Mrauk-U is the last capital of Rakhine Kings. It was founded in 1430 AD by king Min Saw Mon and lasted till 1748 AD. The last Rakhine King Maha Thamada Raja and the "Great Image" (Mahamuni) was taken to Amarapura, the capital of Burma after the conquest.
During the British rule, it was known as "Mrohoung" meaning the old city. It became a new tourist destination only in the late nineties. Many tourists came to Mrauk-U because of it unique temples, gu pharas, stupas and cetis which are built in sand stones. It still has many stone walls, moats and forts of its hey days. Tourists can roam about by cars, pony-carts, motorcycle taxis or even go hiking within the old city. For people who are interested in history and archeology, Mrauk-U is the right place. Besides adventurous tourists can also take trips to remote places like Chin villages, situated at the upper reaches of the Lemro River where tattooed Chin women lives.
Being situated on the Yangon Sittwe road, other historical sites can be reached from Mrauk-U, such as the old sites of Vesali and Dhannyawaddy. In Vesali there is still the great "Vesali Image" sculptured from one single boulder. In Dhannyawaddy, we can visit the old site of Mahamuni. There are also souvenir shops, where tourist can buy Chin and Rakhine textiles, bronze artefects, Buddha images and also paintings of Rakhine life, picturesque scences and Buddhist architecture.
The market place is a must for people who are visiting Mrauk-U, where different vegetables fruit, fish and other commodities are sold. The most interesting trip will be go swimming in Anuma Lake and canoeing in the streams of Mrauk-U. An ideal Lemro place to go camping and fishing will be along the banks of the majestic Lemro River.
During the British rule, it was known as "Mrohoung" meaning the old city. It became a new tourist destination only in the late nineties. Many tourists came to Mrauk-U because of it unique temples, gu pharas, stupas and cetis which are built in sand stones. It still has many stone walls, moats and forts of its hey days. Tourists can roam about by cars, pony-carts, motorcycle taxis or even go hiking within the old city. For people who are interested in history and archeology, Mrauk-U is the right place. Besides adventurous tourists can also take trips to remote places like Chin villages, situated at the upper reaches of the Lemro River where tattooed Chin women lives.
Being situated on the Yangon Sittwe road, other historical sites can be reached from Mrauk-U, such as the old sites of Vesali and Dhannyawaddy. In Vesali there is still the great "Vesali Image" sculptured from one single boulder. In Dhannyawaddy, we can visit the old site of Mahamuni. There are also souvenir shops, where tourist can buy Chin and Rakhine textiles, bronze artefects, Buddha images and also paintings of Rakhine life, picturesque scences and Buddhist architecture.
The market place is a must for people who are visiting Mrauk-U, where different vegetables fruit, fish and other commodities are sold. The most interesting trip will be go swimming in Anuma Lake and canoeing in the streams of Mrauk-U. An ideal Lemro place to go camping and fishing will be along the banks of the majestic Lemro River.
