Dawei

Dawei (formerly Tavoy) is a sleepy port town at the head of the Dawei River estuary in Tanintharyi Region, southern Myanmar. It is the capital of the region and the southern terminus of Myanmar's railway network. Dawei is known for its excellent beaches on the Dawei Peninsula — Maungmakan, Paradise, Grand, and Sin Htauk — which separate the town from the Andaman Sea. The town itself has one of the highest concentrations of colonial-era British buildings in Myanmar, with more than half of the buildings in the town centre dating from before 1948.

The name Dawei also refers to one of the local ethnic minorities. The town has a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere and is prone to flooding during the monsoon season (June–October). The best time to visit is the cool season from November to February.

By Plane

Dawei Airport (TVY IATA) has daily flights from Yangon with Myanmar National Airlines, and one flight per week to Kawthaung (Monday). Flights may be cancelled without notice.

By Train

Dawei is the southernmost point of Myanmar's railway network. A train departs from Ye at 10:30 (~12 hr, ordinary class 1,300 kyat, upper class 3,750 kyat). An extension to Myeik is planned.

By Car / Road

Buses run to/from Mawlamyine, Myeik (6–8 hr, 12,000 kyat), Bokpyin (via Myeik), Kawthaung (via Myeik, ~20 hr), and Ye (departs 07:00 and 09:00). The road north to Mawlamyine and south to Myeik and Kawthaung is open to foreigners.

The town is flat with a neat grid street system — easy to walk or cycle. Motorcycle taxis are available for short trips (1,000–2,000 kyat).

• Colonial Architecture: Dawei has one of the best-preserved collections of British colonial buildings in Myanmar — stroll the town centre to see them.

• Shin Motehti Pagoda: A scenic pagoda a few kilometres south of town.

• Dawei Riverfront: The river estuary is busy with fishing boats and local ferries.

• Dawei Market: A lively market selling fresh produce, seafood, and local crafts.

• Beach Day at Maungmakan Beach: The closest beach to town, with clean sand and simple beachside restaurants.

• Visit Paradise Beach: A quieter, more scenic beach south of Maungmakan.

• Colonial Architecture Walking Tour: Self-guided walk through the town centre to spot British-era buildings.

• Dawei River Boat Trip: Explore the estuary and nearby islands by local boat.

Small restaurants serve fresh seafood — grilled fish, prawns, and crab — along with Myanmar staples. Expect to pay 2,000–5,000 kyat for a meal. Dawei-style noodle dishes are a local speciality.

Tea shops serve Myanmar milk tea. Fresh coconut water is widely available. Bottled water is essential.

• Budget: Basic guesthouses near the market offer fan rooms for 10,000–15,000 kyat.
• Mid-range: Hotels near the beach provide air-conditioned rooms for 25,000–50,000 kyat.
• Upscale: Beachfront resorts on the Dawei Peninsula offer the best accommodation in the region.

The market sells local products including ngapi (shrimp paste), dried fish, and textiles. Bargaining is expected.

• Maungmakan Beach (10 km south) — The nearest beach to Dawei, with clean sand and relaxed restaurants.
• Myeik (200 km south, 6–8 hr) — Gateway to the Mergui Archipelago with 800 islands.
• Mawlamyine (250 km north, 6–7 hr) — The third-largest city in Myanmar with colonial architecture and Kyaikthanlan Pagoda.
• Kawthaung (350 km south, 20 hr by bus) — Myanmar's southernmost point, border with Thailand.