Transfer to the airport in Yangon for your flight to Sittwe, the capital of the Rakhine State.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel to check in. Then continue with a leisurely sightseeing tour of Sittwe. 

You will visit Rakhine State Cultural Museum (closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and public holidays), which houses an extensive collection of displays explaining the culture and history of the Rakhine people. Then you can walk along the strand road where you will see the many activities of life along the dock yards. Then transfer to an elevated viewpoint where you can watch the sunset over the Bay of Bengal.

Overnight in Sittwe

Sittwe Airport – Sittwe City Centre (13 km): 14 mins

This morning, you will start off early to visit Sittwe’s fish market to watch fisherman loading up their fresh catch from the night before.

Then you will be transferred to Sittwe jetty and board a private boat to Mrauk U. The journey takes about 5-6 hours, travelling upstream on the Kaladan River.

Lunch will be served on board.

Mid-day arrive in Mrauk U. Mrauk U was the capital in the 15th century and at its peak was one of the richest cities in all of Asia. This period was one of prolific building and is, today, a major archeological site. 

This afternoon, your visit includes Koethaung Temple, the Pitakataik Library, Laungbanpyauk Pagoda, Yadana Mannaung and Sakaya Mannaung Pagodas. These temples and pagodas are in a low-lying area surrounded by hills and are some of the most important religious shrines of the medieval Mrauk U period.

Dinner this evening is at a local restaurant or your hotel.

Overnight in Mrauk U

Sittwe – Mrauk U: 5-6Hrs (Boatride)

Awake early and depart the hotel around 06.00 (Note: departure time will depend on the season) to enjoy the sunrise over the misty hills of Mrauk U.

Return to your hotel for breakfast and then continue sightseeing in Mrauk U.  Begin with a visit to the local market and continue to the ruins of the Royal Palace. At the peak of Mrauk U’s power, the Royal Palace loomed high over the city, however today there only remains a small brick platform. Then tour the town’s Archaeological Museum (closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and public holidays), where old artifacts and ancient relics are displayed. The museum is a fascinating place to learn about the history and culture of the Rakhine State.

After lunch, visit Shitthaung Temple, Mrauk U's most important monument. Built in 1535 with a labor force of more than 1,000 architects and workmen, Shitthaung Temple contains a remarkable collection of Arakanese Buddha images and reliefs.  

Continue to the multi-spire Andawthein Ordination Hall, which is filled with unique stone carvings.  Then visit the circular Ratanabon Pagoda and the fortress-like temple of Dukkhanthein, whose vaulted passages contain interesting stone sculptures. Your last stop of today is at Laymyetnha.  Built in 1430, Laymyethnha was the first pagoda erected in Mrauk U.

Dinner at local restaurant or the hotel.

Overnight in Mrauk U

After an early breakfast, take a local ferry speedboat (5-6 hours) at around 06:00 to travel from Mrauk U to Sittwe. Along the way, you will have an opportunity to enjoy the river lifestyle of the local people in Rakhine State.

Upon arrival in Sittwe, stop for lunch at a local restaurant (own account) before transferring to Sittwe Airport for your flight to Yangon.

Arrive in Yangon in the evening and transfer to your hotel for check-in.