Mrauk U, the ancient capital of Rakhine State (formerly Arakan) in the 16th century, was a place that captured the imagination of the Portuguese, who yearned for the Orient. Interestingly, like Japan, its first contact with the West was also through the Portuguese. The site is home to 80,000 enshrined Buddha images. Numerous pagodas and temples, beginning with the Shittaung Pagoda, are scattered across the mountainous region. This presents a striking contrast to the plains of Bagan, where the ancient ruins are spread out. Further north, the ruins of the ancient city of Danyawadi, which flourished from the 6th to 4th centuries BCE, still show their historical presence. To reach Mrauk U, you first fly from Yangon to Sittwe, and then embark on a scenic 2 to 4-hour boat journey along the beautiful Kaladan River.

The town of Thandwe in Rakhine State is just a 45-minute flight from Yangon. Ngapali Beach stretches about 10 kilometers northeast of Thandwe.

Sittwe is the capital city of Rakhine State. It is located on the northern coast of the Kaladan River and serves as the starting point and port for trips to the famous ancient city of Mrauk U.

Mrauk U was the capital city of the Rakhine Kingdom, which flourished from the 15th to 18th centuries. Mrauk-U is reached by a six-hour boat journey along the Kaladan River from Sittwe. The city is famous for its fortress temples and pagodas built from stone and brick. The most impressive site is the Shittaung Temple, which enshrines as many as 80,000 Buddha images.