Sittwe
Sittwe, called Akyab by the Bengalese and Saitway by the Arakanese, is and has always been an important entrepot on the way to the Indian Subcontinent. Situated where the mighty Kaladan enters the Gulf of Bengal, Sittwe always benefited from its favourable geographical position. At the dawn of the British Colonial Empire, Sittwe profited from the trade with Chittagong (and on to Calcutta) and thus became quite important. Today not much is left of its Golden Age. However, Sittwe is the gate to Mrauk Oo and also the gate to the beaches of Ngapali. Accommodation in Sittwe has medium standards.
Mrauk Oo
A boatride on the mighty Kaladan takes about 5 to 6 hours to reach Mrauk Oo from Sittwe. This place was once the centre of the glorious medieval kingdom by the same name. The formidable Shittaung Temple, dating back to those times, is one of the many imposing stone temples still to be seen. A visit to Mrauk Oo can be highly recommended! Excavations in Vesali, 2000 years old, as well as excursions to the villages of the people of Thet and Chin complete the picture of our Mrauk Oo program. Good accommodation is available.
The Beaches
Ngapali, Ngwe Saung and Chaungtha are the key destinations for delightful beach holidays in Myanmar. Sand beaches skirted by palm trees, as far as the eye can reach and as backdrop the deep blue sea with all its manifold shades of the colour blue – today this paradise can be savoured by all tourist coming to Myanmar. Beach hotels of all categories are available, new ones continuously being built. Best known are presently the beaches of Ngapali which can be reached after a short transfer from Thandwe/Sandoway Airport. From Sittwe it takes a 30 minutes airtravel to reach Thandwe, from Yangon it takes one hour and it can also be reached easily from Heho. Hotels of all categories and for all purses are available..
Silver Beach
Silver Beach, the white beaches of Ngwe Saung, is located 45 km west of Pathein. It takes a 5 hour bumpy road drive to reach this paradise. The alternative is traveling by river boat (1 night on board). Silver Beach offers very good accommodation.
Chaungtha
Chaungtha, close to Ngwe Saung, is the newcomer on the list of the Burmese Beach worlds and already it has adequate accommodation.