Until 1990's northern Rakhine state was a place seldom visited by foreign
visitors due to the lack of good transportation, communication and
accommodations. Now there are flights between Yangon and Sittwe
(capital of Rakhine state). However they fly only 3 or 4 days aweek.
So please check with a travel agent for the actual flight schedule.
Mrauk U (Mrauk Oo) is still another 64 km away from Sittwe which is best
done by boat along Kaladan river (Kitsapanadi) and Lay Myo river.
Even there are (2006)
progress in building roads and bridges it is still very inconvenient,
and often impossible, for
foreigners to travel to northern Rakhine state by car.
There is a daily boat service between Sittwe and Mrauk U (Mrauk Oo).
The boats are run by Myanmar inland water transport corporation.
Normally the boats are double deckers with common hall and private cabins.
There are common toilets onboard. The boat leaves Sittwe early morning
and arrives Mrauk U about mid-day. Return boat is in the afternoon.
Between Sittwe and Kyauk Taw there are boats 4 days aweek. Again,
please check with a local travel agent for the actual time table.
Smaller boats are available for charter.
The hottest month is April with average temperature of 34C. The coldest
month is January with average 16C. The area receives rains from early
June till October with the heaviest falls in July and August. In Mrauk
U and Kyauk Taw the cool season's night temperature could be quite low.
Sittwe
Sittwe became an earliest sea port under the British colonial rule
in 1828. During the second world war, it was heavily bombed by allied
forces and the town was totally flatten.
Farkir point (the long black sand sea beach) is a lovely place which
offers good views including sunset scenes, frech sea breeze, and a place
to walk.
There are 3 or 4 pagodas worth visiting, and the Rakhine state cultural
museum and library showcasing many ancient artifacts, silver coins,
inscriptions and sculptures.
Mrauk U
Between 1430 and 1785 it was the last capital of Rakhine kings, where
the Rakhine culture had its full bloom. Founded in 1430, the city was
fortified with 19 miles (30 km) long walls, moats and natural barriers.
At the center of the city was the royal palace. There are several
massive temples constructed in the stone cave structures. Most of
these temples house array of lord Buddha images and artifacts of
the past. It is advised to spend about 3 days to visit important
monuments in Mrauk U area alone.
After the annexation of Rakhine state by the British, the capital
was moved to Sittwe. Since that time time Mrauk U was being known
as Old City (Myo Haung) until 1979.
Cities before Mrauk U
Vesali
Today ruins of the last Vesali city is located 8 km north of Mrauk U.
Vseali was believed to be ruled by kinds of local dynasties till 3325 B.C.
The next rising of Vesali was after the end of Dhanyawaddy in 350 to 370 A.D.
(note the years are still under the debate). The end of this second
(here please do not pay attention to the word "second" - it may not be true)
Vesali was believed to happen at the end of 8th century. It is also the
start of Lemro (Lay-myo river) kings era.
Ruins of Vesali contains the city walls, mounds, cemetry hill, city
gate pagoda, synod hill (the great image of Vesali & Buddhist synod hill),
etc. The old palace site is now serving as settlement of Waythali
(Waythali and Vesali refer to the same name) village.
Dhanyawaddy
Dhanyawaddy is located 10 km east of Kaladan river (now called
Kitsapanadi river), and 26 km north of Vesali. Speaking about the years,
it is possible that the first city of Dhanyawaddy was founded at the
end of first Vesali (around 3325 B.C). The end of the last Dhanyawaddy
was suggested to be in 350 or 370 A.D. (please see above "Vesali").
Dhanyawaddy was built on the flood plains of Kaladan river valley.
The ruins of the city walls, moats and other structures can be seen.
Old pagodas such as Mahamuni shrine, Kyauk taw pagoda (10 km west of
Dhanyawaddy, on the western bank of Kaladan river), pagodas on Salagiri
hills (opposite Kyauk taw, on the eastern bank of Kaladan river) can be
visited.
Kyauk Taw
Kyauk Tawis located on the western side of Kaladan river, opposite
Salagari hill. Old stone pillar inscription and many other old artifacts
are found in the monasteries of the town. Sittwe (capital of Rakhine)
is 120 km down Kaladan river.
Lemro dynasty
Dynastries that follow at the end of Vesali (end of 8th century) settled
their capitals along Lemro (Lay-myo) river. The end of Lemro dynasty was
brought about in the early 15th century (before Mrauk U era). There are
ruins of 4 cities along the river.
Laungret is located 8 km east of Mrauk U, on the western bank
of Lay-myo river. Only little are left to be seen today.
Parein is located just north of Laungret. There are little to
see of the past.
Pyinsa is situated to the east of Mrauk U. Only some odd
looking ponds are left.
Nareinsara Toungoo is said to have existed on the eastern side
of river, opposite Pyinsa.
There is a daily boat service between Sittwe and Mrauk U (Mrauk Oo).
The boats are run by Myanmar inland water transport corporation.
Normally the boats are double deckers with common hall and private cabins.
There are common toilets onboard. The boat leaves Sittwe early morning
and arrives Mrauk U about mid-day. Return boat is in the afternoon.
Between Sittwe and Kyauk Taw there are boats 4 days aweek. Again,
please check with a local travel agent for the actual time table.
Smaller boats are available for charter.
Cities before Mrauk U