The unique characteristics of the topography of Mrauk U are the tiers of hills and mountains running around it. Between them are natural passes through which access is easy. These natural passes were fenced with earth walls and stone walls thus forming a long line of defence walls aligned with hills and mountains. Between hills and mountains where the location was favorable, big dams and reservoirs were built to store water as well as to serve as water barriers (Kyon Pinlei). Water gates and sluices were installed systematically so that water flow could be regulated to supply water for public consumption and to rush it out to repulse the invaders. Even to day Mrauk U municipality enjoys the benefit of the water storage system of the old days. We cannot help but utter words of admiration and appreciation and express thanks to King Minbin of the Golden Period of Mrauk U for his farsightedness and ingenuity in town planning and defence system for future generations to enjoy welfare and security.

Andaw Pagoda

The central tower of the shrine contains the tooth-relic of Buddha obtained from Sri Lanka by King Minbin. The shrine is an octagonal structure of pure sandstone, with two internal octangular concentric passages. Fifteen small circular pagodas, built of bricks stand on the platforms of south, north and west of the shrine. On the east, there is a prayer hall, which has an entrance each on the east, north, and south sides; a stonewall divides it from the outer court, which is also circumpassed by a wall.

Dukkanthein

The Dukkan (or Htukkan), the temple stands on a hill, 30 feet high, having a flat surface like that of a drum. King Minphalaung built the pagoda in 1571 A.D. Like the Shitthaung and the Andaw shrines, Dukkanthein was built of hewn sandstones and layers of bricks over the roof. It measures 190 feet from north to south and 200 feet from east to west. It is reached by stone stairways, 8' broad, situated on the east and south.

These stairways measuring 106 feet are built of massive stonewalls on the north, east and south. The west one which is slightly convex is connected to an oblong chamber.