What is Ngapali like?
Myanmar is world-famous for the temples in Bagan and balancing fishermen at Inle Lake. Getting here can be a little challenging, so what better way to close off your Myanmar itinerary than at one of Asia’s most beautiful beaches?! Ngapali Beach, with its calm waters and beautiful views, is one of the best places to see in the country.
The whole beach area already offers many hotels, with most of them built in a way that blends together with the incredible nature. (Compared to some other beach destinations)
7 Things To Do in Ngapali
Ngapali is all about the beach and its surroundings. Take about 3 to 4 days to really experience and to get to know this area. It’s not a destination where you can do many tourist activities like parasailing or jet skiing – Ngapali is as pure as possible. Here are the best things to do in Ngapali.
1. Explore Ngapali by bicycle
Ngapali is a quiet area with one long main road along the coastline. Rent a bike and head out early in the morning, sometime around 8:30 AM. The road is about 10 kilometers long, so you will be back before the heat of the afternoon.
You can rent a bike (sometimes e-bikes) at your hotel, some small tourist shops on the main road, or at local restaurants. Bike prices vary but generally cost about 3,50 USD per day.
Tip: At sunset, the tide is low, making it possible to bike down Ngapali Beach.
2. Meet the friendly locals
While driving your bike in the morning, keep an eye out for some small side paths that lead into the jungle. Get in there and drive around with your bike and interact with the friendly locals who always greet you with a smile. They will be fascinated by your appearance and will try to communicate in ‘the best language’: body language.
3. Boat tour in the early morning
The local fishermen on Ngapali Beach offer a boat tour where you can visit the island just off the coast and one of the fishing villages, as well as do a bit of snorkeling.
5. Get a super fresh meal
Fresh fish is the signature food at Ngapali, and many restaurants offer anything from fish curry and grilled calamari to huge shrimp and many more dishes. These were our favorite places to eat:
- Mingalaba ♥️♥️♥️♥️
- PVI ♥️♥️♥️
- Jones Pizza ♥️♥️
- Two Brothers ♥️♥️ (great food, bad service)
6. Relax a day (or two) on Ngapali Beach
Ngapali is all about the beach, with plenty of space for everyone. Bring your towel with you and find a good spot near the palm trees. :-)
There are a few ladies who walk on the beach selling fruits, and in the late afternoon, locals come out to play with their children in the sea.
If you’re done with relaxing, there are a few small local stalls down the beach that rent water floaties and paddleboards – perfect for that sunset moment.
7. Get a snap with the famous palm tree
On social media, Ngapali is mainly known for its perfect hanging palm tree. You’ll find it located right next to Art of Sand Resort.
How to Get to Ngapali
Getting to Ngapali is easiest by plane but definitely not the cheapest. A direct flight (45 minutes) from Yangon to Thandwe Airport (15 minutes from Ngapali) costs about 75 USD during the high season.
If you are planning to visit Ngapali from Bagan or Inle Lake, expect to spend about 90 USD for a direct flight (70 minutes).
On a budget?
The bus from Yangon to Ngapali takes 15 hours and costs around 14.000 kyats (9 USD) per person. From Bagan, there is no direct bus, and it takes roughly 24 hours to get to Ngapali. Because of this, you might want to budget for a flight.
Where to Stay
As it’s such a beautiful location, hotels and guesthouses in Ngapali are not the cheapest in Myanmar. Guesthouses are anywhere from $15 to $30 per night, and luxury hotels range from $100 to $250 a night.
When you purchase something through our links we earn a small fee. However, you still pay the same. Win-win!
- Find Hotels via Booking.com
- Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
- Find Flights to Ngapali Beach via Skyscanner
- Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
- Book Tours & Attractions via Viator
- Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go
Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.
Which app you used to edit those pictures? So gorgeous :)
Hi Stella,
Thanks! We use Adobe Lightroom and our presets which you can buy here https://www.saltinourhair.com/presets/