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. Ngapali Beach is one of the
loveliest places in Myanmar.
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 calm. Bicycle tours are arranged to visit the nearby villages. The
villagers usually sun dry their fish, shrimp and coconuts.
These products are transported to Yangon and all 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.