The capital of Rakhine State, Sittwe is pronounced as sait-tway in the Rakhine language. This estuarial town lies at the confluence of three rivers. The town has a rich history that dates back to a period of time when it was an island. Today, you can still visit the Lighthouse, Law Ka Nandar Pagoda, and Kandawgyi Lake.
History of Sittwe
Sittwe is located on an estuarial island at the confluence of the Kaladan River and Myu River, which run through the town. The town developed after the British colonization of nearby Arakan in 1826. In fact, Sittwe was founded as a trading town, and the British named it after this river. The city later grew into a thriving port for rice exports.
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Kandawgyi Lake
If you are looking for a peaceful retreat Kandawgyi Lake is your choice. Located just east of the Shwedagon Pagoda, this artificial lake receives water from Inya Lake. The lake was constructed to supply the British colonial government with a clean water supply. The lake is about 5 miles long and 20 to 45 inches deep. Visitors will find a wide variety of attractions on the Kandawgyi Lake, which is bordered by parks.
A boat trip on Kandawgyi Lake offers a stunning view of the lake. If you arrive early enough, you’ll have more time to take in the local activities. You’ll likely experience the sunset moments, which provide excellent photo opportunities. It’s also worth spending a little extra time interacting with the Intha fishermen while you’re here.
Lay Shan Taung Lighthouse
If you’re considering a trip to Myanmar, there are several places you should visit. The Lay Shan Taung Lighthouse is one such attraction. This historic lighthouse was the first in the country during the colonial period. Today, it’s one of the main tourist attractions in Sittwe. Whether you want to learn more about this place, take photos of the structure, or just relax on the beach, the town has plenty to offer.
While visiting Sittwe, be sure to visit the nearby Kawgun cave. This limestone cave is nearly 200 feet long and 200 feet tall. The rock surfaces are covered in different styles of clay Buddha images, some of which date back to the 15th century. Once you’re done admiring the temple, don’t forget to take time to climb the 150 steps to the top.
While you’re in Sittwe, don’t forget to check out the beautiful views of the bay. A sunset trip will leave you breathless. Afterwards, head to Lay Shan Taung Lighthouse to enjoy the view of the bay. The State Cultural Museum is a worthwhile stop. The Maka Kuthala Kyaungdawgyi, which houses a mix of colonial and Buddhist pieces, is also a must-see.
Law Ka Nandar Pagoda
If you’re on a Burma tour, you’ll want to stop by Law Ka Nandar Pagoda in the town of Sittwe. This Buddhist temple, also known as the Law Ka Nandar, was built during the reign of King Anawrahta. Inside, you can see a replica of the Buddha tooth relic. If you’re a bit more adventurous, you can also check out the nearby Law Ka Nandar Pagoda, where you’ll find an impressive collection of Buddhist icons.
This pagoda’s dome rests on a triple-tiered octagonal base with intricate flower motifs. It is topped by a hti, which is covered with jewels. Located at the bottom of the pagoda’s platform are statues of two men carrying a bell and a large wooden drum. You’ll also find a seated Burmese style Buddha image.
Sittwe Fish Market
If you have ever wanted to see the real Myanmar fish market, you must head to Sittwe. This is a small town in Rakhine State, located far in Western Myanmar. Most visitors, however, come to see the abandoned city of Mrauk U, which is a short drive away. The Sittwe fish market is a great way to see locals working their trade. The fish are sold and displayed at the dock, and the whole process takes place from dawn until noon. If you get there early enough, you’ll be able to witness the whole process.
The fish market in Sittwe is the center of the town. This is where you’ll find all kinds of dried seafood, including fresh crab and shrimp. You can also get a taste of the Arakan culture here. The fish in Sittwe is dried, so you can enjoy the taste of local food while shopping. Sittwe is known as a place of incredible strength. You can get a taste of it at the Sittwe Fish Market.
Sittwe Beach
Located on the Bay of Bengal, this authentic destination has lots to offer. Formerly a small fishing village, Sittwe grew into an important maritime town during the British colonial period. The town’s main street is dotted with interesting buildings and is the hub of day-to-day life. Visit the Shwe Zedi Monastery and enjoy the sunsets at Sittwe Beach.
If you’re into history, you can visit the Shwe Zedi Kyaung monastery. The monastic complex was established in 1903 and is home to the anti-colonialist monk U Ottama, one of the most important political figures in Myanmar’s history. The monastery is open to wandering tourists, and you can join a guided tour of the hundred-year-old major building. You can also check out the Rakhine State Cultural Museum and take a peek at the artifacts.
Sittwe Buddhist Museum
Sittwe is a small city in western Myanmar that is located on the mouth of the Kaladan River. Previously known as Akyab, it is now a thriving port city and the capital of the Rakhine state. The city is home to two interesting museums: the Buddhist Museum and the Thalondaw Datt Pagoda. There are also a number of things to do, including the huge local fish market. Although the town itself is largely underdeveloped, the Buddhist Museum and the Thalondaw Datt Pagoda are worth a visit.
The Sittwe Buddhist Museum contains a wide collection of Buddha statues, including Rakhine Buddhas. These statues are adorned with regal ornaments and are distinctive from those of other Burmese Buddhas. In addition to its own collection, the museum also has a vast collection of Buddha statues from Myanmar’s neighboring countries. During your visit to Sittwe, you’ll be able to explore these beautiful statues and learn about their fascinating history.
Rakhine State Cultural Museum
Whether you’re visiting the country’s most picturesque valleys or you’re just looking for some cultural inspiration, the Rakhine State Cultural Museum in Sitthwe Myanmar is a must-see destination. Its exhibits feature traditional arts and costumes, figurines, and other items of interest to the Rakhine people. Visitors will also be able to get a glimpse of the Rakhine way of life.
The museum is divided into two floors, the first of which displays local folk customs and art. It has models of traditional Rakhine clothing and hairstyles, as well as diagrams detailing the history of the region. Afterwards, you can explore the Rakhine wrestling tradition and learn about the local customs. And, if you’re interested in the country’s history, don’t miss its collection of ancient weapons, artifacts, and costumes.
The coastal area of Sittwe is filled with reefs and rocks. The coastal area has numerous islands and uninhabited beaches. The harbor is a charming part of the town. You can also check out an offbeat museum in the city, Maka Kuthala Kyaungdawgyi, which exhibits colonial-era artifacts. The city is also a boarding point for a 45-mile river journey to Maruk U.
Mrauk U
The town of Mrauk U is located in northern Rakhine State. It is the capital of Mrauk-U Township, a subregion of Mrauk-U District. There are numerous things to see and do in this town. Read on to find out more. We’ll take a look at the history, culture, and geography of this town. You’ll also get to know the people of this town.
You can visit a temple and enjoy the beautiful view of the surrounding countryside. The interior of the temple is adorned with stone carvings of Buddha and scenes of daily life in Myanmar. The passageways are wide and make it a comfortable place to walk around. The central stone Buddha image basks in the afternoon sun. Local artworks are available at the city’s gallery. These depict scenes of Mrauk U and the countryside.
The city is known as the “golden city” by European travellers from Portugal and the Netherlands. During the golden age, there were many important sites and monuments in the city, including a stupa. King Minbin built the Shitthaung temple in the sixteenth century. It is one of the largest temples in the area, and boasts 90,000 Buddha images. During your visit, you can admire the golden Buddha statues in the Shittaung Shrine, the Koe Thaung temple, and the Andaw Temple.
Although the temples in Mrauk U are not as grand as those in Bagan, they’re still quite impressive. The carvings are particularly beautiful. It’s a good idea to visit the site on your own, since there is no official map of the area. The ruins of this ancient city are also home to locals, including some Buddhists. When Kofi Annan visited Mrauk U last in 2016, he advocated for it to become a world heritage site.
10 interesting facts about Sittwe Myanmar
- Sittwe is the capital of Rakhine State, located in western Myanmar on the Bay of Bengal.
- The city is home to the Sittwe Port, which is an important gateway for trade with other countries in the region.
- Sittwe is an ethnically diverse city, with a mix of Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims.
- The city is home to a number of important Buddhist temples and shrines, including the Shwe Zedi Kyaung temple and the Shwe Settawya Pagoda.
- The Sittwe University, established in 1993, is one of the most prestigious universities in Myanmar.
- The city is also home to the Rakhine State Cultural Museum, which showcases the cultural and historical heritage of the region.
- Sittwe has a tropical monsoon climate, with hot and humid summers and mild winters.
- The city is known for its seafood, with a variety of local dishes made with fish, prawns, and crabs caught in the Bay of Bengal.
- Sittwe is home to a number of parks and natural areas, including the Sittwe Mangrove Forest Reserve, which is home to a variety of plant and animal species.
- The city is located near the mouth of the Kaladan River, which is an important waterway for transportation and trade in the region.