Sittwe

Sittwe is the port capital of Rahkine State in far west Myanmar.  The city is ethnically much different than most of Myanmar, with more Arakans and Bengalis  than Burmese.  It is also home to the oppressed Rohingya Muslims, the only ethnic minority in the country not officially recognized.

Even though Sittwe is colorful and interesting, it is not a tourist destination in and of itself. Of the few tourists  it gets, most all on their way to the Lost City of Mrauk U, 5 hours by river. The river flow and flight times are such that normally a night in Sittwe cannot be avoided. As Myanmar photo destination though, it is a welcome stop. The morning fish market (and everything else market) is especially interesting.

There are only two hotels in town worth mentioning, and only barely! The first we don’t name as the owner is not not exactly sweetness and light. The second is Noble. It’s survivable. The chairs in the lobby are so unusually and unexpectedly comfortable, you may prefer to sleep there!