Rakhine lies on the long and narrow western coast of Myanmar, divided by high mountain ranges from the main land. Facing the Bay of Bengal, this strip of storm-swept terrain has for centuries been a place of culture and strong traditions.

The four periods of the Rakhine history stretched from the Dhanyawaddy to the Vesali, then to Le Mro and finally Mrauk-U periods.

Among the pagodas in Mrauk-U, Yan Aung Zaya Shitthaung pagoda is the most magnificent and firm and it has superb anchitecultural works. The Shitthaung pagoda was built by King Min Ba Gyee who reigned from 1531 to 1553 AD. 80,000 relics have been enshrined into the relic chamber. So this temple is called 80,000 images. The interior walls of this magnificent cave temple are also lined from the Jattaka stories as well as ordinary people in daily life.

Mrauk-U petiod, which came later lasted only about 354 years from 1430 AD to 1784 AD, but it was a time of the final greatness. Mrauk-U, a fine royal capital of Kakhine is situated some fifty miles from Sittway on the bank of Shwenatpyin tributary of the Kispanadi or Kaladen River. In Mrauk-U,you can see great temples and pagodas built in an architectural form entirely different from anywhere else. There are great many solid stupas hewn out of solid rock, but the most fascinating are the massive halls with corridors leading to the central depths.
North east of this stupa is the Andawthein Pahto. It was built by King Minhlaraza in 1521 AD and in the North West is the Htokekhan their Pahto which is built of rock by King Minphalaung. Inside the Theindawgyi are depictions of attires of courtires, their hair styles and statues of dancers in different dance steps. There are also the Yadanabon Zedi, Laymyetnar Pahto and other pagodas.
You can also study the Anandacandra stone inscription inscribed by Vesali King Arnanda Sandra put up on the stairway of Shitthaung Pagoda. It is learnt that Int’l stone inscription researcher have acknowledged that the stone inscription is a very famous.

The Koe Thaung Pagoda has a cave containing 90,000 pagodas consecrated inside with a big pagoda built a top. The acuter walls are built in nine tiers.
You can see stone carving of Buddha images on the wall of Koethaung Pagoda. Koe Thaung pagoda was only recently restored dug out of a vine covered mount of earth.The next interesting place is ancient Mrauk U palace site excavated by Archaeological Department.
Mrayuk U is known by another name myothaung meaning “Old City” Although its story was in the past; its role in history can never fade.