Ngapali Beach Travel Guide

Located about 7 km from Thandwe (Sandoway), Ngapali Beach on the Bay of Bengal is known to tourists for its attractive natural beauty with clear sea, white sand beaches, and a series of green coconut groves. It is considered the best place to relax, such as walking on the beach or simply sunbathing on the soft sand.

General Information

Unlike today’s beaches of Asia, Ngapali doesn’t have noisy beachside bars, crowded people, or hawkers, there is only the natural scenic beauty of the blue sea, white sand, and the lovely sun. However, relaxing is not the only activity at the beach. The more energetic tourists have various recreational options around the area, such as experiencing Ngapali Beach’s first-class international 18-hole golf resort, climbing the lush green hills, horseback riding around the beach, or simply renting a boat to go fishing near the reef. Undoubtedly, Ngapali Beach is one of the best beach resorts for anyone seeking a relaxing holiday and sea adventure activities in Myanmar.

Climate and Best Time to Visit Ngapali Beach

Located in Western Myanmar, Ngapali Beach has a tropical monsoon climate. The weather is generally hot and humid throughout every year. The beach experiences distinct seasons: a dry season and a rainy season.

• The dry season (From October to May): During this time, it is usually sunny and minimal rainfall. This time is also considered the peak tourist season due to the favorable beach conditions. December to February is the coolest time, with average temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius.
• The rainy season (From June to September): During this time, the area receives significant rainfall, often accompanied by strong winds and occasional storms. The temperature remains high, but the humidity levels are elevated. Beach activities are relatively limited during the rainy season due to rough seas and less favorable weather conditions.

The best time to visit Ngapali Beach is during the dry season, when it has minimal rainfall and plenty of sunshine, providing ideal conditions for visitors to experience many beach activities, such as swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and diving in crystal-clear waters. The sea is also calm, and the beach is less crowded, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the natural beauty of this area.

Getting to Ngapali Beach

By plane

Currently, the plane is the most convenient way to reach Ngapali Beach. Thandwe Airport is served by domestic flights from major cities in Myanmar, such as Yangon, Mandalay, and Inle Lake. It takes about 15 minutes to go from the airport to the hotel, and many hotels offer airport transfers.

By bus

If you prefer overland travel, you can take a bus to Ngapali Beach. This is also a convenient and cost-effective means of transportation. Buses operate from various cities in Myanmar, including Yangon, Mandalay, and Bagan. Travel time may vary depending on the departure point and stops on the way. Buses usually go to Thandwe town, which is the nearest spot to Ngapali Beach.

By boat

Another scenic option is to travel to Ngapali Beach by boat. Some tour operators offer boat trips from nearby islands, such as Ngwe Saung or Pathein. It allows you to enjoy the coastal views and explore multiple destinations along the way. However, boat schedules and availability may vary, so it’s recommended to check in advance and make reservations if necessary.

Getting around Ngapali Beach

In fact, Ngapali Beach is a small destination, most attractions, and beaches are located very close to each other. Therefore, you can easily navigate the area in many different ways.

On foot

Many of the resorts, hotels, restaurants, and attractions in Ngapali Beach are within walking distance of each other. Taking a stroll along the beach or exploring the nearby villages on foot is a popular and enjoyable way to get around.

By bicycle

Renting a bicycle is a convenient and eco-friendly option for exploring Ngapali Beach and its surroundings. Many hotels and guesthouses offer bicycle rentals, allowing you to easily discover the area on your own. It’s a great way to visit nearby attractions, explore local markets, and discover hidden gems off the main beach area.

By motorbike

Motorbike is also a good idea to get around the beach. It provides more flexibility and allows you to venture further afield. However, keep in mind that you may need an international driving permit and be comfortable riding a motorbike in potentially busy or unfamiliar traffic conditions. Always wear a helmet and follow local traffic regulations.

Taxis/ Private car

Taxis or private car rentals are available in Ngapali Beach. You can arrange for a taxi or hire a car with a private driver to take you to specific destinations or explore the surrounding area. It’s advisable to negotiate the fare in advance or ensure that the taxi uses a meter to avoid any misunderstandings.

Accommodation in Ngapali Beach

Ngapali Beach has many beach resorts scattered throughout the city. It also offers a range of accommodation options to suit different preferences and budgets. If you’re looking for a good budget accommodation, it might be worth choosing guesthouses, bungalows, or beach huts. So you can get more for your money or have a more comfortable lounger. Here are some hotels to reference:

• Thande Beach Hotel
• Diamond Ngapali Hotel
• Amata Resort & Spa
• Aureum Palace Hotel & Resort
• Golden Queen Guesthouse
• Kipling’s Bay Guesthouse

Best Places to Visit in Ngapali Beach

Ngapali Beach

The main attraction itself, Ngapali Beach, with its pristine white sand and clear turquoise waters, is a must-visit destination. Relax on the beach, swim in the warm waters, or take a leisurely stroll along the shore while enjoying beautiful sunsets.

Pearl Island

Located just off the coast of Ngapali Beach, Pearl Island (also known as Thahtay Kyun Island) is a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. Explore the vibrant underwater world, swim with tropical fish, and marvel at colorful coral reefs.

Thandwe Market

Head to Thandwe, the nearest town to Ngapali Beach, and you’ll have the opportunity to explore the bustling Thandwe Market. Immerse yourself in the local culture, stroll through a wide array of goods and produce to shop the souvenirs for your loved ones, and sample some delicious street food.

Kyaukpyu

Kyaukpyu is a town situated about 90 kilometers (56 miles) from Ngapali Beach and is known for its scenic landscapes and cultural sites. Coming here, you can visit the Kyaukpyu Central Market, Kyaukpyu Pagoda, and enjoy panoramic views from the Yaw Chaung Mountain.

Must-try Activities in Ngapali Beach

Explore the fishing villages

Most of the fishing villages in Ngapali Beach still carry the old shape and traditional customs of the Myanmar people. You can walk to fishing villages, or in further places use bicycles or motorbikes to get there. Gyeik Tawn is a traditional fishing village in the southern part of the beach. It is also the ideal fishing village to witness the residents starting their daily life. Coming here, you’ll have a chance to see the scene of fishermen harvesting fish from boats in the distance. Then, they will clean up the nets, spread the small fish on the beach and dry them in the sun to create products.

Kayaking

Strolling around the beautiful Ngapali beach by kayaking is also another enjoyable activity. Kayaking, surfing on flat water, and stopping at a place to admire the surrounding scenery will make your mood more exciting. If you can sail to a vantage point, you will have sweeping views of beautiful fishes beneath the clear waters of Ngapali. Otherwise, don’t forget to stop at Pearl Island to experience a relaxing time in the cool water.

Admire the beautiful sunset

A beautiful sight in Ngapali Beach that you should not miss is the moment when the sun is slowly sinking into the sea. This is the most ideal time to walk on the beach and immerse yourself in the most peaceful time of the day. You can enjoy a cocktail at a bar and watch the sun go down at the beach. Most of the bars offer promotional services at sunset, so you can comfortably drink a cocktail and enjoy this beautiful moment.

Snorkel and discover marine species in the ocean

Diving deep into the ocean of Ngapali Beach to find unique sea creatures is one of the favorite activities for visitors. You can find many species of fish with different vibrant colors and coral reefs with strange but extremely beautiful shapes. A scuba or snorkeling session is the best way to discover the growing life of marine animals underwater.

Enjoy a fresh seafood party on the beach

Coming to Ngapali Beach, it is indispensable to enjoy delicious fresh seafood dishes. The beach certainly won’t let your stomach down. Because this place has the best seafood dishes. The seafood is fresh and very cheap. Pick up some squid, lobster, or snapper for a beachside barbecue. After a full day of tiring exploration, a hearty seafood dinner is a great reward for you.

Golf at Ngapali Beach International Golf Club

Ngapali Beach is home to a golf course that offers scenic views of the beach and the ocean. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy a round of golf amidst beautiful surroundings.

Despite its distance from the most famous cities of Yangon or Bagan, Ngapali Beach is still an ideal destination to rejuvenate after a long and stressful working day. Read and learn by heart our Myanmar travel guide before planning your trip. Also, don’t hesitate to contact us if you want to organize a tailor-made trip to Myanmar.