Beach in Rakhine State, Myanmar
Photo: Go-Myanmar, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Ngapali Beach (Burmese ငပလီ) is in Rakhine State, Western Myanmar. This area fell to the Arakan Army during fighting in mid-2024. It should be considered off-limits for the duration of the civil war.
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Most hotels organise snorkeling trips to the island. But you can also ask restaurants and other shops, which will probably give you a decent bargain. Trips can include snorkeling and fishing. There is even a restaurant on the island, Lobster Bar, the only one, which serves drinks and food.
Zalat Htone
Another interesting place to enjoy a picnic and the sunset, or take photos of the picturesque surroundings. This island climbs up to about 40 m and can be reached by bicycle.
Start early to Jate Taw/Gyeiktaw Village in the south. In the morning you can watch the local fishermen unload their catch from the night before. Afterwards, from the village walk up the mountain. There you will find a standing Buddha (21 m) and a meditation centre to relax and spend some time. Afterwards go on to Abe Village, famous for the mangrove forest and authentic people.
Rent a bicycle and explore the area by yourself, especially Andrew Bay in the south. Have a tea and watch the busy locals. Ask a local fishermen to take you for a tour onto and even across the bay. The way back, in case you decide not to take the boat, along the road north passing by Thandwe is 41 km, so either have a good bicycle or take a local pickup.
Can be under water. Go early to avoid the heat and spend 2 hr or so. The old building is the so-called clubhouse. No golf shoes required.
Ideal to explore the numerous bays and mangrove forests around Ngapali. Ask at your hotel or the village for renting the kayak, or try Bayview Beach Resort or Art of Sand Beach Bar.
Explore the area around Ngapali and Thandwe. Could make more sense to save the ballooning money for Bagan if you go there.
There are several massage options both attached to the resort and informal tables on the beach.
Serves delicious barracuda, snapper and white tuna.
Seafood is the point about this restaurant. If you definitely aim for fresh fish, go here. Family run and around for a while now.
Locally run and authentic.
In case Min Thu is too far away, try this highly recommended restaurant. You will choose your fresh fish outside, which is then prepared in the kitchen inside.
Lovely restaurant right next to the street. Some people complain about the drinks, so probably go for a beer. Otherwise, delicious seafood and Burmese food, as well as friendly staff.
Seafood, Burmese, Thai and western food. Highly recommended. Good for a relaxing drink in the evening, but you can also enjoy the food.
Fan, shared bathroom, simple rooms in bungalows.
Clean and comfortable, maybe a little small rooms. Nice gardens and surrounding and beautiful beach. Decent breakfast. Try the restaurants across the street, they are better value for money.
Simple bungalows, stretched along the beach. Very friendly, restaurant, bicycle rent, laundry service, free airport transfer. The rooms with fan are a little dated. (Also try lintharoohotel.ngapali@gmail.com).
AC, shower, including breakfast, neat bungalows.
This resort is a dream with a tropical garden, AC, shower, TV, minibar. Spa and breakfast. Cottages or rooms. Could be closed between May and October, so double-check.
Als try ngapali@amazing-hotel.com & onlinesale@amazing-hotel.com & sale1@amazing-hotel.com ..
Large rooms, sea or lagoon view. Has fast internet and includes a delicious breakfast. Including spa and a beautiful pool next to the ocean. Western ambience with a soft Asian touch.
Also try rsv2-aureum@myanmar.com.mm ..
One of the newer resorts in Ngapali. 26 bungalows, all on the beach front. Including restaurant and breakfast.
On Ngapali Beach. 45 bungalows and rooms are all either directly on the beach or in a beautiful garden under palm trees. Serves international, Asian and seafood cuisine accompanied by a large variety of wines. Germans have even reported sights of pork schnitzel here.
By taxi
A trip by taxi can be a little less time consuming and convenient alternative, especially if shared between 3 or 4 people.
By bus
Apparently, some buses go directly into Ngapali:
On foot
In case you stay close to the main junction or at the southern stretch of Ngapali, most places and restaurants, north even the airport, can be reached by foot.
By (moto) taxi
For a taxi or motorbike expect to pay 2,000 kyat to either end of the beach.
By rental
You might be able to rent a motorbike, but there are rumours regarding the legality of this.
By pickup
Local pickups or shared vans are between 300 and 500 kyat along the beach or to Thandwe.
By boat
You might even try water transport via long-tail boat, but bargain hard.
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Thandwe · Regional · SNW
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