Mrauk-Oo (Ancient City of Rakhine) 

Ancient city of MraukOo or Mrohaung is situated 50 miles (80 km) inland from the mouth of Kaladan River, on a rocky plateau between Kaladan and Le-mro rivers. The remnants of a 30 km long fortification can still be seen. City centre was the Royal Palace, of which, remaining is a square shape stonework but at the north of palace-place are numerous magnificent stupa of remarkable craft. 

Rakhine people and Rakhine cultures are rich in contents and high in spirit making up the major pillar of Myanmar union. Since A.D. 1430, ancient city Mrauk-Oo had been capital of a coastal nation, strategic in merchant routes between India and Eastern ports of Java-Sumatera and beyond to China, until late 18th Century. Surviving monuments, stupas and pagodas at Mrauk-Oo Archeological Zone reflects the past glories of 354 years under the lineage of 49 kings. Preceding Mrauk-Oo era are Din-ra-wady, Wei-tha-li and Le-mro eras, from where cultural values are carried along.

Shite-thaung Pahto-daw-gyi, Koe-thaung Pahto-daw-gyi, Htok-kant Ordination Pahto-daw-gyi and An-daw Pahto-daw-gyi are few among hundreds of significant religious monuments enshrining the relics dated back to Buddha's life time, which is 2571 years ago. Mrauk-Oo is one of the splendid archeological sites South East Asia has retained. Monumental edifices could not fail to bring forth the images of past, rise and fall of a glorious City.

Koe-thaung Pahtodawgyi was built an ordination hall with a single pagoda rising at the centre. Underneath is a huge cave where 90,000 Buddha images are consecrated in the maze of path walls. Outer walls are nine tiers structures surrounded by 108 pagodas. It is 250 feet by 230 feet monument and 30 feet high. Adornments are proportionately distributed; the beauty is superb.

Day trip excursion up the Le-mro River could be taken as turning to natural beauties of scenic landscapes. Take a horse cart ride by the 5 miles rugged road to Sin-Oh Village. From there is to take a 5 miles up-stream boat trip to Kritchauung. It's a mountainous terrain where rivers and streams of Rakhine Land begin. Sin gay Village, another 5 miles up-stream, is one of scattered hamlets. Tattoo culture of these Southern Chin tribes is called Pa-Yea, facial tattoo, and they differ in patterns with tribes. Cruising on a meandering river in steep gorges is mesmerizing. Lunch in a bamboo house; angling and swimming in the clear water of Le-mro River at its source, all outdoor funs at delightful environs. It is a mild adventure destination authorities have recently allowed. Enjoy the sunset view whilst sailing down by the river on the way back to Mrauk-Oo.

Sittwe is the principal city of Rakhine State. Situated at the mouth of Kaladan River, Sittwe provides the ocean view toward Bay of Bengal. Sittwe has Air links to Yangon and Nga-pa-li Beach, sea routes to local and International ports and roads spreading to Inland Myanmar and Coastal Highway.