Mrauk U Archaeological Zone was established as the capital of the Arakan Kingdom in 1430 by King Min Saw Mon and flourished for three centuries (15th to 18th centuries). During the 16th and 17th centuries, Mrauk U was one of the most important maritime trading centers in Southeast Asia, connecting with India, Persia, Arabia, and European countries like Portugal and the Netherlands. People at that time called Mrauk U "The Golden City" due to its wealth from the trade in rice, ivory, spices, and slaves. Coins were minted with inscriptions in Arakanese, Bengali, and Arabic, reflecting its thriving cosmopolitan character.

Architecture and Fortifications

Mrauk U's architecture is distinctly different from Bagan's due to its location in an area prone to severe monsoons:

• Materials: Most pagodas and temples are constructed of stone blocks, which are more durable and resistant to weather than the bricks used in Bagan.

• Fortification Design: Many temples are designed to resemble fortresses. With thick walls and a labyrinthine interior corridor, it served not only religious purposes but also served as a refuge for the people during times of war.

• Urban Planning: The former city of Mawlamyine was surrounded by a complex system of moats and earthen embankments, including a defensive wall stretching over 30 kilometers, using the natural features of the hills and waterways to strengthen its defenses.

Important Historical Sites Not to Miss

The historical sites in this area are spread over an area of ​​approximately 7 square kilometers. Visitors can explore them by bicycle or tuk-tuk. Notable temples with their own distinctive features include

• Shite-thaung Temple: Meaning "Temple of Eighty Thousand Buddhas," built in 1535, it is renowned for its numerous intricate sandstone Buddha sculptures, both inside and outside. The dark, winding interior corridors are filled with statues depicting daily life, costumes, and Jataka tales.

• Htukkanthein Temple: Resembling a bunker or a bomb shelter, the temple features a spiral walkway leading to the top of a pagoda. It was built strong and stable for military purposes as well as religious purposes.

• Koe Thaung Temple: Meaning "Temple of the Ninety Thousand Buddhas," it is the largest temple in Mawlamyine. Surrounded by numerous smaller pagodas, it features over 90,000 Buddha carvings on its walls.

Mrauk-U is more than just a collection of pagodas; it is a living museum showcasing the history of trade, politics, and the interweaving of cultures and religions, including Buddhism, Brahmanism, and Islam, reflected in the unique architecture and carvings of the Arakanese civilization.

• Fly from Yangon/Mandalay to Sittwe.

• Take a boat (public or chartered) along the Kaladan River. The journey takes approximately 5-6 hours.

• There are also buses from Mandalay, but the journey is quite long and arduous.

• The best time to visit is mid-October to mid-March.

• Bring enough cash, as ATMs and basic facilities are limited.

• When visiting temples, dress appropriately (long-sleeved shirts and pants/skirts covering the knees), as these are sacred sites.

Admission Fees:

• Entrance fee to the historical sites: Typically around 10,000 kyat (MMK), or approximately $7-10 USD, per person.

  (Note: This fee is a flat rate for entry to most historical sites in Mrauk U.)

Opening Hours:

• The entire historical area is open for viewing at all times.