Mrauk-U looks like a sleepy village in northern Myanmar, far removed from the world. It was also the capital of the medieval Arakan (Rakhine) empire. In its days of power, it was a prosperous trading and religious centre; and a meeting point for Bengali and Mughal princes and Portuguese, Dutch and French traders. A myth surrounding the settlement of the lands around Mrauk-U says that a monkey and a peacock gave birth to a mighty prince who built the city of Mrauk-U near a jungle.
Myths are not hard to believe while visiting Mrauk-U. The surrealistic and fantasy-like landscape which stays shrouded in mist, and rising dust from the paths and roads around, give it a very rustic and dreamy atmosphere. Pagodas add to the mysterious nature of the place, with cave temples and passages holding hundreds of Buddha statues and carvings of humans, deities and animals.
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Path near Andaw Thein Pagoda
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Hundreds of stupas at Koe Thaung Pagoda
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Mysterious deserted passages in Koe Thaung Pagoda
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Villages and pagodas near Mrauk-U
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Buddha statue inside Koe Thaung Pagoda
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Village life
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Sculptures inide Htukkanthein Pagoda
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Sculptures inside Shite Thaung Pagoda
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Htukkanthein Pagoda at sunset
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Hidden statue of Buddha at Pizi Paya
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View of Mrauk-U from Pizi Paya
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A procession to celebrate young boys joining monkhood
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A typical scene at Mrauk-U - foggy and mystical
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Taking the river journey from Sittwe to Mrauk-U
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Local people making their way along Sittwe River
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Vesali Hotel at Mrauk-U, where I stayed
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A beautiful little farewell gift from the staff at Vesali hotel - a handmade bouquet!
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