Shite-thaung Temple
Temple Historic Rakhine Buddhist temple with intricate carvings
In Mrauk U, Shite‑thaung Temple (16th century) contains hundreds of stone reliefs and Buddha images. Travelers come for archaeology, architecture and the surrounding cluster of pagodas.
The Shite-thaung Temple is a 16th-century Buddhist temple complex in the archaeological town of Mrauk-U, Rakhine State, Myanmar. It is commonly known as the “Temple of 80,000 Buddhas” and is one of Mrauk-U’s best-known monuments.
The complex features a large central shrine area surrounded by multiple terraces and galleries that contain thousands of small Buddha images and carved stone reliefs. Visitors can walk through narrow corridors lined with Buddha niches and see relief panels depicting scenes from Buddhist cosmology and Jataka stories.
Built in 1535 by King Min Bin, the temple served as a major religious and royal monument for the Mrauk-U kingdom. Over time the structure has undergone repairs and partial restoration but retains much of its original layout and decorative program.
It stands within the town of Mrauk-U in northwestern Rakhine State, among other contemporary pagodas and ruins that form the historic urban core.
- Construction date: Completed in 1535 under King Min Bin of Mrauk-U
- Name and significance: Often called the "Temple of 80,000 Buddhas" because of its very large number of Buddha images and reliefs
- Art and structure: Contains extensive carved reliefs and numerous Buddha statues arranged in galleries and small niches
How to Get to Shite-thaung Temple #
Mrauk-U is reached by river boat from Sittwe (often overnight) or by seasonal flights that have operated intermittently; road access is limited. Once in Mrauk-U, Shite-thaung is within walking distance of the town’s riverfront and most guesthouses. Local boat and guide operators can arrange visits to multiple temples across the archaeological zone.
Tips for Visiting Shite-thaung Temple #
- Visit Mrauk-U at first light to watch temples throw sharp, gilded shadows; boats and the central archaeological sites fill with tour groups by late morning.
- Hire a licensed local guide in Mrauk-U - they can point out subtle reliefs and explain the layering of Buddhist iconography that isn't obvious to outsiders.
- Bring cash and small change; services in Mrauk-U are limited and card machines are uncommon.
- Respect local rules about photographing inside certain shrine spaces and remove shoes where required.
Best Time to Visit Shite-thaung Temple #
November-February is the most agreeable time for exploring Mrauk-U and its temples, both for temperature and for stable boat services.
Weather & Climate near Shite-thaung Temple #
Shite-thaung Temple's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with hot summers (peaking in May) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 14°C to 34°C. Heavy rainfall (4179 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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March
March is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is hot, feeling like 32°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm).
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May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (345 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (924 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (1263 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (930 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (378 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (164 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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