Tanintharyi Division: Island Nature, Beaches and Culture

Tanintharyi Division can be explored from several perspectives: its island and marine nature, beaches, and cultural features. The following place references offer specific starting points, from island and seascapes to the beaches and traditions of Dawei District.

The Myeik Archipelago in the Myanmar travel region

The Myeik Archipelago comprises about 800 islands, mostly made of limestone and granite. Within the broader travel region of Myanmar, the Myeik Archipelago forms a distinct island area. The islands are covered in humid evergreen lowland forest and surrounded by an extensive coral reef system. Mangrove forests, beach and dune forests, and seagrass meadows contribute to the archipelago’s biodiversity. Together, these features show the variety of landscapes and habitats in the Myeik Archipelago.

Lampi Island

Lampi Island is hilly, rising steeply from sea level to 270 metres. These changes in elevation shape the island’s character and create a striking landscape contrast with the surrounding sea.

In Lampi Marine National Park

In Lampi Marine National Park, evergreen forests, sandy beaches and mangroves are habitats for bottlenose dolphins, whale sharks, hornbills and flying foxes. During the open season, visitors can explore several areas of interest there: marine life and coral reefs, three types of forest and rare bird species, as well as Salon culture. Factor the open season into your travel plans.

Visitors can take boat trips through bays and channels and along two rivers that flow year-round in the park. Salet Galet is a sheltered anchorage in Lampi Marine National Park. Activities available there include jungle trekking, fishing, snorkelling and kayaking. Check current access to the park activities mentioned before your trip.

Beaches and nature in Dawei District

Beaches in Dawei District include Maungmagan Beach, Myin Kwar Aou Beach, Poe Poe Kyauk Beach and Sam Hlam Beach. Maungmagan Hot Springs are also in Dawei District. A description from 2019 links Maungmagan Beach with local traditions and customs; it cites the sunsets as an attraction for visitors from Myanmar and abroad.

Culture and crafts in Dawei District

Traditional cultural features of Dawei District include Dawei paso; Dawei pottery is another named cultural theme. A description from 2019 also mentions businesses in the district that weave longyis. The paso and pottery are cultural features alongside weaving as a craft activity.

Scenic destinations in Kawthoung District

Named attractions in Kawthoung District include Ma Li Wam Waterfall and the 555 Hill Viewpoint. The names refer to different landscape features: a waterfall and a viewpoint. They add other named nature destinations to the beach and island themes.

Discover more destinations: Kawthaung, Mergui, Dawei, Maungmagan; also Kayin State, Ayeyarwady, Sagaing Region and Magway Region.

See the broader travel overview: Myanmar.