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 oceanbreakers 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 and 25 mintues
motor boat ride for 1,000 Kyats/person. Life vests are
provided to the passengers and tickets are required to be bought
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 motor 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 motorcycle (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
motor boat or
a car to get to Ngwe Saung from Chaung Thar.
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