The archaeological city Mrauk U is located near the Western border and is the second largest pagoda and temple center in Myanmar, just behind Bagan. Temples and pagodas in here are built with brick, unlike those built with clay and mud in Bagan. Although being the second biggest center for pagodas and temples, Mrauk U is not a quite popular Myanmar tourist attraction. It is such a pity since like anywhere else in Myanmar, this place also has various attractive landscapes and sceneries which need to be explored by tourists. The archaeological city Mrauk U is located near the Western border and is the second largest pagoda and temple center in Myanmar, just behind Bagan. Temples and pagodas in here are built with brick, unlike those built with clay and mud in Bagan. Although being the second biggest center for pagodas and temples, Mrauk U is not a quite popular Myanmar tourist attraction. It is such a pity since like anywhere else in Myanmar, this place also has various attractive landscapes and sceneries which need to be explored by tourists.
Mrauk U used to be the capital under the powerful Arakan Empire. Nowadays, however, it is a peaceful village and you can easily catch the very usual moments in the daily life of people in here. Some men are leading their goats across the street, peasants are working on their fields and women are taking water from the well which is situated among hundreds of pagodas and temples in Myanmar. That must be a very valuable experience for your independent travel in Burma. The Arakan Kingdom was set up in 1430 by King Min Saw Mon, with the capital Mrauk U. This city was still chosen to be the capital of the Kingdom during the next 350 years until 1785. In the most prosperous time, Arakan controlled roughly a half of Bangladesh territory and the western part of the today Myanmar. The popularity of Mrauk U was known even in the Europe and it became a gorgeous oriental city after the Portuguese propagandist Sebastien Manrique entering this place in 1635. When Mrauk U developed, the Kings and rich citizens had built numerous Buddhist temples and pagodas. Many structures are still being used as the worship places and become the most interesting Myanmar sites for tourist attraction of the city.
Having been through a long time of history, under the effect of the nature and time, many pagodas in Mrauk U are suffering from serious damages. However, with tens of millions of Buddhist statues as well as uncountable Buddhist architectural structures featured with Indian style covered in the mysterious mist, Myanmar tourist attraction Mrauk U will make whoever coming to this place impressed on the surrounding natural beauty, which is like a real fairy garden.
To get to Mrauk U, you can catch a coach from Mandalay. However, before the trip, you should prepare your luggage carefully. Some essential stuff you may need in the Myanmar adventure include outer jacket, gauze masks, and sunglasses if you do not want to be stuck with dust and dirt during the way. Unlike the crowded Bagan, Mrauk U seems to be a forgotten city which is unattractive to many tourists. It is because there is no airport and the only way to get to tourist destinations is by ships during a journey which lasts for about 7 to 8 hours.
One more thing to make Mrauk U different from other archaeological relics and other Myanmar tourist attractions is the life of the local people which happens right among the site of ancient architectural structures. Temples in Mrauk U are also very unique, when they were built from brick instead of mud and terracotta. Some temples are built in the style of bunkers with thick walls which can be used as shelters in wars. Used to be the capital of the Arakan Empire, Mrauk U is surrounded by outer walls and trenches. The center of this Burma attraction is the royal palace, one of the very few remained Mrauk U architectural structures.
By and large, Mrauk U is really another perfect choice for those who want to explore the mysterious and sacred beauty of Myanmar. Surely, a trip to Mrauk U will leave unforgettable and unique impression on tourists once coming here. Do not hesitate to spend some of your meaningful holidays with families, friends and your lovers in this peaceful Myanmar tourist attractions.
