The deserted beaches and turquoise waters of Tanintharyi Region are as far removed from the racket of the city as you can imagine.
Sandwiched between the Andaman Sea and the Tenasserim Hills, the southern expanse is becoming easier to access, with the improvement of road conditions and airlines such as Myanmar National Airlines and Air KBZ flying from Yangon.
Visitors often choose the region capital Dawei as a base for exploration. The sun-drenched town has a charm all of its own, enjoyed for its concentration of colonial architecture, wet markets, and cottage industries, which include tourist-friendly cashew nut and cheroot factories.
Stay at the Mandolis Hotel, a small and beautifully designed boutique address from where you can arrange a motorbike or boat to reach the beaches.
Most popular are the northern beaches, but the most spectacular lie south along the Dawei Peninsula. Here are five stunning shores that the experts at Think Asia think you shouldn’t miss.
San Maria
While most people make for the popular Maung Ma Gan Beach, San Maria is a tad to the south and remains delightfully serene despite its prettiness. Walk down its sandy escarpment, dappled with purple flowers and green vines that lead to the ocean. Or motorbike five minutes up the road to Pa Nyit for a magnificent view of this stretch. A family-run shop dishes out tea-leaf salad and a cluster of shacks sit empty, surrounded by patches of coconut shells drying in the sun.
Pa Nyit
Named after the tranquil village nearby, this stretch of pristine sand is marked by massive, smooth boulders capped with a stupa on one side. Shade cast from rangy conifers provide refuge from the sun, and a handful of fishing boats bob beyond the calm surf. Other than the odd wandering fisherman or visitor, you are likely to be alone, so bring snacks and drinks.
Sa Sa Aw (Paradise Beach)
The only way to reach this unspoiled bay is via a narrow trail through the jungle, either by foot or motorbike. A handful of bungalows are the first signal that you have made it to Paradise Beach. If you overnight in one, wade into the glow of bioluminescent plankton after sunset. Day trippers can lounge in a hammock underneath a palm tree and take dips in the clear water.
Po Po Kyauk (Grandfather Beach)
This wide and lengthy bay starts with a couple of stalls and quickly empties into a blissful elongated curve that serves as the perfect spot for a sunset or a ride on a beach cruiser bicycle. From the water you can see golden sand and hills clad with tropical forest, an idyllic view that has earned Grandfather Beach an esteemed reputation in the region.
Tizit
A winding road through lush hills slopes down to this irresistible strand, where bird songs punctuate the gentle din of lapping waves. Spot the Moskos Islands from the white sands, or admire a sweeping vista by climbing the stairs to a pagoda at the end of the bay. Explore the beach and its surrounding paths by foot and look out for small glistening pagodas nestled in the hills.
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Think Asia Travel and Tours has been crafting authentic journeys through Myanmar for independent travellers since 2012.
Its team of travel experts are passionate about helping you experience the best of the country. Based in Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, and Inle Lake, they are led by Frenchman and long-time Myanmar resident Nicolas Rabier.
He began working in Myanmar for Nikko Hotels after some time with Orient Express in Myanmar and Southeast Asia. Most team members have more than 15 years’ experience in the Myanmar tourism industry.
Myanmar is fast entering a new era of development but still harbours boundless opportunities for unforgettable trips. Learn of its deep cultural heritage and visit its untouched and breathtaking countryside as well as its cities such as Yangon, a distinctive metropolis charging towards modernity.
Whether you are seeking a classic tour or an alternative adventure, Think Asia has the expertise to propose a journey that meets your expectations.
We have built close relationships over the years with a wide assortment of locals throughout Myanmar for your value and enjoyment, so contact us and let’s start organising your dream Myanmar trip.