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Ngapali Beach
Do you like peace and tranquility, and visit places "far
from the madding crowds?" As many of us now live in crowded
cities with the stress and strain of over-population, we
need periods of relaxation away from urban areas, and go
back closer to nature.
Situated about 7 km away from Thandwe (Sandoway), one of the
ancient Rakhine (formerly Arakan) towns. It is said to have
been named after the Naple of Italy by a homesick Italian.
It is famous for its natural and unspotted beauty up to this
day.
The beach stretches about 3 km with soft white sand fringed
by coconut palms. It serves as the best ground for
sunbathing and recreation such as beach strolling, cycling
and so on. Unlike today's beaches of Asia, it is free of
noisy beachside bars, crowded people and hawkers persuading
you to buy their things. There are only natural scenic
beauty of the blue sea, white sand and the lovely sun. The
sea is cobalt blue, without any dangerous marine animals and
clean.
The water here is transparent and the sea is tranquil.
Bicycle tours are arranged to visit the nearby villages. The
villagers usually sun dry their fish, shrimp and coconut.
These products are transported to Yangon and and over the
country. The best time to visit this beach during October
and May of every year.
Undoubtedly one of the best places for a relaxing holiday is
Ngapali Beach near Thandwe (Sandoway) in Rakkhine (Arakan)
State,on the Bay of Bengal. Ngapali Beach is one of the
loveliest places in Myanmar; it is also one of the most
unspoilt beaches in the world, with miles of pure white
sands skirting the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean.
Actually, Ngapali is not one single beach. but a series of
beaches interspersed with small fishing villages stretching
from Mazin where the airport is located, to Lontha on Mayo
Bay where coastal steamers dock in a sheltered anchorage. A
small winding tarmac road snakes its way along the coast for
about twelve miles from Mazin to Lontha, passing through
Ngapali village, Shwewa Gyaing, Myabyin, Lontha and several
other small villages nestling between the beaches and the
hills along the coast. A golf course next to the road near
Ngapali village is being upgraded. The road is also being
widened, from two lanes to four lanes, and the airport will
be extended to take bigger planes. A new terminal building
has already been constructed. The private Mandalay Air and
the government Myanmar Airways fly to Ngapali on alternate
days throughout the week. It takes only 45 minutes flying
time from Yangon.
After resting on the beach under the clear blue skies, the
more energetic tourist or traveler has the option of
exploring the range of hills behind the Strand Beach Hotel.
Once you are on the small hills you will find a peaceful
lake, which is actually a reservoir with blue waters where
you can fish but not swim. In the winter months this lake is
the haunt of migrating water fowls, wild ducks, teals and
others which come down from the far north, beyond the
borders of Myanmar.
Ponies are available for riding along the beaches. Fishing
boats with motors can be hired for trips to some of the
islands off the coast or just to fish nea r the reef. Some
travelers like to go on what is known as" side cars ",
trishaws, peddled by local village men with two back to back
seats for passengers at the side. Local buses ply between
the villages and also to Thandwe, the district centre about
seven miles away from the hotel. The best and cheapest way
is to hire a bicycle to go around.
Ngapali is accessible by flight which takes about 45 minutes
from Yangon, by car about 14 hours drive along the Rakhine
Yoma mountain range. Ngapali has an international 18-holes
golf resort, where you can relax.
Ngapali Strand Beach Hotel has about forty-four
single-storey bungalows, with comfortable two bed-rooms with
bathrooms attached in each building. There are also three
modern double -storey buildings. The hotel which first
opened about thirty-five years ago is now being upgraded
with modern facilities.
If you are looking for a peaceful holiday with time to read
and reflect, Ngapali with its lovely beaches is the place to
visit. There you will find serenity and peace of mind amidst
beautiful scenery.
Ngwe Saung Beach Or Silver Beach
Ngwe
Saung Beach Resort, opened in the year 2,000, is one of the
loveliest and most pleasant beach resorts in Myanmar.
Located in the Ayeyarwady Division, some 48 kilometers from
the town of Pathein, Ngwe Saung, with a beach frontage on
the Bay of Bengal with its clear blue waters, its white
crested waves, sandy beaches and unspoiled and
pollution-free natural surroundings, is indeed one of the
best places to select for a holiday interlude of rest and
relaxation.
From Zee-Maw: Village in the north to Majee-Maw: Village in
the south, Ngwe Saung’s silvery beach stretches in an
unbroken line for some 15 kilometers. Included among Ngwe
Saung’s natural attractions are its blue waters, its
extensive beaches, its silvery sands, its scenic and
occasionally rocky shoreline, all set against a backdrop of
tropical rain forests and the
towering Rakhine mountain range.
The shoreline is dotted with bungalow-type eco-friendly
hotels staffed by well trained personnel who are trained to
take care of your needs. These bungalows provide quality
service to foreign tourists and domestic visitors and
provide a quiet haven o f peace and relaxation. For those
wishing to engage in fun and games on the beach, or in the
ocean, life-buoys
and speedboats are provided, as well as facilities for
speedboat trips, bicycling along the shore and horseback
riding.
The need for occasional rest and recuperation from the cares
and worries of the world of work is an absolute necessity of
the human beings. The periodic recharging of one’s batteries
and a replenishment of one’s reserves of energy and vitality
are universal needs. What better setting is there for this
than a seaside resort in the convivial company of family,
friends and companions?
Ngwe Saung extends its warmest welcome to all visitors who
wish to relax amidst the waving palms and balmy breezes of a
truly memorable ocean resort.
Chaung Thar Beach

Located some 154 miles from the Capital City of Yangon and
only 34 miles from Pathein, Chaungthar is the nearest ocean
resort available to foreign tourists, being easily reached
from Yangon in half a day by road. It is an attractive wide
beach with a muddy delta look. Not only coconut palms but
also casuarinas trees can be found at the back of the beach.
Two small islands can be seen offshore. The crab dishes of
Chaung-Thar Beach are also delicious and well-known. Fresh
coconut juice will make relax here.
Nowadays, you can lodge at Beach Resorts with various
categories from basic to Deluxe.
While listening to the whispering of the wind in the trees
and among the palm fronds and to the regular sleep inducing
beat of the ocean breakers as you relax in your rattan chair
amidst the balmy breezes you will find yourself visibly
relaxing and your cares and tensions slipping away. Others
may prefer to stroll along the seashore and visit nearby
villages to sample the local cuisine, and buy trinkets and
ornaments fashioned from sea shells, cowries, mother of
pearl, huge rock-shrimp and crabs, fossilized marine flora
and
unusual coral formations etc. to take back as souvenirs or
presents upon their departure.
On the return journey to the hotel you will be entranced by
the magnificent flaming sky that serves as a fitting
backdrop to the setting of the blood-red orb as it slowly
dips into the blue waters of the Indian Ocean.
Chaung Thar's nearby Islands
The’ Phyu Island — there is a temple, 20mintues
engine-boat ride to reach there.
Pho Kalar Island — there is a temple, a monastery and
many coconut trees. You can drink fresh coconut juice and
5 minutes engine
- boat ride .
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