1. Ngapali Beach - best for romantic retreat, family fun

Ngapali is blessed with turquoise waters, and a powdery beach stretching over 17km overlooking the Andaman sea. This is the premier beach destination in Myanmar not only because of its breathtaking view but also the world-class resorts, and hotels available.
There is no better beach in Myanmar for a romantic treat than Ngapali. It is also one of the best places in Asia for a Balloon flight. 
Interesting fact: Ngapali is named for Naples, Italian. 
Related information: Ngapali Beach Travel Guide

How to get to Ngapali Beach

There are 2 ways to get to Ngapali: by air and by road. Flights from Yangon to Ngapali is very frequent, especially during the tourism season from October to April. A road trip to Ngapali is not so well-paved but if you prefer enjoying the wild nature and nontourist area then it could be a good choice. 

Activities in Ngapali

Apart from beach hopping, the area is not lack of experiences from easy mountain treks to horse riding trips. Undoubtedly, there are shore excursions to visit some small islands and scuba diving. 
For culture vultures, visit Zalun Monastery or Nandaw pagoda. If you think about something active then climb Amata mountain which will be rewarded with beautiful scenery. 


Photographer : Simon Long

2. Ngwe Saung – best for laidback

The local people come to Ngwe Saung Beach for 2 reasons: yachting and beach. This beach is considered the closest one for a beach escape from Yangon city. From Yangon to Ngwe Saung, the road is very scene which makes your trip to Ngwe Saung pleasant. 

How to get to Ngwe Saung

The only choice to reach Ngwe Saung is by road. A private car will take around 5 hours. 
Public buses will take longer and are not really comfortable. 
There is no railway or flight to Ngwe Saung at this time. 

What to do in Ngwe Saung

Put your priority of beach relaxation, you`ll love to spend time in Ngwe Saung. Water sports are very popular here and totally worth a try. 
Some local travel agencies organize snorkeling tours and you should book it if you have a free day. Hitting the road to see local life and capture the wild area of Ngwe Saung on a motorbike is another ideal option to make you occupied. You can travel as further as Pathein town where traditional workshops will attract your camera`s lens.

 

3. Mergui Archipelago – Best for private beaches, pristine islands

The Mergui Archipelago is another version of Phuket - Thailand but larger and mostly wild. The whole area boasts some 800 islands of all sizes and many of them are uninhabited. This means it is so easy to find a private beach for yourself while exploring the Mergui Archipelago. Our travel experts recommend you spend at least 3 days in Mergui to immerse in its amazing waterways and marine life. 

How to get to Mergui Archipelago

From Yangon, board a flight to Kawthaung, a small town near Thailand. From here, you can access Mergui Archipelago by boat or it is better if you join an arranged Mergui Archipelago Tours. 
The distance from Yangon to Mergui is roughly 900km. Even for people who really fancy car travel, it takes really long time. Instead, it could be nicer to combine this trip with Hpa An or other southern travel sites. 
Crossing Thailand to Mergui via Rannong is also very common. 

What to do in the Mergui Archipelago

On the top list of Mergui Attraction, there comes Lampi islands, Bushby, Marcus, Dome,etc... On these islands, you`ll have a chance to find your own beaches but also to meet the last Gypsy fishermen. 
Boat tours are available both in Myanmar and Thailand. Long ocean safaris with diving courses can be found at: Mergui Cruises
 Other famous sites are: Sake Nyein Zei market, Thein Daw Gyi pagoda.

4. Maungmagan Beach – best for money value and serenity

Also situated in southern Myanmar, Maungmagan Beach is really less-known on the tourism map of Myanmar. But, if you are eager to touch the gentle wave of Andaman sea without seeing other travelers, Maungmagan is the right choice. 
There is no luxury hotels but some friendly bungalow with sweet locals in the area. 

5. Chaung Thar Beach – Good for seafood

The Burmese people often go to Chuang Tha beach for a weekend. It takes more than 5 hour drive to arrive in Chaung Thar from Yangon. The beach remained serene while its neighbor Ngwe Saung is pretty busy. 
Chaung Thar has white and brown sand. 

How to get to Chaung Thar 

Private car: almost 6 hours driving.
Travel by bus is very budget-friendly but it takes a quite a long time. 

What to do in Chaung Thar Beach

The very first thing to soak in here is Pokala and Sandy Island. You`ll not regret moving offshore to enjoy such pristine islands. 
Surfing is another activity that can make you happy in Chaung Thar.  Exploring the elephant camp at Kyauk Maung Nhama is also very appealing, especially for those who love going green. 

6. Myanmar Beaches : Kanthaya Beach – For A Detox

Till now, not so many people know about the name of Gwa town, the main gateway to Kanthaya beach. It lies by the bay of Bengal and as far as 125 miles from the former capital city of Yangon. Kanthaya also has another name: Pleasant beach which is inspired by its unspoiled nature. 

7. Po Po Kauk or Grand Father Beach

Another beach in Dawei Peninsula along with Maungmagan and Shin Tha Yar beaches. It is by far the most commercial one in the area. Understandably, during the Myanmar Holiday time, you`ll encounter groups of locals. 
Beautiful sand with many shops are good for you to spend time here. 

8. Pa Nyit Beach – For Solitude

In Burmese, Pa Nyit is also called Shaw Maw beach. There is nothing but the sheer beach with golden sand that lasts for about 7 km long. It is an example of Dawei wilderness where tourism has not stepped in here yet. Hence, you should carry things swimsuit and beach belongings to make sure you enjoy your time here. 
The water seems deep and there is a room for some visits to the fascinating fishing villages. 

9. Sin Htauk Beach & Tha Yaun Beach - best for beach adventure

Why do we call it an adventure? to access the beach it seems not easy. However, many foreigners love this beach as it is one of two beaches that offers a good selection of accommodation in Dawei. 
You can take Tha Yaun as a base to travel to many beaches nearby. 
Spending 2 to 3 days here seems reasonable. 

10. Kabyar Wa Beach – Untouched Gold Sands

Although there it is only 4km long but Kabyar Wa is voted one of the best Myanmar beaches as it represents the diversity of Mon State. It is home to golden sands lined with swinging palm trees. 
An ideal itinerary that explore Mon State should include the famous Kyaiktiyo pagoda, Mahamuni Paya, Death Railway and Kabyar Wa beach. 

Myanmar Beaches - Frequently Asked Questions 

Major questions that we receive about Myanmar Beaches

What is the most famous beach in Myanmar ?

Amongst 10 best Myanmar Beaches, Ngapali is the most famous. Ngapali Beach is also the most developed one with a wide array of hotels, restaurants and tourism facilities. 

Is there any party beach in Myanmar ?

So far, all beaches in Myanmar still remain less touristic. They are not characterized by parties, bars, or exciting nightlife. You may not find the busy bar working overnight like in Thailand or other places. 

What is the best time to go to Beaches in Myanmar?

Myanmar has 2 seasons in general: the rainy season lasts from April to October and the dry season from October to the end of March. The dry season is the best time to delve into the beaches of Myanmar. 

What should I bring for a beach holiday in Myanmar?

Sun cream, glasses and flip-flops are recommended for any beach time in Myanmar. Bear in mind that many of Myanmar Beaches are not on the tourism radar, there is a shortage of shops where you can buy swim suits or relating items, it is better that you prepare them from home. 
For families with kids, it is advisable to carry toys for your kids when getting out to the beaches. 

What is the best diving site in Myanmar?

Mergui is the best place in Myanmar for diving and snorkeling. This archipelago is wild, wealth of marine life and is home to many amazing diving spots. 
Recommended reading: Myanmar Beach Tours

Where to surf in Myanmar?

Ngwe Saung is an ideal site to surf in Myanmar. There is a center for surfing with full equipment. 
Myanmar also has many beaches where you can surf but the infrastructure still does not meet the demand, especially the traffic network. 
 

What is the best beach for a honeymoon in Myanmar?

Ngapali has all the facilities for honeymooners. Whether you seek for a proposal setting or soak the romantic view of the beach with your belove, Ngapali has it all. 

Is it expensive to travel to Myanmar?

Myanmar is a cheap travel destination. The value of money is very good here. For example, for $40, you can book a 3-star hotel room. 
If you travel during off tourism season, Myanmar can be very very cheap. 
 

Is there any Myanmar Tour package with beach ?

We offer 2 options for a Myanmar Tour with beach:
- A dedicated culture tour with beach for 12 days - Myanmar Discovery with Beach
- Customize Myanmar Tour : our travel experts will personalize a trip to Myanmar with beach according to your travel interest, holiday long and budget.