SITTWE
Sittwe is a port city of the Rakhine State and sits at the mouth of the Kaladan River where it empties into the Bay of Bangal. Offshore delta islands form a wide protected channel that has served as an important harbor for many centuries. There is a distinctive Rakhine twist on standard Myanmar culture that includes the enjoyment of much spicy food and brightly colored clothing.
The Payagyi Temple is situated in the center of town and features a large plain shed supported by pillars decorated with glass mosaic. A large seated Buddha image was cast in 1900 in the Rakhine style with the royal costume common to many Rakhine images. The face of the figure shines with gold, while the rest of the body is of bronze.