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Tenasserim Coast

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Tenasserim Coast (Myanmar (Burma))

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The Tenasserim Coast, now officially known as the Tanintharyi Coast, forms the southernmost part of Myanmar, stretching along the Andaman Sea to the border with Thailand. This region is characterized by a spectacular landscape consisting of hundreds of islands in the Mergui Archipelago, deep blue bays, and dense coastal rainforests. The coast was historically a major trade route for ships traveling between India and China and was controlled over the centuries by the Burmese, Siamese, and British. Economically, the region relies on fishing, pearl farming, and the cultivation of rubber and palm oil. A unique feature of the region is the Moken people, also known as sea nomads, who traditionally live on boats and possess extraordinary diving skills. The coastal city of Dawei is gaining strategic importance due to the planned Dawei Special Economic Zone project, which aims to create a direct land link to the Gulf of Thailand. Despite increasing development, much of the Tenasserim Coast remains an untouched natural paradise due to its remoteness and rich marine biodiversity.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272828292928282727282827
Rain mm3716556517721023421022327511126

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
The region is accessible via Myeik airport or by boat from coastal towns, which is often the only link to the islands. Many remote areas require private chartered boats for access to the hidden beaches.
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Best season
The best time to visit is from November to April, when the sea is calm and underwater visibility is well-suited for diving. From May to October, the monsoon brings strong winds and rough sea conditions.
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Terrain & paths
The coastal landscape is characterized by pristine sandy beaches, mangroves, and a multitude of offshore coral islands. The terrain on the islands can be forested and quite rocky in certain sections.
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What to bring
Snorkeling gear, high-SPF sun protection, and lightweight clothing are must-haves for this tropical region. A waterproof backpack is very useful for transporting your gear during boat transfers between islands.
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Parking
Parking is available at major ports like Myeik or Dawei, from where boats depart for the archipelago. On the islands themselves, there is no road traffic and therefore no parking facilities available.
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Safety
Watch out for sea urchins and sharp corals while snorkeling, and never underestimate the currents in the open sea. As many areas are very remote, you should carry a basic first-aid kit with you.
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Time needed
Plan for at least 3 to 5 days to explore the Tenasserim Coast and its various islands. Many travelers opt for longer liveaboard diving trips lasting a week or more to fully experience the archipelago.

Geography

Coordinates
12.50000, 98.20000

Facts

  • The Mergui Archipelago offshore comprises more than 800 islands.
  • The Dawei region is known for its centuries-old tradition of pottery.
  • Myeik (Mergui) was a major port for the East India Company in the 17th century.
  • The coast hosts the Lampi Marine National Park, the first of its kind in Myanmar.
  • Rubber plantations were first introduced here during the British colonial era.
  • The Moken people can constrict their pupils underwater to see more clearly.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Macleod IslandMacleod Island6 km · SExplore →
Nyaw PyinNyaw Pyin19 km · WExplore →
DaweiDawei24 km · WExplore →
Lampi Island Marine National ParkLampi Island Marine National Park27 km · EExplore →
Dawei Deep Sea Port ProjectDawei Deep Sea Port Project27 km · WExplore →
Tanintharyi Nature ReserveTanintharyi Nature Reserve34 km · SWExplore →
Tenasserim HillsTenasserim Hills34 km · NExplore →
Ma Yin GyiMa Yin Gyi34 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is the Tenasserim coast developed for tourists?
Only very limited, it is a destination for adventurers.
Are there islands there?
Yes, the Mergui Archipelago with numerous islands lies off the coast.
What is the sea like there?
Very clear, good for diving and snorkeling.
What are the biggest dangers?
The isolated location and limited medical care.
Is the water warm all year round?
Yes, water temperatures remain tropically warm.
Tenasserim Coast: where is it located?
Tenasserim Coast is located in Myanmar (Burma).
Tenasserim Coast: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Tenasserim Coast: why is it worth visiting?
The Tenasserim Coast, now officially known as the Tanintharyi Coast, forms the southernmost part of Myanmar, stretching along the Andaman Sea to the border with Thailand.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Myeik — Tenasserim Coast (Myanmar (Burma))
Myeik
A port city in southern Myanmar, famous for its seafood and pearl trade.
Dawei — Tenasserim Coast (Myanmar (Burma))
Dawei
Dawei is a charming coastal city in southern Myanmar, known for its colonial architecture and pristine beaches like Maungmagan.
Dawei — Tenasserim Coast (Myanmar (Burma))
Dawei
A coastal city in southern Myanmar, known for its tropical beaches and rubber plantations.
Kawthaung — Tenasserim Coast (Myanmar (Burma))
Kawthaung
The southernmost city of Myanmar and the gateway to the pristine Mergui Archipelago.
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Macleod Island
An exclusive private island in the Mergui Archipelago, known for pristine nature and diving spots.
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Nyaw Pyin
A remote fishing village in Myanmar, home to some of the most pristine and longest sandy beaches in Southeast Asia.
Ma Yin Gyi — Tenasserim Coast (Myanmar (Burma))
Ma Yin Gyi
A remote coastal village in Myanmar, providing access to Nabule Beach, one of the country's most spectacular and untouched stretches of s…

History & landmarks

U Bein Bridge — Tenasserim Coast (Myanmar (Burma))
U Bein Bridge
The longest and oldest teakwood bridge in the world, spanning across Taungthaman Lake near Amarapura.
Popa Taungkalat — Tenasserim Coast (Myanmar (Burma))
Popa Taungkalat
A Buddhist monastery spectacularly perched on top of a steep volcanic plug.

More places

Lampi Island Marine National Park — Tenasserim Coast (Myanmar (Burma))
Lampi Island Marine National Park
Myanmar's first marine national park, located in the Mergui Archipelago, protecting rich coral reefs and mangroves.
Dawei Deep Sea Port Project — Tenasserim Coast (Myanmar (Burma))
Dawei Deep Sea Port Project
A massive planned infrastructure project to create a deep-sea port and special economic zone, connecting Southeast Asia to the Indian Ocean.
Tanintharyi Nature Reserve — Tenasserim Coast (Myanmar (Burma))
Tanintharyi Nature Reserve
A large protected area safeguarding important biodiversity corridors between Myanmar and Thailand.
Tenasserim Hills — Tenasserim Coast (Myanmar (Burma))
Tenasserim Hills
A long mountain range that forms the backbone of the Malay Peninsula, running along the border between Myanmar and Thailand.
Kanbauk Gas Terminal — Tenasserim Coast (Myanmar (Burma))
Kanbauk Gas Terminal
A major facility in the Tanintharyi Region where natural gas from offshore fields is processed and exported to Thailand.
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Heinda Tin Mine
One of the oldest and largest tin mines in the Tanintharyi Region, extracting the rich mineral resources of the Tenasserim Hills.
Lenya National Park — Tenasserim Coast (Myanmar (Burma))
Lenya National Park
A proposed national park in southern Myanmar, preserving the lowland tropical rainforests of the Tanintharyi region.
Peik Chin Myaung Cave — Tenasserim Coast (Myanmar (Burma))
Peik Chin Myaung Cave
A deep limestone cave near Pyin U Lwin that houses numerous Buddha statues and miniature pagodas.