Mrauk U is one of the most important archeological site of Myanmar. The little town is located in the Northern West part of the country. From 1430 to 1785, Mrauk U was the capital of the Arakan Kingdown which was the most powerful Rakhine kingdown. It is an off the beaten track location with a complicated road access. Be prepared for a long 24-hour bus journey from Yangon to Mrauk U which goes through gorgeous mountain sceneries.
Mrauk U is home to hundreds of temples and pagoda spread across the city’s surroundings. Any part of the archeological site can be explored within walking distance from the city center.The northern part of the town is probably the most interesting one with some of the most impressive temples and pagodas such as the Shittaung pagoda, the Andaw temple, the Ratanabon Zedi, the Ratasanrway temple, the Ratahmankeen temple, the Mahabodhi Shwegu, the Laung Bwann Brauk pagoda, the Pitaka Taik. Get yourself lost in the underground labyrinths of stone Buddhas inside these temples.
Mrauk U is great but not breathtaking enough to justify all the transportation hassle. You are most likely looking at 3 days dedicated on bus journeys and all the budget that goes with it. Heading from Yangon to Mrauk U is a 24-hour bus journey. Leaving Mrauk U to Bagan is a 16-hour bus journey from Mrauk U to Magwe plus a 3.5-hour bus journey from Magwe to Nyaung U on the following day plus a taxi ride from Nyang U to Bagan. Bagan seems to be much more interesting and knowing the number of highlights in such a vast country, I would highly recommend using these 3 days for a different site.
