Accessible by bus from Yangon, Chaung Tha is a small beach resort town that’s popular with locals and, increasingly, tourists. While Chaung Tha doesn’t have the upmarket resorts you’ll find at nearby Ngwe Saung, it’s home to a selection of simple hotels right on the beach.
Longtail © fischerfotos
Less popular with foreign tourists than Ngapali Beach or nearby Ngwe Saung, Chaung Tha is a fun beach resort that’s popular with middle class Yangonites. Famous for its fresh seafood, Chaung Tha attracts visitors from November until April before closing down in low season.
A little over five hours from Yangon, Chaung Tha is one of Myanmar’s most accessible beach resorts. Although it’s far from beautiful, the beach at Chaung Tha is a great place to relax and enjoy a different side of Myanmar.
Beach Soccer © fischerfotos
Things to Do in Chaung Tha Beach
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Beaches
Since Chaung Tha tends to attract more locals and fewer foreign tourists than nearby Ngwe Saung, it’s mostly geared towards family entertainment. Vendors line the beach offering food and drinks, along with inflatable inner tubes for kids and teenagers.
You’ll find the quietest parts of the beach in front of the resorts, most of which have chairs and umbrellas set up for their guests. Since Chaung Tha is only two kilometres long — significantly smaller than nearby Ngwe Saung — it tends to be the more crowded of the two beaches. -
Snorkelling
Fins, masks and snorkels are available for rent from vendors along Chaung Tha Beach. While the water isn’t spectacular, there are a couple of rock and coral formations off the beach that are fun to snorkel around.
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Pokala and Sandy Island
Five minutes from Chaung Tha Beach by ferry, Pokala Island is a small island that’s home to some of the region’s cleanest and prettiest beaches. Sandy Island, which is about 20 minutes from Chaung Tha, is a great place to relax, snorkel and enjoy the region’s natural beauty.
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Fishing
Fishing trips for groups and individuals are available from Chaung Tha Beach. Most fishing trips leave early in the morning — expect to depart by 8 am or earlier — and arrive back at the beach shortly after noon.
Best Mid Range Hotels in Chaung Tha Beach
- Hill Garden Hotel
Located north of Chaung Tha Beach, Hill Garden Hotel offers a selection of simple three-star bungalows in a quiet location. From the resort, guests can walk to several quiet beaches, as well as the main beach at Chaung Tha. - Thiri Hotel
Thiri Hotel is a clean and modern hotel located right on Chaung Tha Beach. Rooms are clean and simple, with basic furniture and minimal decoration. The hotel’s large outdoor swimming pool is a nice place to relax in between trips to the beach. - Belle Resort
Clean and convenient, Belle Resort is a four-star resort located right on the beach. The resort offers a range of comfortable bungalows, some of which have sea views. Note that electricity infrastructure around Chaung Tha is limited and may be cut early in the morning.
Best Budget Hotels in Chaung Tha Beach
- Alliance Resort Hotel
Unfortunately, budget accommodation in Chaung Tha varies in quality and rarely offers great value for money, with the few options available fairly uncomfortable and overpriced compared to the area’s mid range hotels.
Alliance Resort Hotel is a clean, conveniently located two-star hotel close to the beach that’s one of the area’s better budget hotels. Rooms are extremely simple and guests might run into the occasional power cut, particularly late at night and early in the morning.
Places to Eat and Drink in Chaung Tha Beach
- Pasta Fresca Restaurant
Located close to the Alliance Resort Hotel on Chaung Tha Beach, Pasta Fresca is a small Italian restaurant that serves excellent pasta and pizza. - Fresh Seafood
Chaung Tha Beach is famous for its seafood, which is freshly caught during the night and sold to the area’s restaurants early in the morning. A selection of good seafood restaurants can be found along Chaung Thar Road, opposite the beach. - Beach Vendors
Chaung Tha’s beach vendors offer a great selection of snacks and grilled food right on the beach. Grilled seafood is particularly popular and easy to find, with vendors along the entire beach offering a selection of freshly prepared items.
How to Get to Chaung Tha Beach
By Bus
- The bus from Yangon to Chaung Tha leaves at 6 am daily, making the 260 kilometre trip in around six hours. Along the way, the bus stops at several restaurants and roadside markets to give passengers a chance to eat and stretch their legs.
- Some Yangon taxi drivers will be willing to make the trip to Chaung Tha, although the rate is likely to be quite high as few drivers are able to secure a return fare. Some drivers might be able to stay in Chaung Tha for several days and provide return transportation.
Nearest Airport To Chaung Tha Beach
The nearest airport to Chaung Tha Beach is Yangon International. Check Skyscanner to compare airlines for the best prices and flight times to Yangon.
