Yangon is Myanmar's largest city and former capital, a humid river port where the golden Shwedagon Pagoda rises above a downtown of colonial buildings, tea shops, markets and Buddhist temples.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Yangon.
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- relaxed resort strip with long, quiet stretches of sand
- resorts and guesthouses
- beach restaurants
- sunbeds
- motorbike rental
Ngwe Saung Beach
A 15-kilometre sandy beach with calm bays, palm groves and a string of resorts, the usual overnight beach escape from Yangon.
Editor’s tip. Travel from Yangon by morning bus to arrive before dark; the journey takes 5-6 hours.
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- busy, family-friendly domestic holiday beach with seafood stalls
- bungalows and hotels
- seafood restaurants
- boat trips
- sunbeds
Chaung Tha Beach
A busy sandy beach popular with Myanmar families, with a beachfront promenade, seafood restaurants and inexpensive bungalows.
Editor’s tip. Avoid weekends and public holidays if a quieter beach is wanted; crowds peak around the promenade.
Beaches by vibe
Pick by the mood you want — quiet, social, family, or active — and we point you at where that style lives along the coast.
Ngwe Saung
Ngwe Saung
Quiet, resort-style, palm-fringed
Chaung Tha
Chaung Tha
Lively, local-family beach
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Yangon memorable.
Practical beach info
What to know before you head to the coast — season, getting there, facilities, and what it costs.
Best season
November-April is dry; June-October is monsoon with rough seas and closed resorts.
Beach Type
Sandy beaches on the Bay of Bengal in Ayeyarwady Region, 5-6 hours by road from Yangon.
Getting Around
Buses from Aung Mingalar Highway Bus Terminal or private car with driver; sea conditions affect boat trips.
Public Beaches
Public access is free; some resorts charge non-guests for sunbeds.
Water Quality
Generally good away from river mouths; check local conditions.
Beach Clubs
Beachfront resorts operate pools and restaurants; beach clubs are few.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Yangon’s coast.
How far is Ngwe Saung Beach from Yangon?
It is about 270 km west of Yangon, a drive of roughly 5-6 hours by bus or private car. Buses depart from the Aung Mingalar Highway Bus Terminal.
From the Ngwe Saung Beach editorial.
When is the best time to visit Ngwe Saung Beach?
November to April is the dry season, with calmer seas and clearer water. The monsoon from May to October brings rough surf, rain and reduced services.
From the Ngwe Saung Beach editorial.
How far is Chaung Tha Beach from Yangon?
It is about 230 km west of Yangon, roughly 5-6 hours by road. Buses leave from the Aung Mingalar Highway Bus Terminal.
From the Chaung Tha Beach editorial.
When is the best time to visit Chaung Tha Beach?
November to April is the dry season, with calmer water and better weather. The monsoon from May to October brings rough seas and rain.
From the Chaung Tha Beach editorial.