Rakhine state and central of the country. Arakan, Rakine people, played a pivotal role in the exchange of cultures and religions between India and Southeast Asia.
The earliest of the ancient Rakhine cities are Dwarawaddy and Dhanyawaddy (3000BC). The last king, Minsawmun founded the ancient royal city of Mrauk-U in the year 1430.
Sittwe
Sittwe is the Capital city of the Rakhine State. Sittwe is situated on an estuarial island at the confluence of the Kaladan River, Myu River and Lemyo River.
Sittwe is a busy report that has plenty of traditional houses along the waterfront. There are monasteries with a mix of European and Traditional Architecture.
A view point of Sittwe, Rakkhine cultural Museum, Kantharyar Beach Report are the most interesting places in Sittwe.
Mrauk U
The old capital of Rakhine founded in 15 century, and remained its capital for 355 years. The golden city of Mrauk U became known in Europe as a city of oriental splendor after friar Sebastian Manrique’s vivid account of the coronation of King “Thiri Thudhamma” in 1635 and about the Rakhine Court and intrigues of the Portuguese adventurers fire the imagination of later authors. Mrauk U can reach from Sittwe though a very pleasant river journey about 4 hours. Even the pagodas are strategically located on hilltops and look like fortresses and indeed they are once use as such in times of enemy intrusion. There moats, artificial lakes and canals and the whole area could be flooded to deter or repulse attackers.
Shitthaung Temple
Shitthaung temple, lying on the hill-lock, is more a fortress than a pagoda. The temple was built by Minbin, also known as Minbagyi (1532-1553). The temple is virtually a storehouse of sculptures. There are two passages around the main prayer hall. The first passage occupied by innumerable Buddha images and the second one is decorated with sculptures in high relief. The figures represent birds and animals in the lowers rows and seated men holding flowers in the top row.
Htukkhan Thein (Ordination Hall)
Htukkhan Thein was built by King Minphalaung (1571-1593). It is also lying on the hill and reached by stone stairways on the east and south. It is built by massive stone wall. The entrance leads to a long vaulted passage which spirals round in two tiers till it reaches the central chamber.
Andaw Temple
Andaw Temple was built by King Tazagyi (1593-1642). The main hall is octagonal faces in east. There are two corridors round the central block which supports the octagonal stupa above. There are eight seated stone Buddha Images within niches cut into the interior walls which are decorated with arch-pediments.
Koetaung Pagodas
Koetaung Pagodas was built by King Minba. It has a cave containing 90,000 Buddha images consecrated inside. It is like an ordination hall, with a single Buddha image rising at the centre.
CHILL HILL & MT. VICTORIA
The Chin lives in the Northwest border areas or further south in the Rakhine State. Mt. Victoria of 3400 meter high is the perfect place for nature lovers. Soft trekking, butterfly and bird watching are available. Some of the women there tattoo their faces completely in tasteful designs. The ritual is entirely voluntary and as the practice is dying out, not many young women are seen with tattoo faces. But the old traditional of this tattooing face still can be seen in some villages. Their hand woven cotton and silk in traditional designs and colors are collectors’ items. 174 km from Bagan by jeep and roads are still very bad so this excursion is not recommended for rainy season (May to Oct). As for accommodations, only very simple guesthouses are available so this excursion is suitable only for the adventurous clients.