Just Before We Start

I have travelled quite a lot in Myanmar, and I have seen most of the historical places and, in general, every tourist must-see. So, I had a very interesting conversation with a local tour guide, that I met randomly at a restaurant, and we spoke about what should I do next. He had one answer. Visit a beach. My strategy is to always trust the locals because they know the best and I did huge research of where exactly I should go next. So those are my top recommendations for an ultimate beach experience.

• Ngapali Beach
• Maungmagan Beach
• Kanthaya Beach

Ngpali Beach is Always a Good Start

Located in western Myanmar on the Bay of Bengal, Ngapali Beach is a dreamland. It offers 7 km of soft white sand and always green palms. It has the best infrastructure, almost as good as the one in Phuket. It is a bit pricey, but for what it offers its money well spent. My recommendation is to spend an entire day here because there is a lot to do. Get on a boat trip, rent snorkelling or diving equipment and dive into the sea. The infinity turquoise water is guaranteed. Go and visit a fishing village located at the end of the beach. Support the local fisherman by buying fresh seafood for an unbelievably cheap price. Walking in the middle of the day you may see fish drying racks from the morning waiting for transport. In the evening go and watch or play with the locals a game of Cane Ball, along the roadside. Or just go and hike in the nearby mountain for a few hours and enjoy the view from above. You can find affordable lodging for less than 20$, but there are also exclusive 5* Hotels to 400$ per night. The best way to get there is by flying for an hour from either Yangon or Thandwe Airports (100-120$). There is a cheaper option – by bus, but it is around 11 hours of traveling. (15$)

Maungmagan Beach – Emperor’s Favourite

Maungmagan beach becomes very popular after it was visited by Emperor Aung Si Thu in the first Myanmar dynasty. The name can be translated roughly as “The beach where the emperor’s concubines’ bath.” Located 12 km from the port town of Dawei it is preferred mostly by the locals, living in the area. For a refreshing view, palm trees are replaced by pine trees, which really feels like a mountain beaching experience. Local restaurants always have fresh seafood, and the music is awesome. Do not expect a super-developed luxury beach, because it is not. But for a backpacker is just perfect.

The best way to get there is taking a flight from Yangon to Dawei airport (100-150$) and then rent a local taxi. The bus really takes too long, around 14 hours (34-46$).

Kanthaya Beach- Your Private Piece of Heaven

Kanthaya beach lies between Ngwe Saung and Ngpali on the Bay of Bengal coast. I like to call it “The Heaven Beach”. You should stay overnight in a local house, which you do not need to book in advance. Wake up by the songs of the tropical birds and explore the almost untouched beach land. Feel the golden sand and close your eyes. It is just the perfect place for some “Me-time”. You cannot really find any kind of water sports but try kayaking to the nearby island and relax in the hot water. The easiest way of getting there is flying from Yangon Airport to Ngpali (133-180$) and then rent a tuk-tuk “car”. It is around 4 hours.

Before You Go

Weather Check – Best time to visit those amazing beaches are from December to April. It is the warm season with the best weather. During that time check the Festivals too! For the period from

• May to October – the monsoon season is raining a lot and most of the resorts are closed.
• Clothing Check – It is not the best idea to go with a bikini or topless. It shows disrespect to the locals who are mostly wearing jeans and T-shirts or even cotton pyjamas. Keep that in mind!