| Role | capital of Rakhine State |
|---|---|
| Old name | Akyab |
| Setting | an estuarial island at the confluence of the Kaladan, Mayu and Lay Mro rivers |
| Population | estimated over 120,000 in 2019 |
| Name | from Arakanese, ‘the place where the war meets’ |
Sittwe: An Introduction
On Myanmar’s north-western coast in the state of Rakhine, gazing out over the Bay of Bengal, Sittwe is a long-established harbour city that grew from a small fishing village into a crucial maritime stronghold during the 19th century.
The reality of life in Sittwe today is very hard, and since the town’s 19th Century heyday when the British moved the capital from Mrauk U, things have slipped somewhat. Today the state of Rakhine is amongst the poorest in Burma and this is no more evident than on the streets of Sittwe. Illegal immigrants flood over the Bangladeshi border, stopping en route to their goal of working in Yangon or oversees. Water shortages, unemployment and poor sanitation are common problems throughout the city.
Signs of a military past are still visible and you can find Colonial remnants too – the Maka Kuthala Kyaungdawgyi museum is a grand ex-Colonial mansion that today houses not only the museum but also a monastery. Founded by a monk, Bhaddanta Wannita, his collection of Buddhist artefacts is now open to the public. There is also the Shwezedi Kyaung Monastery housed in a dramatically decayed Colonial-era building.
Other highlights include the Payagyi Temple, and the Lokanada Paya that looms over the town – the fact that it was built with forced labour under the junta sours the experience somewhat. The smaller streets that run between Set Yone Su St and Strand Rd are also of interest; brimming with typical Rakhine culture and trade and where you’re just as likely see a pig run across the road as you are a dog!
For early risers, a local custom is a visit to the fish market, and at the other end of the day attention turns to ‘The Point’ where locals gather to catch up with the day’s events as the sun sets over the Bay of Bengal.
Rickshaw driver in Sittwe
Sitting on an estuary at the Bay of Bengal, Sittwe is the bording point for your cruise up the Kaladan River to the ancient capital of Mrauk U.
Check access first
English Wikipedia describes Sittwe, formerly Akyab, as the capital of Rakhine State, on an estuarial island at the confluence of the Kaladan, Mayu and Lay Mro rivers emptying into the Bay of Bengal, with an estimated population of over 120,000 in 2019. The name comes from the Arakanese for the place where the war meets, linked to the 1784 invasion of the Mrauk U Kingdom by King Bodawpaya. Rakhine State has been affected by conflict, so we have not verified any access, boat or price information in the older text. Do not plan travel there without current government advice and written confirmation from your operator.
Sources (read in English, English Wikipedia): Sittwe. Last checked November 2026.
Sittwe: FAQ
What is Sittwe?
The capital of Rakhine State.
What was its old name?
Akyab.
Where is Sittwe?
On an island at the meeting of the Kaladan, Mayu and Lay Mro rivers.
What does the name mean?
The place where the war meets.
Is Sittwe open to visitors?
Check current government advice; the region is affected by conflict.