The Surf Window

Ngapali Beach

Rakhine, Myanmar

Beach breakBeginner

Myanmar's most beautiful beach resort, Ngapali in Rakhine State is a stretch of palm-fringed white sand on the Bay of Bengal where southwest monsoon swells create consistent beach break in one of Southeast Asia's most pristine and least-visited coastal destinations.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size1–2m at 12–16s

Wind

NE

Light to E under 15 knots

Tide

Mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

Oct–Apr

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Beach break

Bottom

White sand

Shape

Multiple peaks along the beach

Length

50–100m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate surfers
  • •Why: Consistent Bay of Bengal swell in a beautiful remote setting

Hazards

  • •Very limited surf infrastructure
  • •Remote, nearest major hospital hours away
  • •Political situation in Myanmar requires careful research before travel

Local Tips

  • •Ngapali is reached by domestic flight from Yangon, the journey itself is an adventure
  • •The fishing village lifestyle along the beach is extraordinary, boats painted in vivid colours
  • •Seafood at the beachside restaurants is some of the finest in Southeast Asia

Location

Map showing the location of Ngapali Beach in Rakhine, Myanmar

18.3167, 94.2667