Shwezedi Kyaung

Rakhine State


Partly housed in a picturesque, ramshackle colonial-era building on a backstreet, this was the monastery of U Ashin Ottama (1880–1939), a leader of the Burmese independence movement during British colonial rule who died while imprisoned for his political activities. In September 2007, monks at this monastery followed in his footsteps and took part in protest marches happening across the country.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Rakhine State attractions

1. Old Clock Tower

0.43 MILES

Sittwe's old clock tower is more notable than its newer counterpart and is close to the market.

2. Rakhine State Cultural Museum

0.48 MILES

This museum is grand looking from the outside, but much less so inside, and features two floors of dusty Rakhine cultural goodies. On the 1st floor are…

3. Jama Mosque

0.5 MILES

This impressive 1859 building – the oldest mosque in Sittwe – could have been lifted out of the pages of Arabian Nights. Sadly, since the 2012 sectarian…

4. Rice Market

0.58 MILES

A few blocks north of the main market is the Rice Market, with tiny lanes between the Kaladan River and Strand Rd filled with simple wooden homes where…

5. Fruit Bat Trees

0.6 MILES

Hundreds of noisy fruit bats migrate from these trees on Main Rd every evening at dusk, having spent the day jostling with crows for space in the trees…

6. Central Market

0.63 MILES

Focused on the 1956 municipal market building, Sittwe's market has lots of action from dawn to noon and beyond – it’s well worth popping by before your…

7. Maka Kuthala Kyaungdawgyi

0.68 MILES

Monk U Bhaddanta Wannita spent 49 years collecting old coins and buddha images from monasteries to protect them from thieves. Some of his collection is…