RAKHINE

Mrauk-U, in Rakhine ( Arakan State is also known by another name :  Mrohaung, meaning 'Old City'.

The Rakhine civilisation was contemporary to the Pyu, and the 2nd century Greek geographer Ptolemy referred to the kingdom as Argyre, which later historians identified as 'Arakan'.

The Mrauk-U period from) 430 to 1784 BC was the last in Rakhine history. It was an era of final greatness and glory, in the 17th century writings of a Portuguese priest, Father Manrique, who lived in Mrauk-U and had access to the court. He described the magnificent golden palaces in detail, remarking on ceilings covered with vines and fruits fashioned from gold, halls lined with fragrant woods and life-sized images in gold of previous rulers, and a chest of jewels containing rubies the size of a chicken egg. The audience hall of the palace was carved 'With much fancy, and was supported by a forest of gilt and red lacquer pillars," he wrote. The kindom finally collapsed during the reign of a weal king in 1785.

Sittwe

After the First Anglo-Burman War of 1826, coastal Sittwe was made the capital of Rakhine State rather than the less accessible royal capital of Mrauk-U, which lies 50 miles (80km) inland. Sittwe, which literally means 'Seeing war, was so named because the British troops which entered it during the war were the first to be seen by Rakhine villagers.

Mrauk U

Mrauk U, 15th century ancient city of Rakkhine Kingdom is known for its old temples with wall paintings of Indian cultural influence. A regular passenger boat takes hours from Sittwe to Mrauk-U. Special speed boat with 20 seats takes only 2 hours 30 minutes. It is also accessible by road from Sittwe via Ponnakyun and Kyauktaw.

The Mahamuni Shrine, one of the famous Pagoda in Myanmar, is situated 30 km from Mrauk-U. Regular flights from Yangon to Sittwe takes 1 hour 30 minutes. Shitthaung Pagoda, Dukkanthein Pagoda and Andawthein Shrine are some of the sites to see in Mrauk-U.