Ngapali beach

Idyllic beach resort on the Bay of Bengal

One of South East Asia’s largely undiscovered beach resorts, Ngapali is an idyllic, charming place near the town of Thandwe in Rakhine state, Western Burma. Located on the Bay of Bengal is a several kilometers long sandy beach lined with palm trees and the small boats of local fishermen.

Possibly the best beach in Burma, Ngapali is a great place to enjoy swimming in the warm and clear waters or sunbathing while watching local fishermen bring their catch to shore. Tourists relax on beach chairs, shade is provided by reed parasols and palm trees. Burmese ladies walking the beach offer a variety of local fruits.

Several small family run beach shack restaurants serve fresh seafood. Enjoy dinner on the beach while watching the beautiful sunset over the Bay of Bengal. Nearby are several fishermen villages where life is largely the same it has been for generations.

Accommodation varies from very basic to high end. Construction of larger hotels is underway. The best time to visit Ngapali beach is during the dry season from November until April.

To do & see in Ngapali

Besides sun bathing and swimming visitors can go snorkeling admiring the underwater world with lots of tropical colorful fish. Trips to nearby small islands can be booked at most hotels and shops. Alternatively, negotiate directly with the boat owner to get a better price.

The area around Ngapali is very rural and traditional. Exploring the local fishermen villages seems like a step back in time for Westerners. Local traffic largely consists of bicycles and ox drawn carts. Burmese women cover their faces with thanaka, a yellowish white cosmetic. A good way to get around independently is on a bicycle, offered for rent at several shops.

Nearby is the town of Thandwe with its seaport and local market, where visitors can shop for locally made handicrafts and try some typical Burmese food.

How to get to Ngapali beach

Ngapali beach is located a few kilometers from the town of Thandwe in Rakhine state, Western Burma. The easiest way to get there is by air to Thandwe airport, a few kilometers North of Ngapali beach. Several domestic airlines offer direct flights from Yangon. The number of flights varies per season. A direct flight from Yangon takes about 50 minutes.

Among the airlines serving Thandwe airport are Air Bagan, Mann Yadanarpon Airlines, Air KBZ, Yangon Airways and Air Mandalay. Visit their websites for more information.

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