Things To Do
in Ramree
Ramree Island sits off Myanmar's Rakhine coast, dominated by fishing villages, mangrove-lined channels, and quiet beaches. Life here moves at a slow pace, with local markets, boats, and sea-based livelihoods shaping daily rhythms. The island offers authentic shoreline scenery, seafood-focused cuisine, and sunset views over the Andaman Sea.
Travel here rewards patient explorers with rustic charm, limited infrastructure, and a sense of staying off the beaten path.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down on Ramree Island and settle into your seaside guesthouse amid swaying coconut palms. Step onto the powdery sand for a guided walk along the shoreline, collecting shells and spotting crabs scuttling in the tide pools. Listen to the gentle lapping of waves as you acclimatize to the tropical air and observe local fishermen casting nets.
Savor a picnic lunch of freshly grilled fish and tropical fruit beneath the shade of a beachside pavilion. Head out on a short boat ride to explore hidden coves and limestone outcrops, where vibrant coral gardens await beneath crystal-clear waters. Learn from the boatman about the island’s geology and the vital role of coastal ecosystems.
Return to shore for a beachfront barbecue featuring smoky kebabs and fragrant rice dishes. Watch as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery oranges and pinks while palm silhouettes sway. End the night around a crackling bonfire, swapping travel stories under a canopy of stars.
Rise early to the calls of resident seabirds and gather on the dock for a guided boat tour into the dense mangrove forest. Drift silently through narrow waterways as your guide points out mudskippers, fiddler crabs, and hidden monitor lizards. Marvel at the cathedral-like roots arching overhead and learn about the mangroves’ crucial role in coastal protection.
Disembark for a hands-on conservation activity, planting young mangrove saplings along the muddy banks. Share a riverside lunch of bamboo rice and aromatic curries with local conservationists passionate about preserving the habitat. Participate in a short workshop on traditional uses of mangrove plants for medicine and crafts.
Enjoy a riverside meal lit by lanterns, featuring fresh shrimp cakes and spicy tamarind sauce. Take an after-dark stroll along elevated boardwalks to spot nocturnal creatures like owls and sleeping monkeys. Fall asleep to the gentle chorus of frogs and the distant murmur of tidal waters.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive local restaurant | $2-6 |
| 🥤Bottled water | $0.25-0.75 |
| 🚕Local transportation (short taxi or rishaw ride) | $1-3 |
| 🍢Street food snack | $0.5-2 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel or guesthouse per night | $8-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, authentic coastal experience away from crowds
- Fresh seafood and friendly locals
- Limited infrastructure and services
- Remote with few international flight options
- "Mingalaba" - Hello
- "Kyay zu tin ba de" - Thank you
- "A-pyin-nyar ba de" - Excuse me/Please (polite)
- "Gweh deh?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Ramree
Visit one of these nice places.
Long, uncrowded shoreline with soft light and a calm sea.
Colorful boats and nets with daily fishing routines as the backdrop.
Winding waterways perfect for moody, reflective images at low tide.
Weathered wooden structures rising from the water with daily life nearby.
Food in Ramree
Ramree Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A beloved Burmese breakfast soup made with fish stock, lemongrass, and rice noodles; a must-try at local eateries.
Must-Try!
Fermented tea leaf salad with crunchy toppings, a staple across Myanmar markets and teashops.
Savory, salty paste mixed with onions, herbs, and lime; a traditional accompaniment to meals.
Sea bass, prawns, or other catches grilled with lime, chili, and herbs at seaside stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Morning market by the harbor offering fresh fish, produce, and ready-to-eat street bites.
Stalls along the waterfront where you can watch fishermen prepare catches and grab quick seafood snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly for pagodas and temples (shoulders and knees covered); remove shoes before entering most religious sites and some homes; ask before taking photos.
Safety
Tipping in Ramree
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated for good service, especially for guides, drivers, and hotel staff; small tips are common in the range of $1–5 depending on service.
Carry cash in Myanmar Kyat for most purchases; some tourist-oriented places may accept USD or mobile payments, but cards are rarely accepted in Ramree; ATMs are scarce.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with strong sun; plan early morning activities and shade breaks; sea breezes can be relief by late afternoons.
Heavy rain and high humidity; occasional flooding and rough seas; activities may be disrupted; carry rain gear and waterproofing.
Pleasant and dry with cooler evenings; ideal for outdoor exploration and photography; seas calmer.
Ramree at Night
Hiking in Ramree
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A coastal route along sandy shores and mangroves with sea views and bird life.
Short trails and boardwalks through swampy mangrove areas ideal for nature photography.
Airports
How to reach Ramree by plane.
Domestic flights connect Sittwe to Yangon and other cities; transfer from Sittwe to Ramree by boat or boat-taxi.
Main international gateway to Myanmar; from Yangon you can connect to Sittwe by domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority local community in Ramree, with Buddhist temples and traditional fishing villages.
Diverse minority communities with a long-standing cultural presence; interactions are generally respectful; be mindful of sensitivities in politics and history.
Communities whose livelihoods depend on the sea, with seasonal migrations and markets.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular sport across Myanmar, with local matches and informal play in towns.
Traditional sport combining footwork and ball in local events or temple grounds.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ramree.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarians can enjoy vegetable curries, lentil dishes, fried tofu, and salads; ask for no fish sauce and request vegetable-based versions where possible.