Sittwe, Myanmar
Region: Rakhine State
Geographic Coordinates: 20.167000, 92.785000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Sittwe, Myanmar has a tropical monsoon climate with heavy rainfall in the summer months and warm temperatures throughout the year.
Population: 181000
Language: Rakhine
Sittwe is a bustling city located in the western part of Myanmar, Also known as Burma. The city is situated on the coast of the Bay of Bengal and is the capital of Rakhine State. It has a population of approximately 200, 000 people and serves as an important commercial center for the region. One of Sittwe’s most notable features is its beautiful waterfront area. The city’s main port sits along this waterfront, And it provides access to various destinations throughout Myanmar and beyond.
Visitors can take a boat ride along the Kaladan River to explore nearby villages or enjoy a sunset stroll along the promenade. Sittwe also has several historical landmarks that are worth visiting. One such landmark is Shitthaung Temple, Which was built in 1535 by King Min Bin. This temple features intricate carvings and murals that depict scenes from Buddhist mythology. Another interesting site in Sittwe is Rakhine State Cultural Museum, Which showcases artifacts and exhibits related to Rakhine culture and history. Visitors can learn about local traditions, Art forms, Music styles, Costumes, Cuisine and more at this museum.
For those interested in wildlife conservation efforts or nature-focused activities will find plenty to do around Sittwe as well. The nearby mangrove forests are home to a variety of bird species including kingfishers, Egrets, And herons while Irrawaddy dolphins can also be spotted swimming near the coastlines during certain times of year. no trip to Sittwe would be complete without trying some local cuisine! Some popular dishes include Mohinga (a fish-based soup), Kyet Thar Hin (chicken curry) or Rakhine-style seafood dishes like Ngapi Kyaw (fried fish paste).
In conclusion, Sittwe offers visitors an intriguing blend of history, Culture, Nature, And food experiences making it one destination not to miss when exploring Myanmar!
- Shwezedi Monastery
- Sittwe Viewpoint
- Rakhine State Cultural Museum
- Lawkananda Pagoda
- Sittwe Beach
- Sittwe Market
- Payagyi Temple
- Maha Bandoola Park
- Settawya Pagoda
- Fishing and seafood processing
- Agriculture
- Handicrafts
- Tourism
- Trading
- Government services
- Banking services
Sittwe’s location on the coast of the Bay of Bengal makes it a hub for fishing and seafood processing. The fertile land around Sittwe is suitable for growing crops such as rice, maize, beans, and vegetables. The Rakhine State is known for its traditional handicrafts such as weaving, pottery, woodcarving, and silverware. Sittwe serves as a gateway to the popular tourist destinations of Mrauk U and Ngapali Beach. Additionally, Sittwe has a busy port that handles trade with neighboring countries like Bangladesh and India.
As the capital city of Rakhine State, Sittwe is home to government offices, institutions such as hospitals, and schools. Several banks have branches in Sittwe providing financial services to businesses in the region.
- The Arakan Kingdom: Sittwe served as the capital of the powerful maritime state of the Arakan Kingdom from 1430 to 1784. The kingdom controlled much of present-day Rakhine State and parts of Bangladesh.
- The First Anglo-Burmese War: During the war in 1824, British forces occupied Sittwe resulting in Burma ceding Assam, Manipur, Arakan, and Tenasserim to British India.
- U Ottama: Burmese monk U Ottama (1879-1939) played a crucial role in Myanmar’s struggle for independence from British rule. He spent several years establishing a monastery in Sittwe before being arrested by colonial authorities.
- Rohingya Crisis: In recent times, Sittwe has been at the center of the Rohingya crisis that began in August 2017 when Myanmar’s military launched a crackdown against Rohingya Muslims living in Rakhine State.
- Kyaw Zan Tha: Burmese nationalist leader Kyaw Zan Tha (1918-1947) fought for independence from British rule alongside Aung San and other leaders but died while leading an armed uprising against colonial authorities near Sittwe.
- Shwedagon Pagoda Replica: In 2012, efforts to promote tourism to Rakhine State led to building a replica of Yangon’s famous Shwedagon Pagoda in Sittwe.
- Mrauk U Archaeological Site: Mrauk U is located near Sittwe – an ancient city that served as the capital of Arakan Kingdom between 15th-18th centuries with impressive temples and pagodas such as Shittaung Pagoda containing over 80k Buddha images.
- Sittwe Cultural Museum
- Rakhine State Cultural Museum
- Mahamuni Buddha Temple
- Shwe Zedi Kyaung Monastery
- Sittwe Viewpoint
- Sittwe Beach Park
- Lawkananda Pagoda
- Koe Thaung Temple
- Mrauk U Archaeological Museum (located about 80 km from Sittwe)
- Sittwe Boat Racing Festival: This festival is held annually in October or November and features traditional boat racing competitions on the Kaladan River.
- Sittwe Pagoda Festival: Held annually in February or March, this festival celebrates the Shwe Zedi Pagoda with religious ceremonies, food stalls, and cultural performances.
- Eid al-Fitr: The Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr is celebrated in Sittwe with feasting and prayer services.
- Thingyan Water Festival: This Buddhist New Year celebration takes place in April and involves water throwing to symbolize cleansing away of sins.
- Independence Day: Myanmar’s independence from British colonial rule is celebrated on January 4th with parades, speeches, and cultural performances.
- Chin National Day: Celebrated on February 20th every year, this day honors the culture and heritage of the Chin people through traditional dances and music performances.
- Arakan State Day: On December 31st each year, Arakan State Day commemorates the founding of Rakhine (Arakan) Kingdom with cultural shows and parades in Sittwe city center.
- Rakhine-style fish soup (Mohinga) – A popular breakfast dish in Sittwe.
- Rakhine-style curry (Rakhine Mont Di) – A spicy curry made with chicken or fish.
- Seafood dishes – Sittwe is located by the sea, so there are many seafood dishes available such as grilled fish and prawns.
- Tea shops – Tea shops are a popular place to gather with friends and enjoy snacks such as samosas, fried breadsticks, and tea leaf salad.
- Shwe Maw Daw Restaurant – A restaurant that serves both local and international cuisine with a great view of the river.
- Myo Ma Market Food Court – A bustling food court where you can try many different local dishes at affordable prices.
- Kyaw Swar Restaurant – Famous for its Rakhine-style curries and seafood dishes.
- San Pya Daw Restaurant – Known for its fresh seafood caught daily from the nearby Bay of Bengal.
- Sittwe Beach Park: This park is situated near the city center and offers a picturesque view of the Bay of Bengal. Visitors can unwind on the sandy beach, take a dip in the water, or relish a picnic.
- Kantharyar Park: This park is located on the outskirts of Sittwe and provides visitors with an opportunity to immerse themselves in nature’s beauty. There are walking trails, bird watching spots, and picnic areas.
- Cultural Museum and Library: The museum showcases Rakhine State’s history and culture while also providing access to books about Myanmar’s history.
- Kyauk Taw Gyi Pagoda: This pagoda is situated in central Sittwe and features impressive architecture as well as stunning views of the surrounding area.
- Bogyoke Aung San Stadium: This sports stadium hosts local soccer matches throughout the year, offering an exciting chance for visitors to experience Myanmar’s love for sports firsthand.
- Shwetaung Pagoda: Located just outside Sittwe, this pagoda offers breathtaking views of both land and sea from its hilltop location.
- Thet Kae Pyin Island: Situated just off the coast from Sittwe, this island provides visitors with unspoiled beaches as well as opportunities for snorkeling or diving in crystal clear waters teeming with colorful marine life.
