Built by King Minphalaung in 1571, Dukkanthein Paya smacks of a bunker (with stupas). Wide stone steps lead up the south and east side of the building considered to be an ordination hall; take the east side steps to reach the entrance.
The interior features spiralling cloisters lined with images of buddhas and common people (such as landlords, governors, officials and their spouses) sporting all of Mrauk U’s 64 traditional hairstyles . The passageway nearly encircles the centre three times before reaching the sun-drenched buddha image.
The poorly restored Laymyetnha Paya , 90yd north, looks a bit like a squashed-up version of the Dukkanthein, but was actually built 140 years earlier, making it the oldest temple of the Mrauk U period.
