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Shite-thaung Temple

Temple

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.

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Shite-thaung Temple essentials

Address: Mrauk-U, Rakhine State, Myanmar
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About Shite-thaung Temple

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
Things to Do
When to Go

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.

Cool dry season
November-February · 20-28°C (68-82°F)
Clear skies and gentle light make temple visits comfortable and photographic.
Hot season
March-May · 25-35°C (77-95°F)
Hotter days and dustier trails; fewer tourists but midday heat can be oppressive.
Monsoon
June-October · 24-30°C (75-86°F)
Heavy rains limit boat travel and can obscure temple-relief details; many services operate on a reduced schedule.

Weather & Climate near Shite-thaung Temple

Climate

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.

Air Quality: AQI 90 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
FebruaryDecemberJanuary
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
41°
Warmest Month
9°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Ideal 14° - 26° 20° 1 mm mostly sunny 60% 1.3 m/s 1.5 high 10.9h
February Ideal 16° - 29° 23° 14 mm clear 54% 1.4 m/s 1.8 very high 11.4h
March Ideal 20° - 32° 26° 8 mm mostly sunny 57% 1.7 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.9h
April Very Good 24° - 34° 32° 60 mm some cloud 66% 1.9 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.5h
May Acceptable 25° - 34° 34° 345 mm partly cloudy 75% 1.9 m/s 2.1 extreme 13.0h
June Acceptable 25° - 32° 33° 924 mm overcast 84% 2.1 m/s 1.7 very high 13.2h
July Acceptable 24° - 31° 33° 1263 mm overcast 88% 2.2 m/s 1.7 very high 13.1h
August Acceptable 24° - 31° 32° 930 mm overcast 88% 1.8 m/s 1.7 very high 12.7h
September Acceptable 24° - 32° 32° 378 mm overcast 86% 1.4 m/s 1.8 very high 12.1h
October Good 24° - 31° 31° 164 mm partly cloudy 83% 1.2 m/s 1.7 very high 11.6h
November Excellent 20° - 29° 25° 82 mm mostly sunny 76% 1.1 m/s 1.5 very high 11.1h
December Ideal 16° - 27° 21° 10 mm mostly sunny 70% 1.2 m/s 1.3 high 10.8h
Getting There & Around

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.