Dawei Myanmar – Top Picks for Attractions and Things to Do

Dawei has a number of nice attractions that you visit as part of a trip here and one of the big draws is the diversity of the sights on offer. The town is known for its clutch of pretty pagodas which the locals claim are some of the best in all of Myanmar, but you can also visit museums that will fill you in on some of the history of this part of the country.

Another main highlight of a trip to Dawei is the idyllic beaches here and if you head just outside the town then you can sunbathe on isolated strips of sand or head to some of the more popular spots for a slap up seafood dinner.

Shwe Thalyaung Pagoda

Shwe Thalyaung is a good pick in Dawei if you want to get out of the town centre and check out a pretty temple while also cycling through the countryside. The temple is encircled by lush forests and the main building is made up of a chedi with a reclining Buddha statue. As the pagoda sits atop a scenic hill, you can walk to the top and then take in the stunning views over the rest of the region. As with most pagodas in Myanmar you will find some souvenir shops here as well as a teashop where you can stop off for a drink and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

Tanintharyi Region Cultural Museum

Many smaller towns in Myanmar are not particularly well known for their museums, but Dawei has the Tanintharyi Region Cultural Museum which is worth a visit if you are in the area. The museum takes you through some of the history of Dawei and will also fill you in on the culture and traditions of the local people here who comprise Dawei, Moken and Mon groups. As well as historical and cultural artifacts you will also be able to see other varied collections such as ceramics, gardening equipment, weaponry and jewellery.

Myaw Yit Pagoda

Myaw Yit Pagoda is well worth a visit in Dawei, not least of all because it is located on an island which sits around 10 kilometres to the south of the popular Maungmagan Beach. To get here you will need to follow a scenic track which will then lead you to a bridge that crosses over onto the island. As well as the main pagoda here you can also enjoy the boardwalk on this island which makes a great place to go for a walk in the afternoon and take in the views of the pagoda and the surrounding azure sea.

Maungmakan Beach

One of the biggest draws in Dawei is Maungmakan Beach which is the most popular beach in the area. As well as Maungmakan Beach proper however, you will also be able to walk along the sand here and find a number of smaller and less crowded beaches in either direction. Maungmakan Beach is one of the best beaches to come to here as it is also one of the most developed and has a number of seafood restaurants as well as some cafes that sell beer. These offer you the perfect spot to watch the sunset with an ice cold glass of beer or you can visit one of the traditional little Burmese tea shops that line the shore instead. If you walk along the coast to the north, then you will come to some of the less well known, but stunning, beaches in Dawei such as Nabule Beach or you can walk in the other direction to Myaw Yit Pagoda.