Maungmagan Beach, Dawei, in the South of Myanmar was a true surprise for us. We were actually just expecting the Southeast Asian paradise-beaches in the South of Thailand and were excited to see that the Dawei Beaches, in South Myanmar, are absolutely beautiful as well.
The most famous of those paradise beaches near Dawei, Myanmar and one of the best beaches in Myanmar in general, is the Maungmagan Beach.
In the following, I want to tell you more about the Dawei, Myanmar Beaches, especially the Maungmagan Beach, for your ultimate Southern Myanmar Travel experience.
What to find out in this post
Dawei
Dawei is a dreamy little port town in the South of Myanmar. This part of the country just opened recently for tourists and is therefore, still a great destination if you are looking for an off the beaten path experience.
Dawei Facts
- The actual name is Tavoy
- Used to be a kingdom that was often fought by Burma and Siam (Former Thailand)
- 1989 renamed to Dawei
- One of the three wettest lowland tropical regions in the world
Where is Dawei?
Best time to visit Dawei?
Best travel time
Mid October – February
Hot Temperatures in Dawei
March – May
Rainy Season in Dawei
June – September
How to get to Dawei
Getting to Dawei by bus
If you are already inside the country, you might want to take a bus. Anyway, the roads leading to Dawei aren’t in a really good condition yet as the South of Myanmar just recently opened for tourism. The easiest option to book public transport in Southeast Asia online is 12Go Asia.
Powered by 12Go Asia system
Getting to Dawei by plane
Another option to get to Dawei that doesn’t involve traveling by road is getting there by plane. You can take planes to Dawei from either Yangon or Bangkok. Check for the best flight deals with Kiwi.
Your first time in Myanmar?
Make sure to check out our Ultimate Myanmar Guide with important info and practical tips before your trip to Myanmar.
How to get to the Beaches around Dawei
One option to get to Maungmagan or the other Dawei Beaches is to rent a motorcycle and drive there by yourself. The condition of the roads leading to Maungmagan Beach is quite good, so, driving there is not that complicated. Anyway, the roads leading to the other beaches around Dawei are pretty bad and therefore, we don’t recommend going there by yourself.
Another option to get there is to go by (Motorcycle) Taxi or tuk-tuk. Ask in your accommodation about prices and recommendations. They are happy to help you.
Maungmagan Beach, Dawei
Maungmagan Beach, Myanmar and the Ngapali Beach are the most popular and famous Myanmar Beaches. The Maungmagan is located around 12 km from Dawei and is therefore, the nearest beach from the harbor town. The name Maungmagan Beach can roughly be translated to “the beach where the emperor’s concubines bath”. It became popular during the first dynasty of Burma. Moreover, it used to be a famous place during the English colonial period.
Nowadays, this beach is still a place well-visited by locals. Especially during the weekends, many Burmese families come here to spend their free time. Therefore, if you would like to visit this stunning beach you might want to get here during weekdays to enjoy the beach all by yourself.
The Maungmagan Beach is not the typical palm-tree beach that you might have in mind when thinking about Southeast Asian blissful beaches. Here, you can find mostly pine trees around. However, this doesn’t make this beach less beautiful. The crystal-clear water, as well as the white sand, are simply stunning.
After enjoying the beach and the sea, there are a bunch of restaurants waiting for you to enjoy some fresh seafood and typical Burmese food and the amazing view over the beach. If you aren’t satisfied yet you can have a relaxing nap in one of the hammocks offered along the beach.
Maungmagan is amazing Dawei Myanmar Beach for a half-day or day-trip. However, if you are looking for a true paradisiacal beach, you might want to check out one of the other beaches around Dawei as well.
Are you visiting Myanmar on a Budget?
If you want to save some money while visiting Myanmar you might want to check our Ultimate Myanmar Budget Guide including our complete 27-day Myanmar cost.
Other Dawei Beaches
Nabule Beach
The Nabule Beach can be hard to find as it is a little bit hidden. It’s located about 18 km North of Maungmagan Beach. But after arriving here, it is absolutely worth it as you will most probably not find anyone else at this beach besides some little shops.
The beach consists of deep yellow sand and is a perfect place to relax.
San Maria Bay
San Maria Bay is about an 45 Minutes drive from the Maungmagan Beach. Getting here is way more complicated than getting to Maungmagan Beach and the condition of the roads is poor. You can find the San Maria Bay when driving from the Maungmagan Beach when driving in the direction of the Myawwyik Pagoda which is quite famous in the area.
The San Maria Bay is a gorgeous beach providing the ultimate paradise-feeling and you will most probably not find anyone else there.
Teyzit Beach
Another beach which is said to be the most beautiful of the region is the Teyzit beach. It offers amazingly white sand and absolutely clear water. There is a little fishing village nearby, so, you can usually find a lot of local kids around here.
You even have the option to go to the little islands nearby by longtail boat.
Everything packed?
Check out everything you should (not) take with you when traveling to Southeast Asia in our Ultimate Packing Lists for her and him.
Travel Insurance for Myanmar
When visiting Myanmar (or any other destination), you should never go without travel insurance. Make sure to check out the most popular insurance for travelers and backpackers: World Nomads.
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Myanmar and its beaches have been on my list for far too long, and with your tips for great beaches I think I will definitely aim to visit still this year!
Hi Taru,
Thanks for your comment! I am sure you will love the beaches there 🙂
Wow Dawei beaches looks like totally undiscovered yet and beautiful. Would love to visit them .Thanks for sharing info
Hi Madhu,
Thanks for your comment! I can absolutely recommend you to go if you have the chance 🙂
hi,
Great pictures – beaches look stunning. Where did you stay? Near the beaches or in town? Any recommendations?
Hi Max,
Thank you for your comment! We stayed directly in Dawei and went to see the beaches by moto 🙂