Burma’s Mrauk U is in the state of Rakhine in the central part of the country. It is an old city, and its sleepy demeanour today belies its powerful place in the past. Mrauk U was once an important trading city, and one that controlled large amounts of land in both Burma and Bangladesh. It is quite remote, and as such sees fewer visitors than other places in Burma. There are many great things to do in Mrauk U, and if you make the journey you are sure to not be disappointed! Once in the city it is easy to get around, and there is a selection of places to eat, drink, and sleep.
Things to do in Mrauk U include:
Temples
There are numerous old temples in various states of preservation and ruin. Indeed, the many wonderful temples are the main reason that most people visit Mrauk U. Temples, pagodas, shrines, and stupas can be found in various shapes and sizes, and it is highly possible that you may find that you are the only person exploring the different historical wonders.
The expansive Koe Thaung Temple is one of the most popular. It is the oldest temple in Mrauk U and is filled with terrific details and has a lovely serene and peaceful atmosphere. It is often said to be one of the finest temples in the whole of Burma.
Htukkanthein Temple is another favourite, with lots of intricate details and Buddha images. Just a short way away from the heart of the city you can visit the beautiful Mahamuni Pagoda. Rish in historical significance, it was once where the sacred Mahamuni Buddha was kept. Although this special Buddha statue is now houses in a temple in Mandalay it is still a very nice place to visit.
Part of Mrauk U’s charm is that you will find a temple on almost every corner – wander around and stop off at any that grab your attention.
Villages
You will find a number of quaint villages in the surrounding areas, especially those that are inhabited by people of Chin ethnic descent. You can arrange a trip where you will learn about the culture and way of life. You will see women with tattooed faces and people wearing the distinctive clay powder as you stroll around the traditional housing areas.
Sample Traditional Food
The food from Rakhine State is different to that in other parts of Burma and Mrauk U is a great spot to indulge in some of the delicious cuisine from the area. Traditional dishes use more spices than in other areas and they are sure to set your taste buds a tingling!
Old Royal Palace
A main reason to visit the site of the old Royal Palace is to discover more about the city’s history at the Archaeology Museum. It is home to a large array of exhibits and artefacts that have been discovered in the surrounding areas. Very little remains of the old palace itself, but it is still nice to have a peaceful walk around the ruined walls.
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