Mrauk U: Myanmar’s Lost City of Temples and Stone Kingdoms

In the remote hills of Rakhine State, far from the mainstream tourist trail, lies the ancient city of Mrauk U — a hauntingly beautiful landscape of stone temples, fog-covered plains, and centuries-old history. Once the seat of the mighty Rakhine Kingdom, Mrauk U (pronounced “Mrau Oo”) is a historical treasure trove that rivals Bagan in spiritual and architectural grandeur.
 

Unlike Bagan, where temples rise from dry plains, Mrauk U’s stupas and ruins are surrounded by rolling hills, green rice fields, and tribal villages. Its relative inaccessibility has preserved its authenticity, giving visitors the feeling of stepping into a lost world.

🗺️ Where is Mrauk U?

Mrauk U is located in western Myanmar, in Rakhine State, about 60 kilometers northeast of Sittwe, the regional capital.

Coordinates: 20.5961° N, 93.1743° E

Altitude: ~45 meters above sea level

🛣️ How to Get to Mrauk U

Due to its remote location, reaching Mrauk U takes effort — but it’s part of the adventure.

🛫 Step 1: Fly to Sittwe

From Yangon, take a domestic flight (1.5 hours) to Sittwe Airport.

🚤 Step 2: Boat or Car from Sittwe to Mrauk U

By Boat: 5–7 hours up the Kaladan River (most scenic option; available in dry season)

By Car: 4–5 hours (recommended in rainy season or when river transport is unavailable)

Pro Tip: Arrange transport in advance through hotels or local agencies.

🏯 Top Attractions in Mrauk U

1. 🛕 Shittaung Pagoda

Meaning "Temple of 80,000 Buddha Images", this 16th-century temple is Mrauk U’s most revered.

Built by King Min Bin in 1535

Houses thousands of Buddha statues and intricate stone carvings

Features maze-like corridors and mysterious atmosphere

2. 🛐 Htukkanthein Temple

This fortress-like temple with thick stone walls and a spiraling interior was built for both worship and protection.

Built in 1571

Spiral meditation passage leads to a central chamber with a seated Buddha

Best viewed at sunrise or sunset

3. 🗿 Andaw Thein Pagoda

Houses a sacred relic believed to be a tooth of the Buddha

Notable for its circular layout and ornate carvings

Located near Shittaung, can be visited together

4. 🌅 Koe Thaung Temple

The largest temple in Mrauk U, with 90,000 Buddha images etched into stone walls.

Built in 1553 by King Dikkha

Remote, peaceful, and surrounded by rice paddies

Stunning in the early morning mist

5. 🧘 Laymyetnha Temple

One of the oldest temples in Mrauk U, dating back to 1430.

Features four entrances aligned with the cardinal points

Simple, elegant structure

Often overlooked, yet historically significant

🌄 Other Sites Worth Visiting

Ratanabon Pagoda – A solid, bell-shaped stupa shrouded in legends

Sanda Muni Monastery – Wooden monastery with ornate carvings

Zina Manaung Pagoda – Located on a hill, offers panoramic views of the temple plain

📷 Best Things to Do in Mrauk U

🥾 1. Sunrise & Sunset Temple Hopping

Catch the mist rise over ancient stupas from hilltops

Best spots: Shwe Taung Pagoda, Haridaung Hill, and Zina Manaung

🛶 2. Boat Trip to Chin Villages

Visit villages along the Laymyo River where Chin women have traditional face tattoos

Experience tribal customs and handicrafts

A cultural highlight of Mrauk U

🏞️ 3. Explore by Bicycle or Tuk-Tuk

Most temples are within a few kilometers of each other

Rent a bike or hire a tuk-tuk driver who can double as a local guide

🏨 Where to Stay in Mrauk U

While options are limited, several comfortable guesthouses and boutique hotels cater to international travelers.

Recommended:

Mrauk U Princess Resort – Upscale resort with traditional architecture and riverside views

Vesali Resort – Mid-range with lovely gardens and helpful staff

Shwe Thazin Hotel – Budget-friendly and centrally located

Noble Hotel – A newer option with modern rooms and good service

🍜 Where to Eat in Mrauk U

Mrauk U has small, family-run restaurants serving Rakhine, Burmese, and Chinese cuisine.

Must-Try Dishes:

Rakhine Mont Di – Spicy rice noodle salad with fish

Traditional rice and curry sets

Coconut-based curries and bamboo shoot soups

Chin-style fermented dishes in tribal areas

📅 Best Time to Visit Mrauk U

Dry Season (Nov–Feb): Best weather, easy river access, clear views

Hot Season (Mar–May): Less crowded but very hot

Rainy Season (Jun–Oct): Lush greenery, but roads may be impassable and river trips unavailable

Ideal visit window: December to February

👣 Responsible Travel in Mrauk U

Be respectful of sacred sites: remove shoes and dress modestly

Ask permission before photographing locals, especially Chin women

Support local businesses and guides

Avoid touching or climbing on temple ruins

🧭 Suggested 2-Day Itinerary for Mrauk U

🗓️ Day 1:

Morning: Visit Shittaung, Andaw Thein, and Htukkanthein

Afternoon: Bicycle to Koe Thaung and Laymyetnha Temples

Sunset: View from Haridaung Hill

🗓️ Day 2:

Early morning: Sunrise at Zina Manaung Pagoda

Day trip: Boat ride to Chin villages along the Laymyo River

Evening: Traditional dinner and relax at the hotel

🧠 History of Mrauk U: A Glorious Past

Founded in 1430 AD as the capital of the Arakanese Kingdom

Reached its peak in the 16th–17th centuries with trade ties to Portugal, the Netherlands, and Mughal India

Known as the "Venice of the East" due to its canals and cosmopolitan culture

Fell to the Burmese Konbaung dynasty in 1784

Mrauk U was once a powerful maritime kingdom—its temples, city walls, and palace ruins whisper of a sophisticated past.

📸 Photography Tips

Visit early in the morning for misty, atmospheric shots

Use a drone (with permission) for aerial views of temple clusters

Best golden light: 5:30–6:30 a.m. and 5–6 p.m.

Capture tribal portraits respectfully — engage first and ask permission

🧳 Travel Tips

Power outages are common — bring a flashlight and battery bank

Cash is king — few ATMs; carry local currency (kyat)

English is limited — learn a few local phrases or hire a guide

Limited internet access — download maps and travel info in advance

🛡️ Is Mrauk U Safe to Visit?

As of recent years, Rakhine State has experienced occasional unrest, though Mrauk U has remained mostly peaceful for tourists. Always:

Check current travel advisories

Register with your embassy if needed

Travel with a local guide or group

💬 Final Thoughts: Why You Should Visit Mrauk U

Mrauk U is not just a destination — it's a journey into Myanmar’s lost history, where ancient stone temples, tribal heritage, and rural tranquility converge. It’s ideal for curious travelers seeking authentic experiences, spiritual awe, and an off-the-grid adventure.

Though it takes effort to reach, Mrauk U rewards with mystical landscapes, cultural depth, and memories unlike anywhere else in Southeast Asia.