Top things to do in Ngapali for a beach experience

Photo: Wayne Williams

Enjoy the sea, sand, and sun by the three beaches

Before you unveil all the other fantastic things to do in Ngapali, let's address the obvious. The Thandwe area is primarily known for its long stretches of sandy beaches, which are collectively referred to as Ngapali Beach. However, it's more convenient to divide them into three distinct sections.
Our preferred section was the southern beach, which boasts crystal clear blue water, and where you can spend most of your time. However, the north and central beaches are equally stunning!

Take a boat tour

Undoubtedly, Ngapali has beautiful waterways and there is no better way to appreciate that than taking a boat trip. Many boat excursions also include fishing opportunities, and local guides can arrange for your catch to be prepared and served as a delicious dinner at a restaurant or cafe on Ngapali Beach.

Recommended reading: Myanmar Beach Tours

Go snorkeling

Considering this in mind, Ngapali Beach boasts crystal clear and unpolluted waters, making it an ideal destination for exploring tropical marine life underwater. One of the best ways to do this is by arranging a snorkeling trip, with the waters around Pearl Island is highly recommended for their beauty and diversity of marine species.
A boat trip to the island allows for anchoring a short distance from shore, where you can spend the day snorkeling or scuba diving and witnessing an array of vibrant fish species, and possibly even spot a turtle or two.

Best things to do in Ngapali for Ocean View

If you expect to capture the panorama of Ngapali then these are some of the best sites you should not miss.

Climb Amata Mountain

Amata Mountain is a significant Buddhist site in Ngapali Beach and is located on the outskirts of Jade Taw Fishing Village. The mountain offers panoramic views of the Rakhine State and is home to a magnificent and imposing statue of a Standing Buddha.
The best time to go is just before sunset when the sun sets over the placid ocean and the Buddha and the surrounding area are at their most beautiful. In addition, you can visit the meditation hall at Amata Mountain to learn more about Myanmar's Buddhist tradition and to take in the serene ambiance.
Amata mountain is not as famous as the Golden Rock pagoda but it is really worth visiting. 

Nandaw Paya 

Situated atop the hills surrounding Thandwe village, the Nandaw and Sandaw pagodas are a trio of beautiful golden pagodas. These sacred structures are significant pilgrimage sites for local Buddhist worshippers, spread across several hills in the Thandwe area. The most renowned among the three is the Nandaw Paya, the tallest of the pagodas. According to legend, it enshrines a portion of one of the Buddha's ribs.

Learn about local culture in Ngapali Beach

If you have more time just for the beach, you may be curious about how different the local culture in Ngapali is to the rest of Myanmar. For that, follow our guide to explore these sites when in Ngapali:

See Zalun Monastery

For a glimpse of local culture, make your way to the Zalun Monastery. The monastery is home to the preserved body of a revered Buddhist monk. He passed away in 1984 after a prolonged meditation period, and his remains have since been kept in a glass case within the monastery.
Alongside visiting the monk, you can explore the rest of the monastery and appreciate the traditional Burmese architectural style on display. The journey to the monastery is also an experience in itself, passing through stunning jade paddy fields and charming Rakhine villages.

Kinmaw Pottery Village

Nestled on the outskirts of Ngapali Beach, the charming Kinmaw Village is the perfect destination to explore the traditional arts and crafts of Myanmar. The village has gained recognition for its exquisite clay pottery, including pots, bowls, and drinking vessels. 
During your visit, you can observe the skilled artisans at work and purchase their pieces as ideal gifts or mementos. 
For most of our clients who booked Myanmar Tours, we do encourage you to purchase some souvenirs here to support the local economy.

Visit Jade Taw Fishing village

Just outside Ngapali Beach is the charming village of Jade Taw Fishing Village, where tourists can watch local fishermen at work supplying the beach with fresh fish and seafood. It is advised to arrive as early as possible in the morning to see the unloading of the day's catch. As you stroll through the village, you will see people laying out small fish on straw mats to dry in the scorching sun. These dried fish are later made into tasty local snacks.

Market hopping at Dwar Yar Waddy

Experiencing the local culture is one of the highlights of travel, and nothing quite beats a visit to the market. In Thandwe town, about 25 minutes away from Ngapali Beach by E-bike, you'll find the bustling Dwar Yar Waddy Market in the heart of the town.
Inside, the market is teeming with colorful fruits, fresh vegetables, and a vast array of fish. Though we spotted a few other foreigners, the majority of people you'll see are locals going about their daily routines. It's the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and see what everyday life is like in Thandwe.

Things to do in Ngapali for Active Travelers

Expect some fun-packed activities in Ngapali and its surrounding, check out now:

Boat trip on Thandwe River

To truly immerse yourself in Ngapali Beach's natural beauty, take a serene boat ride upstream on the Thandwe River, which is the area's main waterway. Many tour operators offer these scenic rides, providing opportunities to see the lush vegetation along the riverbanks and observe the daily routines of the locals. For those seeking adventure, renting a kayak for a leisurely river paddle is also an option.

Take a balloon flight

For a bird's-eye view of Ngapali Beach, take a hot air balloon ride. Although this is a recent addition to the area's sightseeing activities, companies like Oriental Ballooning offer the opportunity to hop into a basket and soar into the sky to marvel at the sun, sea, and sand that Ngapali Beach is renowned for.

Go Birding

Ngapali Beach is a prime location in Myanmar for bird enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of local and migratory avian species to observe. For optimal bird watching, Hget Pyaw Chaung Lake is a must-visit spot, boasting up to 30 different bird species. The best viewing times are either morning or evening when many of the birds congregate at the lake to drink and bathe.

See our other travel guides for Myanmar destinations:
Top things to do in Yangon
Top things to do in Mandalay
Top things to do in Pyin Oo Lwin

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How to get to Ngapali 

Here are the 2 most common ways to travel to Ngapali

Getting to Ngapali By Air

The most convenient way to reach Ngapali is by air. Thandwe Airport can be reached from Yangon in approximately 50 minutes. Thandwe is directly linked by air to Yangon city.
Due to adverse weather conditions during the rainy season (May to October), flights are less frequent. Ngapali is a mere 15-minute drive from Thandwe Airport, which can be easily covered by taxi or hotel shuttle.
Many local airlines offer flights on this route. You will find it easy to book it online too.

Travel to Ngapali by road

To be honest, the road trip is not so comfortable unless you have time and are keen on some unique adventure. It takes about 8 hours depending on the weather. This is for the option of a private car. 
The tourist bus from Yangon to Ngapali takes from 8 to 10 hours. 

When is the best time to visit Ngapali?

The best time to plan a trip to Ngapali is during the dry season, which runs from November to April. The temperature during this period is relatively mild, and the weather is enjoyable. If you're interested in ballooning, this is also the prime season for it.
On the other hand, May to October marks the rainy season, with high temperatures and humidity. During this period, there are fewer flights to Ngapali and you need to check carefully. 
For any consultancy about Ngapali or Myanmar, do not hesitate to let us know.

Where to stay in Ngapali

Ngapali has a wide range of accommodations for you to opt from luxury to budget hotels. 

Luxury Hotels in Ngapali

Sandoway, Amata, and Art of Sand are some of the high-end luxurious resorts located on a secluded and pristine section of the beach. The resorts boast a large modern area with a swimming pool, a beachfront restaurant offering both local and international cuisine, and exquisite touches that will make your stay unforgettable.

Mid-range Hotels in Ngapali

For budget-conscious travelers, Mingalarpar Ngapali is the perfect option. Run by a local family, this hotel is located one block from the beach and offers large, clean rooms, daily breakfast, great deals on E-bikes, boat tours, and laundry.

Budget Accommodation in Ngapali

For those on a tight budget and looking for a hostel experience, Chillax House Ngapali is the ideal choice. The hostel is located just off the main road and a quick 5-minute walk from the best strip of the beach. Perfect for solo travelers, breakfast is served daily in the social common area.

Ngapali Beach Frequently Asked Questions

There are many questions we have received about Ngapali and we would love to guide you further for your best holiday to Ngapali

Is it good to visit Ngapali in 2024?

The beach is opening for tourists in 2024 and it could be the best choice for the beach in Myanmar so far. All the beach facilities are good plus the weather conditions will make you enjoy the place. 

What are the options for beaches in Myanmar?

Myanmar has many beaches and islands. Many of them remain unknown to foreign travelers. For the most update about this, please check our article for Best Myanmar Beaches

Is it expensive to travel to Ngapali?

The flight from Yangon to Ngapali costs about $90/ person/ 1 way so compared to other destinations where you can access by car or bus, Ngapali is pretty expensive. Apart from the flight, the services and food in Ngapali are not costly. 

Which beach I can go to from Yangon by car?

Ngwe Saung beach is just 4 hours from Yangon and it is the most closed one. Dawei beaches are also very well-known for those who want to see Southern Myanmar on a road trip. 

How long should I spend in Ngapali?

3 days is a good time to spend in Ngapali. It allows you to soak up the beach, see the local life, and enjoy something extra if you prefer.

Is it possible to take a flight from Inle Lake, Bagan, or Mandalay to Ngapali?

In 2023, the best flight route to access Ngapali is Yangon - Thandwe. For those who want to travel from other destinations to Ngapali, it seems complicated. You should check with us about the flight situation which should be updated monthly. 

Can I travel from Ngapali to Mrauk U?

Mrauk U is located in the same State as Ngapali Beach and Yes, you can take a flight from Ngapali to Mrauk U. 

Is there any Myanmar Travel Itinerary that includes Ngapali Beach?

We offer many private tour packages that have Ngapali Beach in our itineraries like:
Myanmar Discovery with Beach 14 days
Myanmar 10 day itinerary
Myanmar 12 days 
Myanmar family 10 days trip

Is there any shop selling snorkeling, and diving gear in Ngapali?

So far, there is no shop for diving gear in Ngapali. You should pack them if you wish to do free diving. In case, you take a tour then the local tour operator will provide them. 

What do people say about Ngapali Beach?

The beach is gaining its reputation thanks to not only its natural beauty but also the friendly locals. Check the upper videos for more inspiration!