Myanmar Beaches

Myanmar has two coasts – the Western Rakhine coast facing the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean, and the Southern Tanintharyi coast along the emerald-green Andaman Sea. The Southern coast including the reputedly stunning Myeik (formerly Mergui) Archipelago. The Western Seaboard is open to visitors for 8 months of the year, from October to May. At other times, strong winds and heavy rains batter the coast. The premier beach resort on Rakhine coast is, without doubt, Ngapali Beach in the state of Arakan, so named, as the story goes, by a homesick Italian after a native Naples (Napoli in Italian). Since the beaches of Myanmar are where few tourists tread, they remain remarkably pristine. No loud beachside bars, no rows of suntan-oiled bodies basking in the sun and no vendors offering souvenirs.

Ngapali Beach (Snorkelling)

Ngapali Beach is located 7 kilometres (4 miles) from the town of Thandwe. Ngapali is definitely the most famous and is a popular tourist destination in Myanmar. The name "Ngapali", has no meaning in Burmese, but comes from the Italian "Napoli" (the city of Naples). This unspoiled beach is 35 minutes flight from Yangon with domestic flights. By overland, 14 hours drive along the narrow winding road over the Rakhine mountain ranges after crossing the Ayeyarwaddy River at Pyay. Palm trees line the long, which stretch of sand that’s surrounded by fishing villages. The beach that offers you clear and blue water all the year round, smooth wave and white sand will make you want to stay from dawn to dark. Sunsets of Ngapali are really beyond description. Ngapali Beach has been promoted as one of the major tourist destinations in Myanmar. The main beach is 2 miles long. On the southern part of the beach there is a fishing village & interesting for your short visit. Accommodation varies from standard to five stars, such as Bayview Hotel, Thandwe Resort Hotel and Amazing Ngapali. There is an 18-hole golf course, located 15 minutes’ drive from the beach.

Ngwe Saung Beach (Silver Beach)

Ngwe Saung is located a short 5-hour drive away from Yangon and can be accessed by a private car or bus. Ngwe Saung is located in Ayeyarwaddy Division, Pathin District and it is long more than 11 miles. Most of the native people are Rakhine Race. Ngwe Saung’s white sand and clear waters compare favourably to Ngapali Beach’s, making a perfect backdrop for local activities like horseback riding, watersports or just long walks along the beach, ending with selfies at the twin stupas of Kyaung Maunghnama Pagoda.

Chaung Tha Beach

Chaung-tha Beach is located 40 km to the west of Pathein in Ayeyarwaddy Division. It is a very convenient drive from Yangon via Pathein taking about 5 hours. However, its golden sands and clear water act as a secret getaway place for locals who come here on weekends and during holidays. The hotels and resorts on the Chaung Tha beachfront range from basement-budget to mid-range. To escape the weekend crowds, take a motorbike to more secluded beaches up north, or visit one of the neighbouring islands via hired boat.

Myeik Islands (Mergui Archipelago)

The Myeik archipelago is situated in the southernmost part, Tanintharyi Division and has stunning white beaches that stretch for kilometres. Scattered like pearls on a blue velvet bed sheet are a bunch of 804 islands scattered over the Andaman sea just off the eastern coast of Myanmar. This is Burma's tropical paradise of Mergui Archipelago. The British colonial name of "Mergui" still remains as opposed to the Burmese "Myeik".

Around and on the east Myeik, there are many valuable tin mines, oil palm plantation, rubber plantation and evergreen forest. On the Andaman Sea, many valuable Pearl breeding and fishing beds can be observe in the sea. Pearl Island is the source of high-quality pearls and fishing is the traditional business along the coastal sea and islands. In fact, Myeik Archipelago is one of the world’s best-kept secrets due to the fact that it was only opened to tourism in 1997 and is still under quite a strict regulation.