Top-rated places to visit in Rakhine State, Myanmar

4.5 Ngapali Beach (1.512 reviews)
- Unspoilt beach
Beaches

We stayed on Ngapali Beach in January, and the weather was perfect. We found the beach to be unspoilt, with very few people. It really was idillic. I walked on the beach at sunrise to see the fishing boats coming in and enjoyed the tranquility. During the day, ladies were selling fruit on the beach, but were not intrusive or pushy. The sunsets were spectacular, and it was lovely to see the fishing boats moored at night. I would definitely return. See more..
5.0 Mrauk U (140 reviews)
- Safe to visit Mrauk U
Open now - 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Ancient Ruins

Hi,I live in Sittwe and travel to Mrauk U every weekend by bus to teach. Nothing has happened on the way and the town itself is safe. It is being considered by UNESCO in September as a world heritage site, so I believe the conflicting sides recognize that and are fighting elsewhere. If you're in Myanmar, you should visit this small, historical, friendly community! See more..
4.5 Chin Villages (103 reviews)
- Hiking and Homestay Chin Villages with Phillip
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Amazing hiking through the Chin Villages and meeting local families even being invited into some schools. The Hike is through the hills so can be hard but is worth every step. Stayed with a beautiful family and shared freshly prepared meals together. So many beautiful moments on this trip. A really untouched place in the world. There is no vehicle access and without a guide interaction would not be possible. To support healthy tourism go with a licensed tour guide. My guide was Phillip who spoke local dialects as well as really good English. Phillip is from one of the Tribes and could provide great insight into village life as well as knowing local families to visit and share some snacks with. It is important to speak in advance to tailor a trip to your travels and needs. Contact: [email protected] I stayed at Monicas guesthouse which was a great spot and Monica was really helpful with everything in the area. See more..
5.0 Oriental Ballooning Ngapali (90 reviews)
- Sublime, serenity and peace
Balloon Rides • Air Tours

If you have made it all the way here and you somehow do not take this trip, I think that your VISA should be revoked. This was very special, very different and in many ways a far superior experience to the balloon trip I took in Bagan a few days ago. This flight and the memories will stay with me for a long time. I loved the low level flying, catching the attention of villagers, flying across misty rivers, rising up to the coastline, seeing fields being ploughed by oxen, flying over the Thande market, travelling over jungle and experiencing a magical misty sunrise. Please if you are here in Ngapolli Beach you must do this. Special thanks to the pilot, Allie and the ground crew. Wonderful ! See more..
4.5 Koe Thaung Temple (88 reviews)
- A Stunning Ancient Temple
Religious Sites

This temple can truly represents Mrauk U with thousands of stupas and stone Buddha spreading around the temple. The perimeter of the temple consists of 5 terraces with hundred of pointed stupas lined along each. At the first level is a passage way which rings around the temple. The passageway is lined with stone Buddha statues on both sides. The roof is gone. It is amazing walking around the passageway. At the upper deck, there is another ring passageway but is lined with smaller stone Buddha statues. Unfortunately the passageway is covered with overgrown plants. It is really awesome feeling stepping inside this great temple without anyone around. See more..
4.5 Friends Forever - Snorkelling & Boat Trips (66 reviews)
- Amazing experience!
Sunday: 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling • Boat Tours • Boat Rentals • Private Tours • Day Trips

Very good price for value. There were 3 people on the boat taking care of the guests. They brought amazing fish and on top of that I could eat the fish we took during the day. I had an english speaking guide but you have to ask in advance for him and make sure that somebody speaks english. At the end of the tour they even arranged a tuktuk from the fishermens' village (about 30 min from the centre) because there were too many waves. Highly recommended! See more..
5.0 Shai-thaung Temple (56 reviews)
- Must explore
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

Beautiful temple, with two inside corridors lined with buddhas. The original colours and details of carvings are spectacular. You won't see this style and detail anywhere else in Myanmar. Certainly one of the top three temples in Mrauk U. So few tourists make it to Mrauk U (so far), and in my opinion, a three-day visit is one for your bucket list. Go now before it's discovered by the mobs. See more..
5.0 Ngapali Elephants Sanctuary (47 reviews)
- Amazing Experience
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

What an wonderful experience. We were picked up on time by the owner Aung Aung which then took us to the property where we met three Elephants, the baby, her mom and sister. We first bathed them in a muddy bath, after we cleaned our selves, we went to their playground, walked through the forest, fed them and spent time with them, such well-behaved Elephants, well the little one was a bit cheeky. We continued to walk up the forest to a high point climbed into a tree house (a little bit scary) and watched the sunset , it was so beautiful and peaceful. Aung Aung explained a lot about the Elephants and you can ask him loads of question, on top, he is a very good photographer. Once the evening is over, he will send you all the beautiful pictures. Come Once Come Again. Well Done Aung Aung. See more..
5.0 MiMi Souvenir Shop (45 reviews)
- Ice cream of your dreams
Speciality & Gift Shops

It would be worth travelling all the way from Denmark to Myanmar just to enjoy this über delicious Homemade ice cream. After Chasing the whole country to find acceptable ice cream We felt like We were in heaven when we tried this one. Two scoops became our daily routine in Ngapali and the hardest point on the day was choosing which ones to have. So fresh and creamy and tasty at the same time. Enjoy! See more..
4.5 Htukkanthein Temple (40 reviews)
- Another stunning place
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Wonderful temple, great for photographs. Go now to avoid the inevitable crowds in 10 years' or so. A must-see. See more..
5.0 Myanmar Diving Academy (33 reviews)
- Great dive, professional dive center
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling

I’m an open water diver and my partner a dive master. We had a great experience diving with James. All his equipment was brand new, we were set up and ready to go in a few minutes. His dive briefing was on point, he brought fruit for in between dives, and made sure we’re all safe and content. The diving itself was a lot of fun. Although you don’t go very deep (9.2m max) and there isn’t a lot of coral (dynamite fishing is to be blamed) there is a great variety and amount of fish. We really enjoyed James’ company as well. He has many great stories to tell. Diving at Ngapali was a wonderful experience that I wouldn’t want to miss. Particularly now that it’s still so new and untouched I can highly recommend going. See more..
5.0 Ngapali Trekking (31 reviews)
- Great half day hike
Sunday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Bike Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours

We did the 3h Mountain View hike and visited really nice spots with a great view, shade and some watermelon, banana, apple and green tee. Our guide, sorry forgot the name, who is also the owner of Ngapali Trekking, was really friendly and showed us a lot of great stuff (plants and animals) along our route. To get an impression of the jungle behind the touristy front of Ngapali, this is a really nice experience I can only recommend. Thumbs up See more..
4.0 Andaw Thein Temple (31 reviews)
- Rustic beauty
Religious Sites

This pagoda is beautiful not just for the stupas there, but also the surrounding village life (children flying kites, villagers and monks walking by on their daily business, locals chatting around) - gives a nice feel of the more rural side on Myanmar on a hot summer day! See more..
5.0 HeadtoToe (30 reviews)
- Really Relaxing
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent 1-2 hours Spas

This is the branch of Head to Toe Foot Reflexology in Ngapali Beach. Head to Toe has two branches, one in Yangon and this one is in Ngapali Beach. We offered various types of massage and reflexology. In Ngapali, we also offered body scrubs like Honey Scrubs, Tamarind Scrubs and aftersun treatment like Aloe Vera facial masks. See more..
3.0 Sittwe Beach (22 reviews)
- So Beautiful ...
Beaches

There has only one Hotel at Beach. So, visitor are less and enviroment is clean. I feel like that Beach is a new Beach for me. But There has a lot of steet food shop at beach and some shop have good taste. See more..
3.5 Viewpoint (19 reviews)
- Nice place for sunset
Lookouts

It's a nice place where have a nice sunset. It's a romantic place for local people and it's amazing visit it See more..
4.0 Mahamuni Buddha Temple (19 reviews)
- The original of maharmyatmuni
Religious Sites

This review should be kyauktaw which is 30 mins away (drive) from mrauk u. Most of the people know the maharmyatmuni image from mandalay but not much for the one in kyauktaw. It is one of the most powerful Buddhism images in Myanmar See more..
5.0 Yin Min Htike Tour Operation & Information Center (18 reviews)
- A wonderful last day in Myanmar
Sunday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM City Tours • Cultural Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

We hadn’t been sure whether to spend so much money on a final trip, but it was worth every penny and we had no regrets. Everything was perfectly organised and our guide, Thansine, was delightful, friendly and constantly informative. The bus arrived precisely on time to our hotel, and took us to the boat- about 3/4 hour. The boat trip of 50 mins was a joy and the boatmen did a wonderful job of pushing the boat when it got stuck in low water. On arrival at the elephant camp, we heard about the animals and enjoyed bathing them, riding them and seeing the care the mahoots took of them. We enjoyed a delicious if rather early lunch, before walking back to the boat for the return journey. We would recommend this trip without reservation. See more..
4.0 Fish Market (16 reviews)
- Big fish market in sittwe
Flea & Street Markets

I love to be here in the weekend to hunt crab and prawn. The price is cheap but you need to have local friend to get best price. The environment is unique especially when fisherman, broker and seller start bargain fishes that just came from the boat. The fishes market is located inside of sittwe market. It is better visit in the morning at 6 -8 am. See more..
4.0 Central Market (16 reviews)
- Bustling and vibrant market
Flea & Street Markets

This is my favourite place to spend time in Sittwe. There is so much going on at this bustling and vibrant place and you can always discover something new. The market comes into life very early in the morning at around 6 AM. This is also the best moment to go to the jetty right behind the market where fishers bring their daily catch. The fish market is quite interesting, particularly the dried fish (see pictures), look also out for the banana shop. The market is overall a very hectic place with lots of goods being transported by porters on carts or shoulders through a network of extremely narrow lanes. Be careful to not stand in their way, dress modestly, be friendly and smile at people - they will smile back! See more..
5.0 Linthar English School (13 reviews)
- Loved this experience
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

We had the opportunity to visit this English school to work with the teachers and the students. Hands down the best travel experience I have ever had. Such beautiful, hard working, happy people. Cannot wait to come back again. See more..
4.5 Ultimus Collection (13 reviews)
- The ultimate way to discover Ngapali’s coast
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Boat Tours

Divine experience in Ngapali: discover the beautiful coast from the see, on board of a luxury boat and enjoy a delicious lunch in a hidden retreat on the most beautiful beach around, privatized just for you. Baudelaire said it much better than I ever could : « Là, tout n’est qu’ordre et beauté, luxe, calme et volupté ». A must if you are staying in Ngapali for a few days ! See more..
4.0 Shwe Nandaw Pagoda Hill (12 reviews)
- Beautiful Zedi with nice views
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

It is the best place for sunrise. It is the highest hill and can be see all of Thandwe Area. See more..
4.0 Buddhist Museum (12 reviews)
- Interesting museum
Speciality Museums

The Buddhist museum in Sittwe is interesting, it has collection of various different items up to 400 hundred years old, such as Buddha statues, coins, banknotes, small sculptures of animals used as weights, paraphernalia and various religious objects. However, all collection is rather chaotically displayed and we missed at least basic English explanation. See more..
4.5 Law Ka Nandar Pagoda (11 reviews)
- Best place to spend sprital time in Sittwe
Points of Interest & Landmarks

It is good to spend evening time in summer season in Sittwe. You can see many people around the pagoda praying and meditating. There are s couples good and clean restaurants where you can have tradition Myanmar meals. See more..
3.5 Sakya Man Aung Pagoda (11 reviews)
- It is one of old pagoda
Historic Sites • Religious Sites

Local friend guided me to go to this temple. The temple is nice for pilgrim tour and ages about 365 years. My recommendation is to hire local people to go to this temple. Honesty, I would not know if local people not to show me to the place. See more..
5.0 Mrauk U Traveler - Day Tours (10 reviews)
- Excellent guide Sa Nay Lin
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours

I went with Sa Nay Lin to some traditional Chin villages along the Lemro River in Jan 2018 and he was an extremely good guide – very cheerful, outgoing and provide good explanations of what’s happening in these villages. Meeting those ladies with tattooed faces was quite an experience but the children in these villages were just the highlight – they were so excited to meet us! It was a nice experience going with him on a boat as the journey is quite long and he is a good companion. He can be contacted on 09253686607 if you visit Mrauk U and want to visit those villages. See more..
4.0 Ma Yin Yin (10 reviews)
- Beautiful longyis
Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Visited the little shop thanks to the review. Chose 3 different materials and came back the day after to pick up my hand sewn longyis. I am so pleased with the result. Hoping now to have some traditional bags sewn up too See more..
5.0 Yogaon by Jac (9 reviews)
- Best Yoga in Ngapali !
Sunday: Spent 1-2 hours Yoga & Pilates

Yoga classes for all ages and levels of ability. Find flexibility not only in the body but in the mind. I live by the understanding that the key to keeping your balance is knowing when you have lost it. Join me on the mat for daily sessions 7.30am and 8.30am Monday to Saturday at Bayview the beach resort. Private classes also available by appointment. Namaste! See more..
4.5 Yoga Amata (9 reviews)
- Great class
Spent 1-2 hours Yoga & Pilates

AMATA YOGA & SPA Rejuvenate your mind, body and soul CLASSES: 7:30 - 8:30 am MORNING FLOW 5:00 - 6:00 pm SUNSET YOGA EXCEPT MONDAY ENJOY MEDITATION,PRANAYAMA, YOGA ALL IN ONE CLASS. SUITABLE FOR EVERYONE. ALL LEVELS WELCOME. WE PROVIDE YOGA MATS & DRINKING WATER. JUST 12 US$ PER CLASS BOOK NOW: (95-43) 421 77, 421 88, 421 99 AMATA RESORT & SPA MYA PYIN VILLAGE, NGAPALI BEACH, MYANMAR See more..
3.0 Rakhine State Cultural Museum (9 reviews)
- Overpriced
Speciality Museums

Foreigners pay 25 times the price of locals (5000 kyats vs 200 kyats). Not much to see here. Badly maintained, Indifferent staff. Nothing much to do in Sittwe, so perhaps worth a visit to fight the inevitable boredom. Badly displayed items with signs in bad English. Must leave bags in a locker near the door. Barely worth 200 kyats, much less 5000. See more..
4.5 Sanda Muni Buddha image (8 reviews)
- As a Musian Monestry.
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites

Mrauk U background history was known by very few of people. It was very early than Bagan area. During under-control of British, like people say, the Myanmar had been 100 years under control by Colonialist before, it means to upper Myanmar of curse, but before upper Myanmar, the Rakhine was already fallen down into Colonel people. Meaning is the Rakhine was as a battle already. So most of Monuments were gone already. But it still strongly showing the background history that Mrauk U was more early area than Bagan. And It is showing nothing concern with Bagan background history and monuments as well. See more..
3.5 Radana Man Aung Pagoda (6 reviews)
- On top of Hill!!!
Historic Sites • Religious Sites

It was beauty pagoda. It recommended to visit before sunrise or sunset. I need local guide to be here. the place was quite difficult for me to search. See more..
4.5 Kanthaya Beach (5 reviews)
- Nice quiet beach
Beaches

Nice to see a beach that is a little off the touristy part of Ngapali. Quiet and beautiful scenery. Worth a visit. See more..
3.5 Kyaukpyu Beach (4 reviews)
- Amazing vergin beach
Beaches

Best to play at Beach volleyball, soccer & swimming. Best time to visit is during November to May. Nice weather and fresh local delight food attracted visitors. Blue water with clean beach more & more attract to local and tourist now a days. See more..
4.0 Lay Shan Taung Lighthouse (4 reviews)
- Lighthouse island off the coast of Sittwe
Lighthouses

Great day-trip from Sittwe. Boats can be organized from the speed boat jetty. You will need a big boat to get to the island and a small boat to actually get you from the big boat (takes around 15-20 people) to the island itself since the water around the island is pretty shallow. Take your own supplies. There is no kiosk or anything on the island. Nice rock climbing on the island, a small beach for swimming and some shade from trees or from the lighthouse itself. Make sure you take your trash back to the mainland when you're done. Enjoyed the trip big time! See more..
4.5 Lawka Man Aung Pagoda (4 reviews)
- Very attractive place
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites • Monuments & Statues

The place is located near with Shain Thaung Pagoda. You need to walk from behind Shai thaung Pagoda and about 50-75 meters. The best time for visit the place is sunset time. when I am sitting on this area like live on October 1800 not 2015. It is recommended place to be visited in Mrauk U. See more..
4.0 Zina Man Aung Pagoda (4 reviews)
- I loved it
Historic Sites • Religious Sites

I love the Buddhist Temple, each one different, each one with a great history, don't miss one..take time to visit this place, it's a real gem as all Mrauk Oo See more..
5.0 Talalnal Elephant Camp (3 reviews)
- So much fun!
Nature & Wildlife Areas

We had a group of seven friends. We loved bathing the elephants and interacting with them. We had a nice boat ride up and down the river, a lovely lunch and a very accommodating guide, Nyi Nyi. I highly recommend!! See more..
3.5 Point (3 reviews)
- Beautiful yet raw
Lookouts

I went there early morning, it was windy and there is barely on ones. It’s beautiful like I just sat there gazing the sea. There were ships fishing and great to see local people doing their daily life. I went to the view point from the park near the clock tower for round way taxi is 5000. See more..
4.0 Shwe Taung Pagoda (3 reviews)
- The 'Golden Mountain' Pagoda
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

Hi-light: the highest viewpoint in Mrauk U, well known for the sunrise spot, good view of Zina Man Aung Pagoda, able to see the western mountain range beyond the Kaladan River and its 'Be Ngar Yar' peak. Location: *** southeast part of Mrauk U town, 15 minutes walk along the slippery nature trail up the hill, better to have a local guide, flashlight or headlight is needed for the uphill route in the dark to catch the first daylight up there. Universal design: * the place is not for wheelchair person from steep, slippery nature trail. Note: take off your shoes before going up the path around the pagoda, may be crowded in small space, the sun rises at the back, not the town view from its eastern location. See more..
5.0 Ngapali Tuk Tuk Service (2 reviews)
- Perfekt von A nach B gekommen
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Taxis & Shuttles
Hier ist es nicht schwer eine Fahrmöglichkeit zu bekommen. Für kleines Geld kommt man mit unwahrscheinlich freundlichen Fahrern schnell wohin man möchte. See more..
5.0 Eforea Spa at Hilton Ngapali (2 reviews)
- The best Spa
Sunday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Spas

eforea spa at Hilton Ngapali is a place like no other where you will reconnect with self and emerge brighter. Our Essentials and Escape Journeys feature both result-oriented and locally inspired therapies. See more..
4.5 Ngapali Art Gallery (2 reviews)
- Go have a look ****
Sunday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Art Galleries

We visited in passing and were astounded by the artists range and quality of work. Something there for everyone from realistic to abstract. Fair prices and well packaged to take home. Definitely worth popping in. See more..
4.5 Ratanabon Paya (2 reviews)
- Sunrise or Sunset here are great
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Mrauk U is full of history and this is one of those places you probably will visit as it is on the touristic route recommended by everyone. Rent a bicycle or arrange a tuk-tuk the day before and come here for sunrise. Peaceful and bathed in the pinkish morning light, these crumbling monuments are excellent to relax and enjoy the view from there. Do you want to have a better view of Ratanabon Paya? Go to one of the surrounding hills at sunset. You won't be disappointed! See more..
2.5 Kandawgyi Lake (2 reviews)
- Stunning sunset color but bit scary boardwalk
Bodies of Water • Lookouts

visit this last month and found the boardwalk had some bumpy and wobbly part, it was quite challenge path for young people. The stunning sunset will be long memorial on my mind. See more..
3.5 Laymyetnha Paya (2 reviews)
- Interesting temple
Spent < 1 hour Religious Sites

This one has remains of the coloured floral ceramic on the outside walls. There are great views to be had from climbing the hill towards the back of this temple (signposted which is rare!). See more..
5.0 The Pirate Special Boat Trip & Catering Service (1 review)
- Amazing Boat Trip
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Boat Tours

Half day boar trip around Ngapali is amazing experience for us. Light House, Pearl Island, coconut drink, sunny sandy rest, we enjoyed a lot. See more..
5.0 Ahkyaib-daw (1 review)
- One of big temple
Religious Sites

You can see over hundred buddha statues in the temple. The temple is easy to find due to located close to entry sittwe town gate and bus station. I recommend to visit in the morning for taking picture. See more..
3.0 Ye Kyaw Thu (1 review)
- Niente di chè
Religious Sites

Questo tempio con annesso monastero è abbastanza recente, risale infatti al 1937.
Non ci sono particolari bellezze artistiche, solo un paio di quadri interessanti sulla vita e la morte e una ruota tantrica ben raffigurata. See more..