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MRAUK U
OVERVIEW |
| Mrauk U was the capital of the Rakhine Kingdom, which flourished from the 15th to 18th century. This ancient town is famous for its old temples with wall paintings of Indian cultural influence. The unique characteristics of the topography of Mrauk U are the tiers of hills and mountains running around it. Between them are natural passes through which access is easy. These natural passes were fenced with earth walls and stone walls thus forming a long line of defense walls aligned with hills and mountains. Between hills and mountains where the location was favorable, big dams and reservoirs were built to store water as well as to serve as water barriers (Kyon Pinlei). Water gates and sluices were installed systematically so that water flow could be regulated to supply water for public consumption and to rush it out to repulse the invaders. Even to day Mrauk U municipality enjoys the benefit of the water storage system of the old days. We cannot help but utter words of admiration and appreciation and express thanks to King Minbin of the Golden Period of Mrauk U for his farsightedness and ingenuity in town planning and defense system for future generations to enjoy welfare and security.
All along the hills and mountain ranges where there were strategic and main entries and existence of rivers and creeks, fortresses were built into the natural surroundings. At present "Kyaung Lei Don" Fortress of stone in its original condition can be witnessed to the northeast of "Ko Thaung Pahto Daw Gyi Pagoda".
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MRAUK U TRAVEL TIPS |
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GETTING IN - OUT
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Mrauk-U is reached by 5 hour boat trip along the Kaladan River (Kissapa Nadi) from Sittwe (Akyab), which is 90 minutes by air from Yangon. A regular passenger boat takes 5 hours from Sittwe (Akyab) to Mrauk-U. It is also accessible by road from Sittwe via PonNakyun and Kyauk Taw. About 8 km north of Mrauk-U is the archaeological site of Wesali, another ancient capital dating back to the 4th century. The Mahamuni Shrine, one of the famous Pagodas in Myanmar, is situated at Kyauk Taw 30 km from Mrauk-U. |
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GETTING AROUND
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MRAUK U FOODS |
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ENTERTAINMENT |
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