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The deep south of Myanmar, known today as Tanintharyi Region (တနသၤာရီတိုင္း), is a beach bum’s dream. The coastline consists of long, sandy beaches fronting a vast archipelago of more than 800 largely uninhabited islands, most of which have seen very few visitors. Away from the beaches, the few significant towns here are all ports, which have centuries of history behind them as trading posts with both the East and West.
Trade brought foreigners to Tanintharyi as far back as 1545, when a Portuguese expeditionary chronicle refers to Tanancarim, somewhere along the northwest coast of the Thai–Malay Peninsula. That Portuguese rendering became Tenasserim in later European records, the name by which the region was known under British rule. These days, Tanintharyi's proximity to Thailand means that there is a constant movement of both goods and people across the border, with many locals going to Thailand as migrant workers.
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Tanintharyi Region.
Beach
Backed by thick jungle, this splendid white-sand beach curves around a natural bay that is fine for swimming. On weekdays, you are likely to have it to yourself. There's OK snorkeling at the northern end of the beach; bring your own gear. There's a sole guesthouse: Myanmar Paradise Beach Bungalows and a few restaurants in the nearby village. It's also possible to camp here, but we don't advise it as stray dogs may trash your tent and belongings.
Island
Home to three notable diving sites: Shark Cave, an underwater canyon with sharks and rich coral; In Through the Out Door, an underwater passage with several species of coral; and OK Rock, supposedly a good destination for diving at any time. The islets are a few miles north of Kyun Philar (Great Swinton Island).
Island
Home to Lampi Island Marine National Park, the only marine park in Myanmar, and thought to be one of the least-disturbed island habitats in Southeast Asia. There are Bamar and Moken villages here.
Island
There's a superb horseshoe-shaped bay at the south of this island, which is where you'll find the Boulder Bay Eco Resort, and a couple of fine beaches.
Island
One of the Myeik Archipelago's premier diving sites. This rocky, remote outpost is home to clear water and rich sea life, including manta rays (typically around March).
Island
An underwater cave that has been known to draw sharks makes this arguably the Myeik Archipelago's finest dive site.
Beach
Dawei's most accessible beach, Maungmagan is a wide, sandy strip spanning approximately 7 miles along a pretty bay. On weekdays, and outside holiday periods, it's still relaxed. Maungmagan is the only beach in the region that is at all developed, with an increasing number of guesthouses springing up, as well as beachside restaurants. It makes a good base for exploring the more remote beaches in the area.
Notable Building
This pale-green, colonial-era building could almost be a church. It's not open to the public, but you can take photos from the garden in front of it.
Island
Directly opposite Myeik's harbour, this island is named for its two prominent hills. There are no beaches on the island. Instead, a large, hollow reclining buddha, Atula Shwethalyaung, sits close to the boat landing. At 66m, it’s the third-longest reclining buddha in Myanmar, although it is actually hollow with an interior walkway lined with comic-strip-like stories of the Buddha’s past lives. There are two villages on the island and a couple of pagodas that offer decent views across to Myeik.