Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Group and all of the Palace Site can be reached by foot, but you'll most likely want to
hire a bike or jeep to see the more remote temples in the North Group or those in the East
Group.
The sights are not always marked - in English or any other language - and this is
where an experienced guide can come in handy. Not only do many of the guides in the
Regional Guides Society - Mrauk U
( 09 4217 20168, 09 4217 20296;
www.facebook.com/
rgs.mrauku
;
per day $20)
speak English well and have a good grasp on local history and
culture, but they're also locally based, work independently and are dedicated to the prin-
ciples of community-based tourism.
A torch is necessary to see some of the more interesting stone carvings - in particular
those at Dukkanthein Paya, Andaw Paya and Mahabodi Shwegu.
FEES
For foreign visitors to Mrauk U there's an archaeological site entry fee of K500; this
is usually collected at the Shittaung Paya or at the boat jetty. On the government
ferry you'll be asked to show proof of payment before leaving.
North Group
For many, this area is the pick of the litter for Mrauk U, with all sites within walking dis-
tance. There are a couple of food stalls and a gift shop below Shittaung Paya.
Shittaung Paya
HISTORICAL SITE
MAP
(admission K5000; 7am-5pm)
The usual starting point is at this, Mrauk U's most com-
plex temple. Shittaung means 'Shrine of the 80,000 Images', a reference to the number
of holy images inside. King Minbin, the most powerful of Rakhine's kings, built Shit-
taung in 1535. It's a frenzy of stupas of various sizes; some 26 surround a central stupa.
Thick walls, with windows and nooks, surround the two-tiered structure, which has been
highly reconstructed over the centuries - in some places, rather clumsily.
ยป
Outside the temple
Beside the southwest entrance stairway, and inside a locked mint-green building, is the
brought here from Wethali by King Minbin. Considered the 'oldest history book in My-
