MM · Rakhine State · 20.59°N 93.19°E

mrauk u

Heavy stone temples, old palace grounds and village lanes in the former Arakan capital.

Best time
November to February is the dry season, often with morning mist over the temples. March and April are hot, and May to September brings heavy monsoon rain.
How long
2–3 days
Getting there
Fly direct to Yangon (about 2 hours 45 minutes from KL). The old route was a flight to Sittwe, about 1.5 hours, then several hours by boat up the Kaladan River or by road. Sittwe is still held by the military and Mrauk U by the Arakan Army, with the front line in between. Myanmar is 1.5 hours behind KL.
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MM · Rakhine Statemrauk u20.59°N 93.19°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Heavy stone temples, old palace grounds and village lanes in the former Arakan capital.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingMrauk UMM, Rakhine State
KLmrauk u
≈ 2,148 km from KL, as the crow flies
This photo was taken in Mrauk U at the date of 2017 September 16. In this photo, you can see from left to right Nyi Taw Temple, Ratana-pon Temple, Le-myet-hna Temple, Mong Raza Temple and Htukkanthein

Photo: Arezarni · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

The capital of the old Arakan kingdom, whose dark stone temples were built like fortresses among low hills and villages in northern Rakhine. The Arakan Army has held the town since February 2024 and it's cut off from the rest of Myanmar by fighting, so for now there's no way for visitors to go.

Makan

  1. Rakhine mont diThin rice noodles in a sour, peppery fish broth, the Rakhine breakfast.Map ↗
  2. Fish curryRakhine curries are fiery, made with river and sea fish and plenty of chilli.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Shitthaung TempleThe 'temple of 80,000 images', with thick stone walls and corridors lined with carved figures.Map ↗
  2. Htukkanthein TempleA fortress-like temple with a spiralling, almost windowless passage inside.Map ↗
  3. Koe-thaung TempleThe largest temple in Mrauk U, with rows of small stupas on its terraces.Map ↗
  4. The palace siteThe old walls and terraces of the Arakan kings' palace, in the centre of town.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Rakhine State is under UK advice against all travel, and there is no safe way in for visitors at the moment.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.