Uncover the lost civilization of Mrauk U

Transfer to the Yangon airport a short domestic flight to Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine State on the northwestern side of Burma. From here you take a local boat cruise along Kaladan River to Mrauk U. This is a bit long ride (appx: 5 hours) but in return, you have chance to enjoy the fascinating rural landscapes along the way. Check in hotel upon arrival and remainder of the day is free to wander around at your own pace.
Used to be the capital of the ancient Mrauk U Kingdo from early 15th to end of 18th century, this ancient capital was once a bustling prosperous town with merchants from Portugal, Holland, Arabia, Persia and India came to trade. The place houses a great collection of ancient temples and ruins around the town that considered second most important archeological site in Myanmar after Bagan. Located off the beaten track and be forgotten for so long, Mrauk U still remains so well its rough and authentic beauty in a sleepy atmosphere, providing a unique experience quite unlike anywhere else in Burma. The sight of thousands of monuments and ruins floating on the valley of morning fog will surely bring you the feel of being in a fairy tale.

Summary of inclusions

Private vehicle

Internal flight

Boat

Hotel in mrauk u

After breakfast, start your archeological adventure today with visit to the ruins of Vesali in the north of Mrauk U which was the capital of Waithali Kingdom from early 8th to early 11th century. Wander through the vestiges of the old time and admire the great image of Hsu Taung Pre, a large statue of Buddha in meditative posture, carving out of the one piece of sand stone. Then continue to the imposing Shitaung Pagoda – the temple of eighty thousands Buddha images, built under the King Minbin in 1535 to celebrate the his military victory over the twelve provinces of Bengal. Nearby is the Htukkanthein, a fortress-like temple located on a small hill and built in 1571 by King Min Phalaung, with a great number of sculpture works of Buddha images and statues of ordinary people who made donation to the temple.
Also, you will spend time to wander around the valley, visiting to local villages and explore some other monuments in different shapes, size and designs featuring different style of architecture.
Back to the hotel and remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Private vehicle

Sightseeing mrauk u

Breakfast

Hotel in mrauk u

Morning visit to the Mrauk U market, a great way to learn about local life, traditions and business.
Following, spend time to explore the Archeology Museum that contains a huge selection of artifact reflecting rich culture and glorious history of the land. From here you proceed to the Koe Thaung Pagoda, the largest monument in Mrauk U with 90 thousand Buddha images, built by King Min Dikkha as an attempt to surpass his father effort on the Shittaung Pagoda.
From here you will continue through a rustic village to a small hill top to see the Pizi Phara which is overgrown with plant and featured with stone Buddhas facing the four direction in a wonderful serene expression.
Following is the relic of Lattsaykan gate, once the main gate into the city, and the picturesque Lattsaykan Lake, the Royal hands washing lake that functioned as the water reservoir for Maruk U.
In the afternoon you will enjoy sightseeing Bandoola Kyaung Monasty that is said to enshrine a Buddha tooth relic. Wander around the ground for sightseeing and witness the lives of the monks here. From here, get to gilded top Sakya Man Aung Pagoda guarded by impressive sword-bearing figures then head to the Shwe Taung pagoda on the highest points in Mrauk U for a spectacular sunset view of the surrounding landscapes.  

Summary of inclusions

Private vehicle

Sightseeing mrauk u

Breakfast

Hotel in mrauk u

After breakfast, get transferred to the pier for a scenic boat trip upstream of the Lemro River to visit Chin ethnic minority villages. Sit back and enjoy the beautiful sceneries as you passing green farms, rustic villages and people fishing on the river. 
Once at the villages, take a walk around for sightseeing and interact with the locals. This first-hand experience gives you the opportunity to learn about one of typical hill tribe groups in Myanmar with their own lifestyle and tradition. Also, you will see old women here with their distinctive tattooed faces, a fading out practice no longer followed by the young.
Get back to Mrauk U and remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Summary of inclusions

Private vehicle

Boat cruise lemro river

chin hill tribe village visit

Breakfast

Hotel in mrauk u

Hop back on the local boat for cruise back to Sittwe then transferred to the airport for your flight to Yangon. Trip ends!

Summary of inclusions

Private vehicle

Boat

Internal flight

Breakfast