The Rakhine races live on the narrow strip of the western coast, their history and culture going back to the 2nd Century. Their last royal capital is Mrauk U, now a site e of a ruined palace and magnificent temples of stone. The architecture and the style of images are vastly different from those of the rest of the city. Relief figures lining the temple corridors are a precious record of the life of king and comer of the various periods. It is reached by boat along the placid Kaladan River from the seaport town of Sittwe with its lovely wooden houses and a lively fish market.

Suggested tour of Mrauk U and Sittwe:

Not far from Mrauk U are some villages where the Chin nationalities have settled. They weave on their strap looms for their traditional costumes. Most of the women have tattoos on their faces, a custom as well as their idea of beauty.

Another way through the Chin State is to travel from Bagan to an old town Kan Pet Let at 1,900 m above sea level with many Chin villages surrounding it. Kan Pet Let lies on the border of Natma Taung National Park, a paradise for bird watchers within which lies Mt. Victoria, the highest peak in the Chin State which offers a wonderful climb as well as a fascinating tour of Chin villages lying along the route.