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ITA
SITTWE
Sittwe
is the port city of the Rakkhine state. It lies at the mouth of Kaladan River, where this one flows into the Bay of Bengal. People here find pleasure in very spicy food and bright colored clothes. During the monsoon
season, from July to October, rains in Sittwe are frequent and abundant.
In the
city centre a distinct monument can be admired: it is the Atulamarazein
Pyilonechanthar Payagyi. Inside the Pagoda it lies a large Buddha image in
"royal attire". The Buddhist
Museum is also worth
visiting.
MRAUK OO
The ruined city of Mrauk U,
dating from the 15thcentury, can be reached by a 5 hour boat trip
from Sittwe, along the Kaladan
River. The river winds
through
farmland and typical fishermen villages. One of the most majestic temples is Shittaung
Pagoda (Shrine of 80,000 Images), built in the 16th century. Figures
of the pagoda’s builder, King
Minbagri, and his queens were carved high in one corner, attended by nobles and
ladies. Scenes on the lower level depict common people dancing, playing musical
instruments or training for war. Minbagri’'s son tried later to outdo his father
by building the sprawling Kothaung Pagoda (Shrine of 90,000 Images), located on
the eastern edge of Mrauk Oo. The dark, bunker-like Dukkanthein Pagoda was designed
with a spiraling corridor, whose images include women flaunting the 64
traditional hairstyles of the kingdom.
CHIN VILLAGES
After a two hour drive and other two hours by boat on Laymyo river, you can reach villages of Chin tribes, characterized by visible tattoos on the faces of older women. It is an inspiring trip on the life of people inhabiting along the river.
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