Temples and Lively Spirit of Mrauk U, 4 days

On arrival in Sittwe, transfer to the jetty for the boat (5-6 hours) to Mrauk U. Your hotel for the next few days is the Mrauk Oo Princess Resort, set in beautiful grounds and surrounded by the blue mountain ranges, the Mrauk Oo River and rice fields – Overnight in Mrauk U

After breakfast set off to the ancient kingdom of Wethali, founded in 327 AD by King Mahataing Chandra. The moat and parts of the crumbling city walls are still visible among the lush rice paddies. After exploring the ruins of the old kingdom, take a bumpy rural road to Mahamuni, a paya situated at one corner of the old Dhanyawady city site. It once housed the Mahamuni Buddha that now resides in the Mahamuni Paya in Mandalay. On arrival back in Mrauk U spend some time exploring the impressive ruins of this once powerful kingdom. Explore some of the hundreds of temples and pagodas including the Shittaung complex where over 80,000 Buddha images ornament the terraces and stupas; Andaw Thein Paya, a small eight-sided monument surrounded by 16 zedis; and Lay Myatnar Paya. Continue to Shakama Thet Village, where many of the older women of the tribe still wear distinctive oversized earrings and smoke traditional pipes. End the day with views of the sun setting over the plain from the top of Duk Kan Thein Paya – Overnight in Mrauk U

In the morning, take a boat to the upper Laymyo River to visit the Chin villages. The older Chin women are famous for the elaborate tattoos that adorn their faces. According to legend, mothers would tattoo their daughter’s faces in order to hide their beauty so that they would not be noticed by the King and taken as concubines. Meet these amazing women and witness a tradition that is now dying out. In the afternoon, visit Paysi Paya; and the graceful Koe Thaung Pagoda, also known as the temple of 90,000 images, and one of the biggest temples in Mrauk-U. See how traditional fans are made in a small village, and then make your way to a pagoda from which to watch the stunning sunset. – Overnight in Mrauk U

Travel by boat (5-6 hours) from Mrauk U to Sittwe and transfer to the airport for the flight to Yangon.