Sittwe (known as Akyab), with atleast a 2000 year history of habitation, sits at the mouth of the Kaladan River where it empties into the Bay of Bengal. It can be reached by air, approximately one hour flight, from Yangon. Sittwe boasts several interesting pagodas and a very exceptional monastery that has a wonderful collection of Buddha images, some dating back to the 15th century. Sittwe's main importance lies in the fact that it is the gateway to the archaeological site of Mrauk U with the historical temples of the 15th and 16th centuries.