Chaungtha Beach
 

Ngpali seems to be the primary beach destination in Myanmar, which makes the trip to Chaungtha all the more rewarding. Chaungtha is an excellent place to spend the end of your trip when you find you have a few extra days before your flight out of Yangon, and to refresh after a long journey. Chaungtha's beaches are wonderfully quiet and you will not see any of the tourist infastructure evident on other beaches throughout South-East Asia. No hawkers, save for the ladies who come to sell freshly baked shrimp or other seafood treats. They even bring the table with them! Days at Chaungtha are peaceful and relaxing and seem to pass by before you know it.

Perhaps the only downside to visiting Chaungtha is the road one has to pass to arrive here. It is best to catch a nice big bus from Yangon and make the trip directly, rather than to catch a bus from nearby Pathein. Though Pathein is only 36km from Chaungtha, the road takes anywhere from 2-3 hours to get across, even now that they have built a bridge and you no longer need to take a ferry. This gruelling part of the trip is best done in a comfortable air-conditioned bus rather than the ancient, local buses that run from Pathein.

 
 
 
The temple within a rock adds character to Chaungtha beach.

During the full moon the tides can be quite strong, but all the better an excuse for lying on the beach and soaking up the sun like prawns on a grill! Evenings are spent trying out every delicious seafood spot in town (of which there are many) and enjoying what is probably the best selection of restaurants in Myanmar. And every sunset in Chauntha seems to be picture-perfect.

Although Chaungtha doesn't boast any sort of party scene for the traveller, it's a small town and you will quickly find a lot of friends among the people who live and work here.

A worthwhile activity is to take the boat out to nearby Whitesand Island. The tiny island is uninhabited save for a monk and some apprenctices who are rebuilding the pagoda which was destroyed by the Dec. 26 typhoon. The area has excellent snorkelling if the waves are not too strong and the deserted beach gives one a wonderful cast-away feeling. If you make a request at one of the restaurants in town, they will make you a picnic lunch and help you to arrange snorkelling and fishing gear.
But do beware Whitesand during strong surf. Our friend looked as though he had been attacked by sharks after the waves threw him into some rocks while snorkelling.
 
Indeed, Chaungtha is all about hanging out with friends old and new.    
     
   
 
If you've really had enough of the beach, you can head into town for the morning market. If you arrive early enough you can buy fresh seafood, providing your hotel or guesthouse can help out with cooking facilities.
Who is this mysteriously happy looking vendor and what is he selling? Burlap bags??
 
I've said it before and I'll say it again: Chaungtha is the best place to end a tour of Myanmar. Wash away the grubbiness of travelling and enjoy not having anything on your must-see schedule. Myanmar is so overwhelmingly beautiful and you risk burning yourself out while running around to see all of the sights. A stay at the beach is the best way to refresh yourself and enjoy the pleasure of doing nothing.
   
No sandcastles being built in Chaungtha, but you are apt to come across a sand pagoda instead.
 
   
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