Kawthaung Travel Guide: Top Attractions and Tips for 2025

Known as Victoria Point during the colonial era, Kawthaung is one of Myanmar's most well-known towns and a major commercial hub. Located at the southernmost tip of Myanmar in the Tanintharyi Region, Kawthaung (also spelled Kawthoung) offers a range of exciting activities. Cruises, live-aboard options, and day outings by speedboat from Kawthaung provide charming sightseeing and excellent shopping opportunities.

If you're planning a trip to this hidden gem, keep reading this article. It covers everything you need to know about Kawthaung, including top things to do, must-visit places, and activities that first-time visitors should try

What is Kawthaung famous for?

Although it may not be the most aesthetically pleasing place to visit in Myanmar, this multicultural town is famous for plenty to see, such as the beaches and waterfalls close by. If you are in the area, you should definitely check out the well-liked Maliwan Waterfall.

Like most Myanmar towns, there are a number of charming pagodas that you may spend some time exploring if you’re looking for some culture.

The famous Andaman Club Resort Hotel, which is well-known for its casino and is the only place to gamble on this side of Myanmar, is another popular tourist destination and activity in Kawthaung.

Boat cruises, including those that include diving and snorkeling excursions, are becoming more available as coastal tourism begins to develop and grow more quickly. Since tourism is still in its infancy, be extremely cautious about safety regulations and ensure that you feel comfortable using any equipment.

Kawthaung is situated in the southernmost part of Myanmar

How many islands are there in Kawthaung?

Kawthaung is among the entrances to the Mergui Archipelago. It provides a wide range of tour packages and is encircled by more than 800 natural islands.  In Kawthaung, visiting Kawthaung beaches is the ideal way to create lifelong memories and engage in exciting activities. Kawthaung City is the perfect destination if you are searching for thrilling outdoor activities to partake in during your upcoming vacation.

What to do in Kawthaung: Top activities and must-try attractions

There are a number of fascinating sites and tourist attractions in the coastal city of Kawthaung. The Pan Chan River and the Andaman Sea, which are divided by the Myanmar-Thailand boundary, encompass the entire town.  Here is a list of things to do in Kawthaung.

1. Go island hopping

It is possible to start island hopping from Kawthaung. You can get from island to island by renting a boat. Horse Shoe Island, Dunkin Island, 115 Island, Cocks Comb Island, and Zadetkyi Island are the most frequently visited islands.

2. Visit  Pyi Daw Aye Pagoda

Pyi Daw Aye Pagoda is the golden Buddha shrine on the hilltop. In addition to being a stunning Burmese Buddha temple, it offers a stunning perspective of the Thai mountains, the Kraburi River, and the town across the way. This temple is located on Bogyoke Road downtown and is full of vendors with Kawthaung local food, beverages, and souvenirs here.

Around the huge Bodhi tree in the pagoda area are eight shrines that symbolize the days of the week. To meditate and find peace of mind, the locals and travelers can visit the Kawthaung famous place.

Pyi Daw Aye Pagoda is the golden Buddha shrine on the hilltop

3. Walk around Myo Ma Market

This is the biggest market and is usually crowded in Kawthaung. Fish, meat, and vegetables are just a few of the many flavors and smells that can be found at the Myo Ma Indoor Market in downtown Kawthaung.  You may find anything in the market, including toys, electronics, home goods, culinary items, clothes, and shoes. Here, one can learn about the many cultures of the region's numerous peoples. You can also find traditional Thai and Burmese food at Kawthaung Myo Ma market.

4. Go kayaking in U Pain beach 

U Pain Beach is easily reached by car or motorcycle and is 9 miles from Kawthaung. The Kawthaung beach Myanmar is surrounded by a stunning sandy beach, rubber plantations, mangrove woods and freshwater streams. To the south of U Pain Garden, visitors can observe a variety of birds.

It is one of the best destinations to visit in the area if you enjoy bird watching, kayaking and playing with the waves. It is also a fantastic site to see the rubber planters' everyday activities close to U Pain Garden. There will be two low tides during the day and you can stroll beside mangroves while it is low. You will be thrilled to sit on the long beach and watch the breathtaking sunset after a day in the heat.

U Pain Beach is easily reached by car or motorcycle and is 9 miles from Kawthaung

5. Explore Bayinnaung Park

Bayinnaung was the famous monarch of several Southeast Asian countries and an influential and powerful member of the Taungoo dynasty. A golden statue of King Bayinnaung stands in the middle of the park and is perched on a hill. You can climb 555 Hill on your way to the park, which offers a broad perspective of the Andaman Sea and the tiny border town of Kawthaung. The name "555 Hill" refers to the elevation of 555 feet above sea level.

From the hill, you can also see Ranoug, a border town. Locals use the Kawthaung destination for working out, leisure, and socializing with many tourists.

How to get to Kawthaung

Kawthaung is accessible from Yangon by bus and airplane. However, weather-related delays in flight services might occur during the rainy season. By bus, it takes about 17 hours to travel from Yangon to Kawthaung. You will save money, but it will take longer.

As an alternative, you can fly to Kawthaung. This will save you time and get there in about an hour. Air travel can come with a higher price tag. It will take ten hours to travel from Dawei to Kawthaung if you want to travel by sea. It takes roughly half an hour to travel by boat from Ranaung, which is the border town of Thailand, to Kawthaung.

Kawthaung is among the entrances to the Mergui Archipelago

Where to stay in Kawthaung

Although there are some accommodation and food options in this relatively small and developing region of Myanmar, there aren't too many choices. You should be able to discover something that fits your trip budget because there are a variety of lodging options, from luxurious hotels to budget backpacker hostels. It is a good idea to make reservations in advance if you are going during a busy time of year.

Victoria Cliff Hotel & Resort, Rung Inn Homestay, Sino Mansion, and Sunnyvale Ranong 1 are a few popular accommodations in Kawthaung, Myanmar.

Where to eat in Kawthaung

The situation regarding restaurant and food options is similar, although the benefit of being in a developing area is that prices are often low.

You will mostly be eating Kawthaung local food, while there are a few restaurants with English menus and Western food options. As you might anticipate from a town so near the border, there is some Thai-inspired cuisine in addition to the delicious curries that are served, and this is always a favorite among local tourists.

When is the best time to visit Kawthaung

November through March is the best time of year to visit Kawthaung since, like most of Myanmar, it is the dry season, with mostly sunny and pleasant Kawthaung weather.

Being close to the coast and in the southernmost point of Myanmar, the impact of the monsoon season is particularly noticeable here. Expect a lot of days with heavy rain, especially from May to September, which can make it a bad time to travel to the area.

Kawthaung nightlife offers a cozy, laid-back experience perfect for unwinding after a day of adventure

Conclusion

Kawthaung offers a unique blend of cultural experiences, natural beauty, and adventure activities. Whether you're interested in exploring unspoiled islands, visiting historical pagodas, or enjoying local cuisine at bustling markets, Kawthaung is an ideal destination for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in Myanmar.

If you're planning a trip to this hidden gem, you can apply for a Myanmar eVisa through our website. The process is simple and convenient. With just a few clicks, you can fill out the online application form, make the payment, and receive your eVisa via email. By applying for your eVisa today, you’ll be one step closer to exploring unique things to do in Kawthaung.