Things To Do
in Kawthoung
Kawthoung (also spelled Kawthaung) is Myanmar's southernmost town at the tip of the Tanintharyi Region, sitting on the estuary across from Ranong, Thailand. It is a low-key port and gateway to the Mergui (Myeik) Archipelago and Lampi Marine National Park, known for clear seas, island scenery and sea‑gypsy (Moken) communities. Kawthoung mixes Burmese, Mon, Karen and Thai influences in its food, markets and architecture, with a relaxed border‑town feel and slow pace of life.
Infrastructure is basic compared with big cities, but the town is the jumping-off point for excellent snorkeling, diving and island hopping in one of Southeast Asia’s least-developed archipelagos.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down at Kawthoung Airport with the sun rising over mangrove forests. Collect luggage and meet your local guide who offers refreshing coconut water. Settle into your beachfront bungalow and take time to relax and savor the sea breeze.
Stroll through the town center and visit the bustling fish market where colorful catches glisten on ice. Sample grilled seafood skewers at a street stall and chat with friendly vendors about local life. Browse handicraft shops selling lacquerware and shell jewelry made by Bamar artisans.
Enjoy dinner at a riverside restaurant as sampan boats drift past under lantern light. Sip a cool Burmese tea while listening to traditional Karen folk songs performed by local musicians. Retire early to rest up for an adventure-filled week ahead.
Take a speedboat to Seint Island at dawn for a serene start to your day. Kayak through crystal-clear channels fringed by limestone cliffs draped in mangrove roots. Paddle to hidden lagoons and admire exotic birds like hornbills and kingfishers.
Enjoy a picnic beach lunch of tamarind rice and fresh fruit prepared by your guide. Join a guided nature walk to a remote freshwater spring, plunging into its cool waters. Explore tide pools teeming with starfish and hermit crabs along the shoreline.
Return to Kawthoung as the sky glows pink at sunset. Unwind with a traditional Burmese massage at a local spa using herbal oils. Cap off the night with grilled corn and a chilled beer at a waterfront stall.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🍽️Mid-range restaurant dinner for two | $20-35 |
| 🚌Local bus / short taxi ride | $0.30-3 |
| ✈️Domestic flight (Kawthoung–Yangon, typical) | $60-150 |
| 💧Bottled water (1.5L) | $0.50-1 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Gateway to the largely undeveloped Mergui (Myeik) Archipelago with excellent snorkeling and diving
- Relaxed, authentic border‑town atmosphere with fresh seafood and local markets
- Good base for boat trips, mangrove and wildlife experiences not crowded by tourists
- Limited infrastructure and services (healthcare, ATM, card acceptance)
- Monsoon season brings heavy rain and frequent cancellations of boat trips
- Fewer tourist amenities and less English spoken compared with larger Burmese or Thai destinations
- "Mingalaba" - Hello
- "Kyeizu tin ba de" - Thank you
- "Nei kaung la?" - How are you?
- "Ho" - Yes
- "Ma ho bu" - No
- "Ran taw la?" - Where is the ferry/pier?
Places to Visit in Kawthoung
Visit one of these nice places.
Dynamic early-morning scenes of boats, nets and vendors — great for candid market and waterfront photography.
Short climb with panoramic views over the estuary, islands and town at sunrise or late afternoon light.
Crystal-clear waters, limestone islets, deserted beaches and underwater life — excellent for wide seascapes and underwater photography (with proper permits).
If visited respectfully with a licensed guide, Moken villages offer portraits and cultural photography; always ask permission first.
Lampi Marine National Park provides pristine beaches, birdlife and mangrove scenery — ideal for nature and wildlife shots.
Food in Kawthoung
Kawthoung Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Freshly grilled fish or prawns served with lime, chili and dipping sauces — available at waterfront stalls and small restaurants.
Must-Try!
A tangy, tamarind or lime‑based fish soup with regional herbs; a good way to taste local flavors and heat levels.
Mildly spiced coconut-based curry with local fish or shellfish — reflects southern coastal tastes and Thai influence.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling early market where you can see the day’s catches, buy grilled skewers and fresh fruit, and photograph fish processing and local trade.
Small cluster of stalls selling grilled seafood, fried snacks, tropical fruits and sweets—great for casual tasting and inexpensive meals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress conservatively in town and when visiting religious sites—cover shoulders and knees; beachwear is fine on beaches but not in town or temples.
Remove shoes and hats when entering pagodas and mosques; be quiet and respectful during prayers and rituals.
Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially in Moken villages and places of worship.
A friendly nod or 'mingalaba' is appreciated. Use both hands when offering or receiving items in formal situations.
Safety
Tipping in Kawthoung
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. Small tips for guides, boat crews and helpful staff (US$1–5) are common. Restaurants rarely expect tipping—round up the bill or leave a small amount for exceptional service.
Cash (Myanmar kyat) is king in Kawthoung; carry sufficient kyat for markets, boats and taxis. Major hotels or tour operators may accept USD or bank cards in some cases, but ATMs are limited and card acceptance is patchy. Exchange money beforehand or use Ranong (Thailand) for better banking options.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cooler, drier and the most pleasant time to visit — calm seas and good visibility for diving, snorkeling and island hopping. Accommodations and boat schedules are reliable.
Hot, humid days with increasing temperatures; still possible to visit islands but mid‑day heat can be intense — early starts recommended.
Heavy rains, rough seas and frequent cancellations of boat services. Many island operators suspend trips; expect muddy roads and fewer tourist services.
Kawthoung at Night
Hiking in Kawthoung
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, local ascent providing panoramic views of the estuary and nearby islands — an easy hike suitable for most visitors.
Trails through coastal forests and mangroves inside Lampi Marine National Park; opportunities for birdwatching and learning about coastal ecology.
Short walks through mangrove habitat near town or on nearby islands that reveal tidal ecosystems and shorebirds.
Short beach-to-peak hikes on inhabited and uninhabited islands — routes vary by island and operator, often rewarding with secluded viewpoints.
Airports
How to reach Kawthoung by plane.
Small domestic airport serving Kawthoung with flights to larger Burmese cities; convenient for direct access but flights can be infrequent and weather-dependent.
Regional airport to the north for access to other parts of the Tanintharyi region and archipelago; reach by road or boat from Kawthoung with local connections.
Across the estuary in Thailand: Ranong town has boat connections (ferries) to Kawthoung and better onward transport options. Many travelers use Ranong for bank/ATM services and flights to larger Thai hubs.
Major international airport several hours away (via Ranong or overland) offering many international connections; useful if entering/exiting via Thailand.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Ethnic Burmese form part of the population and are present in town commerce and administration.
Regional ethnic groups with cultural and linguistic ties in southern Myanmar; contribute to local customs and cuisine.
Traditional sea‑nomad communities living in and around the archipelago with distinct maritime culture and livelihoods.
Border proximity to Thailand brings Thai cultural influence; Muslim communities are also part of the town's social fabric.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and followed locally, informal matches on weekends are common.
Given the coastal culture, recreational and competitive fishing, as well as traditional boat activities, are popular.
Southeast Asia’s rattan-ball sport is played regionally and commonly seen in coastal towns and villages.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kawthoung.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are limited but possible: rice, vegetable curries and soups at tea shops, and fruit. Make your needs clear — say you don’t eat fish, meat or fish sauce — and be prepared to settle for simple rice-and-veg dishes.
Vegan and gluten-free options are uncommon; communicate restrictions clearly, avoid mixed sauces (fish sauce is common) and favor plain rice, salads and fresh fruit.
Seafood dominates the menu; if you have a severe allergy, notify restaurants and consider staying in larger towns where more alternatives exist.