Rakhine and Ayeyerwaddy
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Positives
- Exploration possibilities
- No crowds
- Consistent monsoon swell
- Unique people and countryside
- Independent tourism good for local economy
Negatives
- Wet and onshore swell season
- Repressive dictatorship
- Access restrictions
- Gov. tourism funds regime
Rakhine and Ayeyerwaddy surf travel guide
The best waves are found in Rakhine state, which currently attracts a travel warning unless staying in the long-established, government-run Ngapali Beach resort, so until the country sees a more open regime, most of this beautiful country’s surf will remain in the shadows.
Northern Myanmar is a patchwork of islands and channels with the best potential on the Baronga Islands opposite the regional capital Sittwe however this part of the region is generally off-limits for overland travel as the government tries to enforce tourist segregation and a ban on discussing politics between locals and foreigners. A boat charter is the only realistic option, but getting permits will be nigh on impossible.
Surf spots in Rakhine and Ayeyerwaddy
Research the 8 surf breaks in Rakhine and Ayeyerwaddy and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 8 breaks in Rakhine and Ayeyerwaddy.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Rakhine and Ayeyerwaddy
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Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 3,551,000
- Population
- 54,409,800
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- MMK
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +95
- Dialing out
- 00
- Emergencies
- 999
- Language
- Burmese
Electricity
- Plug Type
- cdfg
Visas
A coup in early 2021 has meant all travel to Myanmar is very risky. If you do plan to go, check the latest visa info before booking a trip.
Getting There
Visa costs about $30 and only lasts 28 days. Most south Asian airlines fly into Yangon (RGN) and from there you can travel by bus or privately hired car (always with a driver) to the west coast beaches (about 6h away). Note that the capital city has been moved to remote Pyinmana. Other entries through Mandalay and Bagan Int’l airports
Getting Around
Roads are often in a terrible state and distances are long. Due to restrictions on where you can and cannot stay, it is perfectly feasible to get by on public transport, but a private car and driver would at least enable you to surf those beaches on the edge of the 'open' areas. Internal flights with government run airline are not recommended.
Accommodation
Avoid government run hotels and restaurants at all costs. There are now an increasing number of small, and often basic, locally run hotels where a room won’t cost more than a few bucks. Every village has an abundance of basic restaurants serving very cheap and tasty Indian and Chinese influenced food.
Activities
Burma is stunningly beautiful and fairy tale exotic. Highlights are the Shwedagon Paya in Yangon and the temple ruins of Bagan, quite remote from the coast.
Hazards & hassles
Very safe destination with crime against foreigners almost unheard of. Avoid all talk of politics and putting Burmese people into compromising situations. Beware of snakes!
Handy Hints
Take all surfing equipment with you as none is available anywhere in Burma. Lonely Planet is one of the few guidebooks available however the situation is constantly changing so take local advice. Package tours take busloads of elderly tourists to the major attractions around the country.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.