Visit Ngwe Saung, Myanmar

Let’s get the negatives out of the way first; what is a picturesque, genuinely interesting journey through the Ayerwaddy River delta region en route to Ngwe Saung Beach, does unquestionably become a tad tedious on the return. Now on to the good stuff…

Seven miles of uninterrupted sand line the Bay of Bengal, with minimal development – meaning there’s more space than is probably good for any of us – a laid back vibe, seafront sunsets and an abundance of fresh-as-you like seafood.

Burma’s ‘other beach’, Ngwe Saung Beach was off limits for several years after Cyclone Nargis. Although the cyclone missed the beach itself, the delta region bore the brunt of the cyclone and was considered un-navigable for a long period. Due to a combination of this and the long journey time from Yangon, resort development has been minimal, with a delightfully low number of resorts and guesthouses lining the palm fringed sand, mostly congregated to the northern end. Whilst Ngapali can undoubtedly lay claim to the most picture-postcard perfect beach, with its white sands and crystal clear waters, Ngwe Saung plays a pretty solid second fiddle!

Ngwe Saung is also a more suitable choice for those looking for more than just beach, the nearby fishing villages are well worth a visit, perhaps by bicycle, and the varied range of local dining opportunities are far greater. You can take a sunrise horse ride along the sands and there’s good snorkelling to be enjoyed at the southern end of the beach. Likewise, Ngwe Saung is also more agreeable for those seeking more budget-end resorts, although the more discerning top end clientele are also well catered for.

Photo: Aung Myint Htwe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.