Complete Guide to Ngwe Saung Beach, Myanmar

Besides the bustling cities and gleaming pagodas, Myanmar is also home to some absolutely exquisite beaches. The expansive coastline boasts white sand, turquoise waters, and unspoilt nature waiting to be explored by eager travelers willing to brave the journey.

One such beach is Ngwe Saung, an up-and-coming resort area in Myanmar that is a guaranteed laid-back time. With 15 kilometers of pristine coastline and remarkable surroundings nearby, this is the perfect place to come if you’re looking for some R&R during your time in Myanmar.

Here’s everything you need to know about planning a trip to Ngwe Saung Beach.

How to Get to Ngwe Saung Beach

Ngwe Saung is a five-hour journey from Yangon, assuming there’s no traffic (which there inevitably will be). 

There are three buses that run everyday, departing from the Hlaing Thar Yar bus station (or more commonly referred to as Dagon Ayar) in Yangon, leaving at 6:30AM, 7:30AM, and 9:00PM. The bus costs between $10 and $20 USD, takes approximately eight hours, and drops passengers off right in Ngwe Saung village, where most hotels are located.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that bus service may be reduced during rainy season due to lack of demand.

It’s also worth noting that taking a bus around Myanmar can be a bit uncomfortable as the roads are often in poor condition. Plus, the bus may be lacking air conditioning, plush seats and a bathroom on board, but it will all pay off when you end up in a beachy paradise.

The alternative to taking a bus is to hire a private driver to take you all the way to Ngwe Saung. This will greatly cut your travel time if coming from Yangon, but will run up a steep price tag of between $200 – $300 one way. Whatever you do, be sure you’re hiring from a reputable service that has a track record of safety and reliability! 

Myanmar Travel Tip: For booking transportation around Myanmar — be it flights, buses or private cars — consider using Flymya. They offer awesome deals and the best prices for traveling around the country, allowing you to make the most of your time in Myanmar.

Things to Do in Ngwe Saung Beach

So you’ve finally arrived in Ngwe Saung and are looking for things to do. While this village is certainly a sleepy and quieter beach town, there’s still plenty to keep you occupied during your stay. 

Relax on the Beach

First thing’s first: take some time to relax on the beach. Bury your feet in the soft, white sand, take a dip in the ocean, and catch up on that novel you’ve been meaning to read. This is an amazing place to soak up some sun and spend the day lounging around.

Plus, since it’s a quieter place, you should be able to find a spot to have all to yourself! 

Just keep in mind that the ocean currents can be quite strong and there aren’t any lifeguards on duty, so swim at your own risk.

Eat Local Seafood

Since you’re right on the ocean, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to gorge yourself on some local seafood. 

There are tons of restaurants with beachfront views serving up steaming plates of fish, shrimp, crab and lobster. So whether you’re eating it for breakfast, lunch or dinner, be sure to get your fill because this is as good as seafood gets!

Take a Trip to Lovers Island

For some unreal sunset views or just to stretch your legs after a long day of relaxing, make your way over to nearby Lovers Island for a little taste of nature during your beach stay. 

Lovers Island is right next to Ngwe Saung Beach and is accessible by boat or foot. You’re easily able to hire a speedboat for the quick trip over, or if you’re feeling extra adventurous and the tide is low enough, gander over through the water. Just be sure to watch out for the sharp rocks as you approach the island! 

As this is a popular spot, you’ll likely encounter many others trying to snap photos of the landscape. But it’s still worth the walk to the top to view a panorama of beach, ocean, and other nearby surroundings.

Boat Over to Bird Island 

If you like the idea of hitting an island while at Ngwe Saung, you can head over to Bird Island for more panoramic views. It’s another short trip away but it’s worth it when you reach this rocky land. 

You can find plenty of locals along the beach to take you over on their boat for a low price, or you can book a full tour that includes snorkeling from one of the many operators available! Whichever method you choose, getting there shouldn’t cost more than a few bucks.

There’s a small hike that leads you to the very top to give you a bird’s eye view of the Bay of Bengal’s turquoise waters as far as the eye can see. On your way down, stop for a fresh coconut and find a quiet place to relax before returning to Ngwe Saung!

Enjoy a Boat Tour

Another great way to enjoy the surroundings of Ngwe Saung is by taking a boat tour. Jetting around the open waters is an awesome way to explore the area and spend a day with a knowledgeable local guide! 

You’ll be able to stop at different nearby islands, hop in the water for a swim, and even snorkel in pristine areas to explore what lives below the surface of the ocean! 

Some Ngwe Saung boat tours also offer more adventurous activities like banana boating as well as fishing, swimming and more. Not to mention, most come with a delicious local lunch included.

Have a Scuba Diving Adventure

Ngwe Saung is home to not only an amazing beach, but an outstanding PADI-certified dive center as well. 

Myanmar Dive Center, located in Ngwe Saung, is available for all your scuba diving needs, wants and desires while in this location. They’ll organize certification and run practicals as well as lead diving excursions for those with experience, making this the perfect activity no matter if you’ve taken a dive before or not!

The staff is well trained, knowledgeable, and will take you to some amazing sites to enjoy all that the underwater world in this area has to offer.

There is some amazing scuba diving in Myanmar, even beyond Ngwe Saung.

One of the best ways to experience all that the underwater world has to offer is by taking a liveaboard trip here. With a liveaboard, you’ll be able to explore the waters of Myanmar, travel to some of the most pristine dive sites and enjoy the luxury of a boat trip with an attentive crew, delicious food and comfortable accommodation.

What could be better?

Where to Stay in Ngwe Saung Beach

There are plenty of places to stay in the village by the beach, most at a reasonable price point and a decent location.

The best thing about these more remote places in Myanmar is that your money goes a long way, so even the most luxurious stays won’t rack up a bill that will completely break the bank.

When looking for hotels in Ngwe Saung, it’s important to note that during low season (May to October) many hotels may be closed. That said, if you can find a place to stay during these months, you’re likely to have the beach all to yourself! 

Budget Option: Soe Ko Ko Beach House

If you’re looking for a super budget stay, it doesn’t get much better than Soe Ko Ko. These beach-style bungalows start at around $10 and have a rustic charm you won’t get anywhere else. 

The property has a lovely garden, a bar and a full service restaurant with a delicious breakfast included in every booking, It’s close to the beach with a lovely atmosphere, extra kind staff, and local flair that’s sure to make your stay in Ngwe Saung a memorable one!

Compare prices and check availability: Booking.com | Agoda

Mid-Range Option: Blue Water Resort

Moving into mid-range stays, Blue Water Resort is an idyllic place if you’re looking for some fun on your trip.

With rooms surrounding a large swimming pool and hangout area, there are plenty of places to relax from your private patio, to the poolside bar to the many seating areas throughout.

While the rooms aren’t anything to write home about, they’re clean, air conditioned, reasonably priced and nearby the beach, so there shouldn’t be much to complain about here!

Compare prices and check availability: Booking.com | Agoda

Luxury Option: The Village Resort

Finally, if you don’t mind splurging a little bit on your Ngwe Saung vacation, spring for a room at the Village Resort, a swanky upscale hotel on the beachfront.

The accommodations here are nothing short of luxurious, with posh rooms outfitted with private balconies and sea views, as well as a swimming pool that overlooks the ocean and contiental breakfast.

You’ll certainly feel like you’re living large at this four-star property without the steep price tag that often comes along with it. Enjoy it while you can!

Compare prices and check availability: Booking.com | Agoda

So there you have it – everything you need to start planning your trip to Ngwe Saung. The beaches in Myanmar cannot be missed, so get a move on before the secret gets out about this heavenly place on earth!

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Going to Myanmar? Check out our other articles

• Myanmar Travel Tips
• Yangon Itinerary: A 3-Day Guide to the Best of Yangon
• 8 Places to Visit in Myanmar that You Can’t Miss
• What to Do in Inle Lake: A Complete Guide

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