Plizio Visual Lab
Thandwe
ℹ️Practical info — Thandwe
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Most travelers fly into Thandwe Airport (SNW) to reach the nearby Ngapali Beach.
- Visit the three ancient hilltop stupas (Andaw, Nandaw, Sandaw) as a sunrise circuit for the best views.
- Use shared taxis for the 7 km trip between the town and the beach to save money and travel like a local.
- Visit the central market (Zay Gyi) early in the morning to see fresh seafood and local produce.
- Be aware that many resorts and services close during the monsoon season from May to October.
🍽 Food
A spicy and flavorful regional specialty made with fresh coastal shrimp and local spices.
The catch of the day, best enjoyed at the small beachfront eateries near Gyeik Taw fishing village.
Try the local version of this fish soup at the morning market for the most authentic flavor.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
High-quality preserved fish and shrimp from the local market are a regional specialty.
Handcrafted ornaments made from local seashells, often sold along the main beach road.
Traditional hand-woven fabrics with distinct regional patterns, available in town boutiques.
The highest of the three hilltops, offering panoramic views and a very peaceful atmosphere.
A short boat ride from the shore, this spot is excellent for quiet snorkeling away from the main beach.
A walk through this traditional fishing settlement gives a glimpse into authentic local life.
Water temperature…
Thandwe (formerly Sandoway) lies on Myanmar's western coast in Rakhine State, 408 kilometres northwest of Yangon, with around 60,000 inhabitants. The town is one of the oldest in the region - tradition holds that it was founded in the 6th century and was one of the four ancient royal cities of Arakan. After the First Anglo-Burmese War (1824-1826) and the Treaty of Yandabo, the region passed to Britain (British Burma 1886-1948). Thandwe is famous as the gateway to Ngapali Beach, Myanmar's most exclusive seaside resort, with fine white sand and crystal-clear water. The name Ngapali is said to recall Naples - reportedly given by Italian colonial officials. Thandwe Airport links the region with Yangon. The local economy rests on tourism (before 2020), fishing and rice farming.
- Location: Myanmar (Burma)
- Nearby: Ngapali Beach (8 km)
- Population: ~2.004 (2025)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 23 | 24 | 26 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 26 | 24 |
| Rain mm | 7 | 1 | 8 | 25 | 119 | 265 | 347 | 264 | 177 | 126 | 21 | 9 |
Geography
Facts
- Bevölkerung ca. 60.000
- 408 km nordwestlich von Yangon
- Eine der vier alten Königsstädte Arakans
- Gegründet im 6. Jh. laut Überlieferung
- Britisch durch Vertrag von Yandabo 1826
- Britisch-Birma 1886-1948
- Tor zum Ngapali-Strand
- Name 'Ngapali' soll an Neapel erinnern
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Thandwe (1)
Frequently asked questions
What is the attraction in Thandwe?
Is it a tourist destination?
When to travel?
How to get there?
Is it family-friendly?
Thandwe: where is it located?
Thandwe: when is the best time to visit?
Thandwe: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
Nature
More places
