Is Myanmar gearing up to be Asia’s next big beach holiday destination? With long stretches of secluded white sand, epic sunsets and a laid-back vibe, going now means you’ll get to experience Myanmar beaches before they reach the popularity of beaches in its neighbouring country, Thailand.
Best Time to Visit Myanmar Beaches
Weather-wise, the best time to visit Myanmar beaches is from November to February, when it’s dry and warm with temperatures averaging from 24 – 31°C. It’s peak season during this period, but for a reason as many of the resorts are closed during the wet season from May to Early October.
To this point, Yangon has led the way in capturing wandering tourist feet, with the golden Swhedagon Pagoda, colonial buildings, markets and nightlife. Most travellers then head to Mandalay, for ruins, pilgrimage sites and ever-more glorious pagodas. Myanmar beaches, thus far, have been mercifully overlooked, though they offer the perfect opportunity to wind down in paradise surrounds, before you return home. Ready to get off the beaten track? Here’s the ultimate guide to Myanmar beaches.
Myanmar Beach Resorts
As more tourists flock to Myanmar beaches, accommodation options are increasing. You’ll find everything from high-end resorts to great value guest houses for backpackers. Budget rooms are particularly centered around the south end of local family-friendly haven, Chaung Tha Beach. If you’re looking for a romantic vibe, Ngwe Saung Beach offers a range of private villas, in resorts right on the sand. While there’s not much in the way of nightlife yet, resorts at Ngapali, Chaung Tha and Ngwe Saung entertain with bars and ocean-view restaurants.
Ngapali Beach
Perfectly formed Ngapali Beach is Myanmar’s jewel in the beach crown
Tourist hype has already hit Ngapali Beach, sitting pretty on the waters of the Bay of Bengal. Swish resorts make it possible, though it’s one of the best beaches in Myanmar because of its tranquil, fishing village feel. Here, you can watch local fisherman head out to catch your dinner, relax under swaying palm trees, snorkel, dive and even play a round of golf.
The easiest way to get to Ngapali Beach is to take an hour flight from Yangon, to Thandwe. From there, most resorts offer a pickup service from the airport or you can catch a taxi. Though Myanmar beach resorts in the area are fairly upmarket, it’s possible to find decent prices for beach huts and lodges.
Bayview Beach Resort
Your feet touch the sand, right outside your door at Bayview Beach Resort ©Bayview Beach Resort
The four-star Bayview Beach Resort offers bungalows and rooms right on the beach, with two restaurants, a spa, water sports and organised tour services. A tropical, romantic vibe makes it the perfect spot for couples.
Yoma Cherry Lodge
Tropical tradition at Yoma Cherry. ©Yoma Cherry Lodge
Yoma Cherry Lodge is low-key, with a ‘deserted island’ appeal. Considering the beach is right on your doorstep, it’s fantastic value for money, with a garden and terrace to top it off. Rooms accommodate everyone from families to singles.
Chaung Tha Beach
Sunsets, tradition and family fun at Chaung Tha Beach
The local playground of Chaung Tha is where families go to enjoy Myanmar beaches. Picnics, football games, water sports, elephant riding and kite-flying create a bustling atmosphere. From here, you can catch a quick ferry to nearby islands, for snorkelling in crystal-clear waters. This is the easiest beach to get to from Yangon, via a six hour bus ride or a short flight to nearby Pathein. Resorts line the sandy foreshore and surprisingly affordable options are available.
Max Chaung Tha Beach Hotel
Swim in the pool or the ocean? That’s the hardest decision you’ll have to make at Max Chaung Tha ©Amazing Chaung Tha
Laze around the pool with oceanfront views or have a tasty snack at the restaurant, at Max Chaung Tha Beach Hotel. Villas are practically on the sand, with all the mod-cons, plus balconies, to soak up the sun.
Hill Garden Hotel
Quaint bungalows at Hill Garden. ©Hill Garden Hotel
Hill Garden Hotel isn’t on the beach, but it’s only a short drive away and the price makes it worth it, if you’re on a strict budget. You’ll stay in a cute, private bungalow surrounded by lush gardens, with a restaurant and internet onsite.
Ngwe Saung Beach
Indulge in a little luxury at Ngwe Saung Beach
If you want to splash out on the finer things in life on Burma beaches, head to sophisticated Ngwe Saung Beach. There’s a small island to walk out to on low tide, for snorkelling and panoramic sunset views. Hire a bike and ride along the hard sand for further exploration of the 15 kilometre beach. Seafood restaurants beckon in the village and relaxation is the name of the game.
It’s not far from Chaung Tha, so a flight to Pathein or a six hour bus trip from Yangon will get you there also. Accommodation can be pricey, but family-run guesthouses have opened up the market for backpackers.
The Emerald Sea Resort
Tropical bliss awaits at the Emerald Sea. ©The Emerald Sea Resort
Palm groves, tropical gardens and the pristine beach make The Emerald Sea Resort a relaxing haven, while travelling around Myanmar beaches. The architecture reflects local tradition, there’s a sparkling pool, restaurant and they cater for kids too.
Soe Ko Ko Beach Resort and Restaurant
Great-value beach accommodation at Soe Ko Ko. ©Soe Ko Ko Beach Resort
Soe Ko Ko Beach Resort is a family-run guesthouse within walking distance to the beach and town centre and it’s absolutely perfect for backpackers. You can eat onsite at the restaurant and even sleep in a bamboo bungalow.
Gwa and Kanthaya Beaches
Seclusion and serenity are guaranteed at Kanthaya Beach
When you want to get well off the beaten path, Gwa and Kanthaya are unspoilt slices of sunny paradise. The region is undeveloped territory, which is, in itself, the attraction. This is the place to hire a motorbike and explore traditional thatched huts, fishing villages, handicrafts and abundant wildlife.
Offshore, you’ll find islands for snorkelling, which might just offer a truly secluded experience. You won’t be able to book a tour, but local fisherman are likely to take you on an impromptu trip, so look out for opportunities – not to mention the possibility of trying the mouth-wateringly fresh catch of the day.
The easiest way to get to the area, is to hire a car from Ngapali, then drive about four hours along the coast. You can fly to Ngapali, from Yangon. As yet, it’s not possible to book good accommodation in advance. However, you’ll find basic guesthouses along the way and the friendly locals with help you get there.
Dawei Peninsula
Dawei is a sleepy town characterised by colonial architecture and not much else, but it’s the beaches in the vicinity that will draw crowds in coming years. Infrastructure isn’t great on the Dawei Peninsula yet, but you can explore easily over a couple of days. However, chances are you’ll want to linger longer, on the idyllic beaches. Though there are train and bus routes, flying to Dawei from both Mandalay and Yangon is by far the quickest option.
Maungmagan Beach was once a hub for the English and it still plays the role of weekend retreat hotspot for locals. There’s rocks, boulders, crashing waves, smiling children and family-run shacks for snacks in the sea breeze. After eating fresh seafood on the beach, a 30 minute walk will take you to a charming fishing village and, if you get there earlier enough in the morning, you’ll experience the local fish market.
Views to die for at Maungmagan Beach
Head south for about 45 minutes to arrive at San Maria Bay, with a headland shrine and cute beer station. Nebule Beach offers golden sand, hidden bays, a hillside pagoda and no other footprints but your own. Then, there’s secluded Teyzit Beach, which is a daytrip south of Dawei, with Launglon Village on the way for a teahouse stop.
In terms of accommodation, it’s best to base yourself in Dawei town or at one of the few beach resorts in Maungmagan Beach and hire a motorbike or car to explore.
Hotel Dawei
This is where you get to cool off, if you stay at Hotel Dawei in the centre of town. ©Hotel Dawei
Located right in the centre of town next to the City Hall, Hotel Dawei is a comfortable, elegant base to explore the surrounding beaches. Jump in the pool to cool off after a long day, hit the fitness centre or chill out in the room with bathrobes and slippers.
Maungmagan Beach Resort
A relaxing break awaits at Maungmagan. ©Maungmagan Beach Resort
Just a short stroll from the sand, Maungmagan Beach Resort offers rooms with air-con, flat-screen TV’s and minibars. An onsite restaurant keeps the hunger pangs away and the 24-hour front desk will sort out your transfers.
Tips for visiting Myanmar Beaches
- If you do happen to travel to Myanmar during monsoon season, from May to October, most of the beach resorts will be closed. You’ll just make the season in April, which also coincides with the Water Festival, where you’ll get a fun drenching from locals.
- It pays to be conservative with swimwear, as most locals swim in their clothes. Other than that, now’s the time to visit Myanmar to see untouched shores and traditional fishing villages, before the rest of the world catches on.
