Ngapali.
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Overview

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.

Understand

Ngapali Beach is a beach 7 km from the town of Thandwe in Rakhine State and is often regarded as the best beach in Myanmar. However, Ngapali is a seasonal destination and, as a result, most jobs are seasonal and unemployment is extremely high during low season. Due to the ongoing civil war, Ngapali is closed and is likely to remain for a long time to come.

There's an increasing number of resorts around along the beach, though it is still relatively quiet and untouched. Most resorts cater to foreign tourist as Ngapali is considered a more expansive destination that only more well off locals can afford.The hotels usually of the high end such as Bayview Ngapali, Amata Resort, Amazing Ngapali and the government-owned Anawa, but there are a few budget accommodations available. The southern stretch is more recommended, due to the range of dining, sleeping and other options there.

Ngapali used to have private bungalows, but these were pulled down in the late 1990s to make way for the development of hotels. The hotels and small tourism industry help to provide income for the villages around Ngapali and also Thandwe. There is also a 9-hole golf course nearby. Myanmar's political climate made Ngapali not as well-publicized as other good beaches of Southeast Asia, but it's changing. Most of the classier developments have ties to the ruling military junta.

Ngapali caters mostly to foreigners while locals tend to opt for other beaches. Resorts cover parts of the main beachfronts. Thandwe is the nearby town at the highway.

Get in

Thandwe (Sandoway) is the transport hub for Ngapali (Beach). Most and frequent options to get in can be found there—by bus, by boat or by plane. But as the airport is now defunct, Ngapali is effectively sealed off.

From there you can easily get onward transport for the last 6-12 km to Ngapali, depending on where you want to go along the stretched beach. Local pickups or shared vans are 500 kyat from/to Thandwe. There is no tourist accommodation available in Thandwe itself. Tickets for the ferry in Thandwe are sold at the Bayview Beach Resort.

is actually just 5 km north of Ngapali Beach. The airport was taken over by the Arakan Army in mid-2024 and is closed.

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: Yangon – From Aung San Highway Bus Station, 11 hr, 21,000/19,000 kyat for VIP/standard overnight bus. Bagan – 24 hr with a change in Pyay. 30,000 kyat.

However, make sure, if you book them and pay the extra charge that they actually drop you in Ngapali.

Get around

Ngapali Beach stretches along 12 km of coast line.

On foot In case you stay close to the 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. However, there are not really many sights, like for example in Hpa-an, for which you would need a motorbike. E-bikes can be rented for 15,000 kyat per day (low season 2017).

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.

See

For the ones not already satisfied with the beautiful beaches, a few sights are available.

Pearl Island. 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.

Black Sand Island. 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.

Amata Mountain. 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.

Also, checkout the sights, dos and buys in and near Thandwe.

Do

This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Myanmar. You can see and do various things in Ngapali, but you might want to pick only the most interesting ones: there are far more exciting things waiting in the rest of Myanmar. So relax and enjoy the calm and leisure.

Andrew Bay. 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.

Ngapali Golf Course. 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.

Kayaking. 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.

Ballooning. Explore the area around Ngapali and Thandwe. Could make more sense to save the ballooning money for Bagan if you go there.

Massage. There are several massage options both attached to the resort and informal tables on the beach.

Trekking. From Ngapali to the countryside, jungle and mountain with incredible views, local knowledge and lunch. Ask around for the best deals.

Several options exist to rent a boat

Buy

Money Some places accept card payments but may also add a 3% surcharge. ATMs are available outside the Bayview Hotel which charge a 6,500 kyat fee for up to 300,000 kyat maximum withdrawal.

Shopping There are a collection of shops near the main junction and along the southern stretch. Local people specialise in coconut handicrafts. There is an art gallery on the road side.

Items for sale on the 'pop up' beach shops include river pearl jewellery, teak handicrafts, painted umbrellas. Large conch shells and coral are for sale which is damaging the marine environment.

Eat

Ngapali is famous for its seafood. There are many options, especially along the southern stretch of the main road. Otherwise, many of the hotels and resorts also cater for non-guests, but you might want to try the cheaper but not less delicious restaurant that can always be found opposite or just outside of the resorts.

Besides coconut handicraft, Ngapali also provides the traveler with delicious fresh coconuts for 1,000-2,000 kyat from the beach hawkers, that carry several coconuts, pineapple and watermelons on their heads. The women will cut open the coconut for you as well.

Two Brothers Restaurant. Serves delicious barracuda, snapper and white tuna.

Min Thu Seafood Restaurant. Seafood is the point about this restaurant. If you definitely aim for fresh fish, go here. Family run and around for a while now.

Ngapali Kitchen. Locally run and authentic.

Sea Queen. 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.

Drink

Beach bars are popping up all over. After having explored the area by bicycle or taxi, you will know where to find them, mostly at the southern stretch or near the main junction. Happys hour during dusk are common. Most hotels and resorts charge western prices.

Green Umbrella. 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.

Sunset Bar. Seafood, Burmese, Thai and western food. Highly recommended. Good for a relaxing drink in the evening, but you can also enjoy the food.

Sleep

Budget options in Ngapali are rare. There is no tourist accommodation available in Thandwe at the highway. Only Taungup, another 85 km north from Thandwe, has some guesthouses.

Baptist Christian Guest House. Fan, shared bathroom, simple rooms in bungalows.

Royal Beach Motel. 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.

Lin Thar Oo Lodge. 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 ).

Silver Beach Hotel. AC, shower, including breakfast, neat bungalows.

Sandoway Resort. 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.

Amazing Ngapali Resort. Als try & & ..

Hilton Ngapali Resort & Spa. 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.

Aureum Palace Resort & Spa. Also try ..

Pleasant View Resort. One of the newer resorts in Ngapali. 26 bungalows, all on the beach front. Including restaurant and breakfast.

Bayview Beach Resort. 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.