Sittwe

Understand

200px|thumb|right|The new clock tower Sittwe is in the far west of Myanmar and has been a hub for tourists travelling to Mrauk U via plane, e.g. from Yangon.

Get in

Sittwe has been surrounded by Arakan Army forces since early 2024. As of mid-2024, it can not be entered by sea or road. The airport offers the only way in or out. The town is facing imminent attack as it is still under control of the military junta. This city, along with the entirety of Rakhine State is an active warzone and should not be entered. The following information is kept so it may be useful after the war ends.

Get around

200px|right|thumb|In the old days Most sights can be reached on foot if you stay in one of the guesthouses in the centre. Trishaws and motorbike taxis are readily available and the easiest way to get around for destinations outside this range. A private ride to Sittwe Bus Station is 1,000 kyat or more. Shared pickups are about 500 kyat for 10-15 km.

As always, you can also rent a bicycle for 1,000 kyat or more from most hotels and guesthouses.

See

300px|right|thumb|Shwe Zedi Kyaung, U Ottama Monastery

Do

Most people use Sittwe as a stopping point for Mrauk U and rarely spend time in the city. However, a brief visit is well-rewarded.

Eat

Sittwe is a much better place for trying Rakhine food than Mrauk U. Rakhine food is spicy and is a nice change from the blander Burmese curries. Mondi, the Rakhaing version of the Burmese mohinga, is thinner and spicier. Rakhaing fish curries, catfish is the local favourite, are fiery and can be enjoyed at several hole-in-the-wall (or rather shack-on-the-ground) eateries that dot the main street and side streets of Sittwe. Restaurants, such as City Point, Nyein Chan, and in the Shwe Thazin Hotel in Sittwe tend to serve blander Burmese or Chinese food, so forget about them.

Go next

Road travel is becoming more and more popular. In the past it was only possible to fly into Sittwe and take a boat to Mrauk U, or the other way around, due to travel restrictions on tourists.

Mrauk U – Famous for is ancient sights and traditional, surrounding Chin Villages, and 70 km away. Many buses leave from the Bus Station northwest of the city. But there are also local pickups and vans available, try the bus stand near the central market. 1.5 hr, 2-3,000 kyat. Also boats are available to Mrauk U. One leaves in the afternoon at 16:00, takes 3 hr and is 20,000 kyat. Try: 09 49660076, 09 421720296, www.mraukutraveler.com, www.mraukukyawmoe.com, email [email protected]. For more information on boats have a look at #Get in. Taungup – Is nothing special, but there exist some tourist accommodation options. It can be a convenient hub for road travel between Sittwe, Mrauk U, Pyay and Ngapali. There are at least two buses a day heading for Ngapali with a stop in Taungup. The trip is quite unpleasant due to the terrible condition of the road - expect to arrive very tired and make sure to get a decent seat in front. 14 hr, 17,000 kyat. Taungup also has a harbour where boats from Sittwe depart on Monday & Thursday, leave Sittwe at 06:00, arrive in Taungup at 15:00. Ngapali – Has the most beautiful beaches in Myanmar, but is mostly a resort place with few budget options available. There are at least two buses a day heading for Thandwe Bus Station, 6 km away fr…