
Town in Rakhine State, Myanmar
Photo: Stefan Fussan, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Mrauk U or Myohaung (Burmese: မြောက်ဦး; Shan: မျွၵ်ႉဢူး) is a medieval town and archaeological site in Rakhine State, Western Myanmar.
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Ran Aung Zeya
This pagoda is still being used by local people. Many angled corridors can be found inside, along which interesting stone carving work can be admired and photographed, like the 550 Jakata (birth name of Buddha) reliefs. The name means 80,000 Buddhas, and so more than 80,000 (actually 84,000) displays of Buddha can be found here. The other name of the pagoda, Ran Aung Zeya, means "victory over the enemies", which refers to an attack of the Portuguese by sea before construction of the pagoda began, which was repelled. The pagoda was built in 1535 by king Mong Ba Gree (Minbun), who ruled from 1513 to 1553. Built in a year by 1,000 workers.
This temple was built in 1571 by king Minphalaung on sand stone. The entrance is to the east and the temple is famous for its internal stone sculptures. It inhabits many displays of live at the royal court. In addition, 140 Buddha statues are lines along the interestingly circling corridors.
Erected by king Minsawmon in 1430 and part of a sibling pagoda right next to it.
Great for sunset due to its location uphill, to whose feet Shitthaung and Htukkam Thein can be found.
This is an attractive pagoda. Dating to 1629, this pagoda was built by king Thirithudhammaraza. At a height of 33 m, this sight displays the ground layout of a lotus blossom.
This used to be the biggest pagoda in Mrauk U but has fallen apart during the past centuries.
A collection of artifacts from the Mrauk U sites: Buddhas, slabs with inscriptions, Wethali era coins, paintings that show Mrauk U in its heyday, and an excellent model of Mrauk U that will help you get your bearings. Crumbling walls are all that remains of the royal palace itself.
Also a great sunset point (aim for the GPS marker) and allows for a stroll through the less touristic areas of the city. Great pictures of the nearby pagoda can be taken at dusk from the western side of the opposite sports ground.
Walk into the monastery and from there up the hill. This set of pagodas allow for a great view of Mrauk U and the surrounding area. Depending on the time of year, it could be that a lot of mist blocks your view.
Now a small village but fifteen hundred years ago Wethali was the capital of an ancient Arakan kingdom. While temples are probably buried under the many mounds that dot the area, the only thing to see today is the layout of the palace and a statue known as the Great Image of Hsu Taung Pre.
Once housed the Mahamuni Buddha that now resides in the Mahamuni Pagoda in Mandalay. There are several ancient artifacts on view here and at the small museum nearby. Hire a jeep ($30-50) for a day for Wethali and the Mahamuni Pagoda, or take a local pickup or shared taxi up north.
The trip there is done by boat and takes 30 minutes. The only things left to see are Taungmawtaung hill and the Kadothein shrine (15 km south). Further sights around Mrauk U like this are Pataw and Vesali.
Salagiri Hill offers spectacular views of the river, nearby bridge and surrounding area.
Climb this hill for a great view of the underlying royal palace and the city.
Day trips to semi-remote villages of the Chin people can be arranged at most hotels. The trip there takes about 3 h one-way, includes lunch and 2-3 villages. Tickets are most probably sold by your hotel or guesthouse, but they will inherit a steep extra fee. Better try the agents or cheaper guesthouses in the city centre and compare prices.
Offers good Chinese and semi-authentic Rakhine food. The food is good and less risky than the places in the market but, if you have the time explore other restaurants, often unnamed, and you'll be pleasantly surprised.
Local rice and curry are available
Highly recommended, offers a wide range of dishes.
Authentic Rakhine food. The cashew chicken and butterfish is good.
5 decent bungalows including breakfast.
Highly recommended on Tripadvisor. Good value for money. Friendly staff.
You have to take your shoes of at the entrance, hence it should be clean inside. Very nice staff and including breakfast. Cold showers only.
Rooms are rather basic and old already. You probably get better value for money somewhere else.
Shower, WC. Bungalows, simple and close to the market.
Bungalow-style rooms a bit away from the city (an easy bike ride).
Simple rooms, some with attached bath. Two bungalows (concrete rooms) across the street. Friendly and helpful but, as it is on the main path to the jetty, it can be very noisy. No generator. A little overpriced nowadays.
AC, breakfast, WiFi, warm water. Email info@mraukupalaceresort.com .
Air-con, shower, WC, TV, fridge; very large rooms; large garden; well equipped. Former government-hotel. The hotel is now run by private company, Azura Hotels Group.
Very friendly, pleasant but worn-down hotel; air-con, shower/bath, WC, TV, refrigerator; clean and beautiful, not too large rooms in bungalows.
Rooms are bungalow-type. Includes breakfast; good food. Also try vesali@myanmar.com.mm .
AC, hot and cold shower, TV, fridge, large rooms, well decorated. They provide pretty good breakfast. Rooms can be apartment or bungalow.
This is the top place on Tripadvisor, but is not the cheapest but the opposite.
ATM and money exchange
By boat
The journey through the backwaters and then up the river is a wonderful trip.
The surrounding area is not restricted to foreigners anymore, except maybe for the Chin villages. Up to date information can be obtained from MTT (Myanmar Travel and Tours, governmental agency) in Yangon.
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