A culture-nature journey to Ngapali Beach

Yangon, or Rangoon as it was once known, is the gateway to Myanmar for most travelers. Though no longer the capital, Yangon remains Myanmar’s commercial heart and also the core of its spiritual life. The city has got a lot of contrasts, with the gentle bustle of traditional shophouses sitting side by side with the stark grandeur of 19th-century facades. A city tour might begin with the gleaming golden Shwedagon Paya, one of Yangon's most compelling attractions. Wandering around the warren of historic streets closer to the waterfront is a great way to learn about the city's colonial-era history. Further afield, visit the intriguing old cities of Amarapura, home to an ancient and famous teak bridge, over a kilometer long, and the incredible stupas from Sagaing. Jump aboard the Yangon Circle train, the most popular form of travel for local Yangonites, as it trundles along 29 miles of bumpy track through the city’s suburbs. Commuters, monks and snack-selling vendors hop on and off; spend time at some stops visiting tea shops and local markets nearby. Explore the Chinatown lying between Shwedaungtan and Shwedagon Pagoda streets. Starting from the 19th street to experience the street food in Yangon; outside seating, bustling local life and a boozy night scene. The Maha Bandula road is one of the busier for street food in Yangon. The area varies from with street food from delicious shan noodles and fried street foods to insects and cooked innards.

Ngapali Beach is considered one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful beaches. With white sands that stretch for 3km and the crystal clear waters of the Bay of Bengal , this is an idyllic and exotic retreat after soaking up the Burmese culture. The beach was allegedly named by a foreigner to reflect the Italian city of Napoli. Seems to be untouched by tourism, Ngapali’s idyllic coastline is punctuated by little more than a few bungalow-style resorts. There are always fishermen pottering about, and ox-drawn carts traversing the soft, virtually empty sands. It has a relaxed, fishing-village vibe, free from any noisy beach bars or pushy hawkers, and you’ll feel yourself instantly relax as you gaze towards the tranquil horizon. The beach on Ngapali is a perfect setting for swimming, sunning, and watersports. Try snorkeling or kayaking around the nearby mangrove forests. Hire a boat to explore offshore islands or rent bicycles for a trip to the fishing villages. Play golf in a golf course near Ngapali village or take in the view from a hot-air balloon to explore the area around Ngapali and Thandwe. Ngapali beach offers one of the best spots for you to watch the sun sinking into the Bay of Bengal. Restaurants on the beach are an excellent place to enjoy freshly caught tiger prawns as the daylight fades to night. Like in many parts of Myanmar, the nights in Ngapali is so peaceful without crowds and noises. People just meet for a few drinks during happy hour and take their time to relax on the beach that keeps Ngapali Beach a tranquil destination.