Itinerary

Day 1: Yangon to Sittwe (Air)
Transferred to the airport for a domestic flight to Sittwe, a town located on the western the Bay of Bengal in Central Myanmar. This afternoon, start with a visit to Maha Kuthala Buddhism Museum, which is in fact also a monastery. You will find antiques, Buddha images from different periods and old Rakkhine coins on display. Continue with a visit to Thet Kya Muni Pagoda, which is home to a large sitting Buddha statue and traditional architecture. Continue with a visit to the fishing port where late in the afternoon the fishermen return with their catch of the day. Enjoy panoramic views over the Bay of Bengal from the view point and later return to the hotel. Enjoy the evening at leisure.

Day 2: Sittwe to Mrauk U
Pay a visit to the local market of Sittwe and observe how the local trade is practised. Transfer afterwards to the jetty for a chartered speedboat trip of three hours to Mrauk U. The trip offers fantastic views of the area and rural river life in Myanmar. Arrive in Mrauk U and check into your hotel. Known as one of Myanmar’s most powerful ancient Kingdoms, Mrauk U is a medieval place that is home to impressive ruins and traditional architecture. Mrauk U is home to a range of ancient pagoda’s that are impressive in both size and conservation. Depart in the afternoon for a sightseeing trip around town. Visit the Shittaung Pagoda, Andaw Pagoda and other remarkable structures in the area. End the day with a visit to Ratanabon Paya. Climb the hill and enjoy remarkable sunset views from atop.

Day 3: Mrauk U full day tour
Depart by boat for an exploration of a Chin village, an ethnic community. The women at this village are famed for their tattooed faces. Although the ancient traditions are practised less and less, the older women of the village still have elaborate designs tattooed on their faces. The tradition is believed to have started when a mother attempted to disfigure their daughter’s beauty for protection. The tattoos prevented the girls from being taken by the King as concubines. Spend the day in the village observing local traditions and try to engage in talks with the local community. Your guide will be at your side at all times to help you translate any questions you may want to direct to the community. Hike back to the boat landing and board your boat for a sunset boat ride back to Mrauk U.

Day 4: Mrau U full day tour
Depart for a magnificent day exploring the extraordinary religious structures that surround Mrauk U. Begin with an excursion to Wethali. Once the capital of the ancient Arakan Kingdom 1,500 years ago, today is is a small village. Observe the layout of the ancient Royal Palace and see a statue called the Great Image of Hsu Taung Pre. Continue to the Mahamuni Pagoda, which houses several interesting artefacts. The pagoda is the original holder of the Mahamuni Buddha that now resides in the Mahamuni Paya in Mandalay. Continue in the afternoon with a visit to Ko Thaung Pagoda, a massive structure that is worth every bit of exploration. Koe Thaung translates to 90,000 in Burmese, which refers to the 90,000 images inside the pagoda. Finish the day with a visit to a village where traditional fans are produced. Return to Mrauk U for a final night in this enigmatic town.

Day 5: Mrauk U to Sittwe (Air)
Return to Sittwe by private chartered speedboat and en route make a stop at the town of Ponnagyun, also referred to as Brahma Island. Pay a visit to the ancient pagoda of Uritetawdat Zaydhi and continue to Sittwe. Upon arrival in Sittwe, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Yangon. On arrival, transfer to the hotel.

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