Visit Ngapali: Top 7 Amazing Things To Do & See

Ngapali is a famous destination in Myanmar, known for its beautiful beaches, smooth sand, clear blue sea water and quiet atmosphere. Although it mainly attracts tourists for relaxation, there are also many interesting activities and experiences around Ngapali.

So in this article, I will give you a list of things to do in Ngapali, the best hotels to stay in, the best times to visit and of course, best restaurants in Ngapali to try!

Best time to visit Ngapali

Ngapali, a popular beach destination in Myanmar, experiences a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons.

Cool and Dry Season (November to April): This is the peak tourist season, and it's the best time to visit Ngapali. Temperatures will be comfortable during these months, ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). The sea is calm, making it ideal for swimming, water activities, and enjoying the pristine beaches.

Hot Season (April to May): During the hot season, the temperatures can soar to 35°C (95°F) or higher. Humidity levels also increase during this time, and there may be occasional brief rain showers. While it can still be an attractive time to visit for some visitors, the heat and humidity may make it difficult.

Rainy Season (May to October): Heavy rains and occasional storms can disrupt travel plans, and the sea can be rough, making water activities less enjoyable.

Things to do in Ngapali

Ngapali Beach

Best known for its stretch of fine white sand, Ngapali Beach is one of the top holiday destinations in Myanmar. Its palm trees, crystal clear waters, and hospitable people fulfill every tourist’s tropical paradise fantasy. It is the most popular and accessible beach, offering a variety of beachfront resorts, restaurants, and water activities. You can enjoy leisurely beach walks, sunbathing, and swimming in the calm waters.

Visit Fishing Villages

Jade Taw Fishing Village, located just outside of Ngapali Beach, is a beautiful example of a traditional Rakhine village. You can watch the fishermen sorting and repairing their fishing nets or setting out to sea for the day's catch.

You should arrive as early as possible in the morning if you want to see the unloading of the day's catch.

As you walk through the village, you will notice people drying small fish on straw mats in the hot sun. These dried fish are later made into tasty local snacks.

Visit Zalun Monastery

The monastery has a rich history and is renowned for its architectural beauty. It was built during the reign of King Bodawpaya in the late 18th century.

In addition to visiting the monk, you can explore the rest of the monastery and admire the traditional Burmese architectural style.

The monastery is a wooden structure adorned with intricate carvings and decorations, showcasing the craftsmanship of Burmese artisans. The main hall is supported by numerous teak pillars, and the roof is covered with traditional Burmese tiles.

The journey to the monastery is also an experience in itself, passing through stunning jade paddy fields and charming Rakhine villages.

Kayaking and Sup

When visiting the beach in Ngapali, you should experience kayaking and kayaking to immerse yourself in this place. Many beachfront resorts and water sports operators in Ngapali offer kayak and SUP equipment rental. You can choose from various types of kayaks, including single or double kayaks, as well as different sizes of paddleboards for SUP.

Explore Ngapali by bicycle

Exploring Ngapali by bicycle is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the local culture and natural beauty of this coastal destination in this place.

You can rent bicycles at many hotels and resorts in Ngapali. Some accommodations may provide them for free, while others charge a rental fee.

Visit Thandwe Market

Thandwe Market is a bustling and vibrant marketplace located in the town of Thandwe, which is near the popular beach destination of Ngapali. It is a great place to get fresh, locally sourced fruits, vegetables, and seafood.

The market is also known for its traditional Burmese handicrafts, including textiles, clothing, and woven items. You can browse through a wide selection of colorful longies (traditional Burmese sarongs), bags, baskets, and other artisanal products.

Bird watching

Ngapali is known for hosting a variety of bird species, both resident and migratory. Some of the bird species you may encounter include herons, egrets, kingfishers, sandpipers, plovers, terns, and seagulls, among others.

You can consider joining a guided birdwatching tour led by local experts or birding enthusiasts who are familiar with the area. They can help you locate and identify various bird species and share their knowledge about the local avian population.

Best restaurants in Ngapali

Ngapali Kitchen

The menu at Ngapali Kitchen is dedicated to traditional Burmese cuisine, as well as seafood. Seasonal Rakhine-style dishes, including Rakhine noodle soup and Rakhine curry can be found here. Some say the Kitchen's coconut curry is beyond words.

Ocean Pearl

It is likely a luxurious, elegant and costly restaurant in Ngapali beach. The menu includes a handful of varied seafood, healthy vegetations, and worth-to-try desserts that can highly satisfy even hard to please customers.

Sea Queen

Sea Queen is a charming establishment where guests can have an exceptional time. This family-run business boasts authentic local cuisine prepared by skilled cooks and an uncle who is a fisherman.

Best hotels in Ngapali

Bayview - The Beach Resort

Luxury resort on the secluded section of the most pristine part of the beach. Rated with 4 stars, this high-quality property provides guests with access to massage, restaurant and fitness center on-site.

Thande Beach Resort Ngapali

This hotel is conveniently located in the Ngapali Beach area of Ngapali, close to attractions and interesting dining options. The 4-star hotel offers guests access to the on-site restaurant, hot tub, and indoor pool.

Yoma Cherry Lodge

Yoma Cherry Lodge is located in a village, on a small bay at Ngapali Beach, which is 15 minutes drive from Thandwe Airport and Ngapali Golf Course. You can choose to stay in a room with beach view or garden view, depending on your preferences.