ECO TOURISM PLACES

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 traveller 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 near 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

Located in the Ayeyarwady Division, some 48 kilometres from the town of Pathein, Ngwe Saung, with a beach frontage on the Bay of Bengal.

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 of 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.

Accessible by car. The trip takes about 7 hours from Yangon. Express buses are also available. If you want to rent a car please refer to the car rental services.

CHAUNG THAR BEACH

Chaung Thar Beach is located 40 km to the west of Pathein (Bassein) in Ayeyarwaddy Division. It is about 5 hrs drive from Yangon to Chaung Thar Beach. 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.

There are bungalow type hotels along the beach with modern facilities. Myanmar, owing to its natural environmental diversity is rich in many sites that feature untouched coastal areas, calm and peaceful ocean waters and wide stretches of unpolluted sandy beaches. One beach resort that has gained fame and popularity since the latter half of 1990 is the Chaung Thar (pleasant Stream) Beach Resort. Located some 154 miles from the Capital City of Yangon and only 34 miles from Pathein, Chaung Thar is the nearest ocean resort available to foreign tourists, being easily reached from Yangon in half a day by road.

There are 13 top class hotels in Chaung Thar to cater to their every need. Some of the well-known ones are Max Hotel, Lai Lai Hotel, Ambo Hotel and Khine Chaung Thar. Those who find the atmosphere of cities stifling, the pressures of work stressful and the responsibilities of modern life becoming burdensome, may shed their manifold worries for a while by visiting and enjoying a restful holiday interlude at Chaung Thar.

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.

Those who wish to engage in play activities on the beach may wish to take a dip in the ocean and ride the ocean waves or take a traditional bullock cart ride along the extensive stretches of the sandy beach.

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

Also known as the white sand island. About 15 minutes walk to the ferry boat stand from your hotels. 25 mintues engine-boat ride for 1,000 Kyats/person. Life vests are provided to the passengers and tickets are required to buy at the ferry stand. There is a temple on the island. The island is white because of the dumping of the dead seashells to the shore. There are lots of rocky white stones.

Pho Kalar Island

There is a temple, a monastery and many coconut trees. You can drink fresh coconut juice for 100 Kyats/coconut. 2 minutes engine-boat ride for 200 Kyats/person. No need to buy tickets. The water is quite shallow. There is a small village on the island selling coconuts and dried fishes. The water is clearer on that side of the island. You can find many red and green crabs running around.

Kyaut Maung Nhama

You can take a walk (takes about 3 hours) or ride a bicycle (takes about 2 hours) or ride a motor cycle (takes about 1 hour). The road is bumpy. But the rocky shores are beautiful. There is one temple on top of a big stone.

Ngwe Saung Beach

The newly developed beach. You can rent an engine-boat or a car to get to Ngwe Saung from Chaung Thar.