Mrauk U

Located in northern Rakhine State, Mrauk U was the capital of the kingdom of the same name. From 1430 until 1785, it was the capital of the Mrauk U Kingdom, the most important and powerful Rakhine (Arakanese) kingdom. It is surrounded by hills to the north and south. The region is a major rice producer, only overtaken by the Irrawaddy delta.
In 1431, King Min Saw Mon made Mrauk U the capital of the last kingdom of Arakan. At that time, the inhabitants built many temples and stupas, many of which survive today. The city is known for its temples and pagoda. The most famous are the Shitthaung Temple (Temple of 80,000 images or Victory Temple), the Htukkanthein Temple (Htukkan Ordination Room), the Koe-thaung (Temple of 90,000 images) and the five pagodas of Mahn.
Nowadays, Mrauk U is a major archeological and tourist site, two days from Rangoon or 3 to 5 hours by boat from Sittwe.
 
Temple of Shitthaung
Shitthaung Temple is one of the most significant monuments of Mrauk U. Its name means Sanctuary of 80,000 Buddha statues, referring to the number of Buddha representations therein.
It was built in 1535 by King Min Bin, the most glorious time in Arakan's kingdom, to commemorate his last victory over Portuguese and Bengali who had dared to face him.
The temple has a 26-meter-high bell-shaped stupa at the central, surrounded by four small stûpas at the corners, surrounded by smaller stupas. In total, there are 27 stupas, plus other stupas on the north and south walls. Some stupas incorporate Bengali architectural elements from the 16th century, referring to King Min Bin's campaign. To the east of the temple were added in the 20th century an imposing staircase and a tazaung (Burmese sanctuary). In the center of the building is the ordination room, containing a large number of Buddha statues.
 
Ratna-Mahn-Aung Pagoda
Ratna-Mahn-Aung Pagoda is one of five pagodas in the Five Mahn Pagoda complex, including Mingala-Mahn-Aung Pagoda, Ratna-Mahn-Aung Pagoda, Sakya-Mahn-Aung Pagoda, Lawka-Mahn-Aung Pagoda and Zina-Mahn-Aung Pagoda. Its name means the stack of jewels. Built in 1612 by the king of Arakan Min Khamoung and his wife, this pagoda is located north of the former royal palace of Mrauk U, next to the temples of Shitthaung and Htukkanthein. It is a massive monument made of sandstone blocks. However, tourists are not possible to go inside. In addition, the pagoda is circular and surrounded by 17 small stupas distributed on its north, south and west sides. It is based on a brick platform.
 
Andaw-Thein Temple
Located north of the former Royal Palace of Mrauk U, between the Shitthaung Temple and Ratanabon Pagoda, the Andaw-Thein Temple is a must see monument in your trip to the ancient city - Mrauk U. Its name means Shrine of the tooth, referring to the relic it contains: a Buddha's tooth from Sri Lanka.
Built in 1515 by the king of Arakan Thazata, the sanctuary has many bell-shaped stupas. The peculiarity of the stupas of this temple is to be all surmounted by a conical arrow representing a lotus flower. The biggest stupa lies in the center of the roof of the building and a small replica of it is on each corner of the temple. The sanctuary is surrounded by stupas while a large prayer hall was built later at the temple entrance.