Kawthaung, Myanmar

Kawthaung is in the southernmost part of Myanmar (Burma), located in the Tanintharyi Region. During British rule in Burma between 1824 and 1948, it was known as Victoria Point.

Kawthaung is at the mouth of Kyan River on the Malay Peninsula. To its east is the Thai border town of Ranong. To its west, and south-west, the Andaman Sea opens up to the Indian Ocean and Bokpyin Township is located to the north. Most of the terrain in the area is mountainous.

The main agriculture products are rubber, betel nut, cashew nut, coconut and oil palm. Mining and wood log industries which flourished in the past have now dried out. Although Kawthaung has a large port, the fishing industry is not as large as in the past because of the government restriction on fishing vessels. Fishing still plays a significant role but engines are restricted to 28 hp.

Tourism is bound to play a larger role for the local economy in the future as Myanmar's government is gradually lifting travel and immigration restrictions in the area. Since September 2013, tourists entering the country through Kawthaung are able to continue their journeys on land and exit through any other border crossing.

As Kawthaung can still be regarded as virgin territory because not much has been disturbed by outside environments or human interferrence, it has good places for diving, and other sea activities.

Many people make the 20-minute trip across the water from the Thai border town of Ranong for a visa run or a bit of sightseeing and shopping.

Kawthaung is also the starting point for Myanmar-based cruises to the vast Myeik Archipelago. It has a tropical monsoon climate and temperatures are hot throughout the year. There is a winter dry season (December-March) and a summer wet season (April-November). Torrential rain falls from May to September, with over 500 millimetres (20 in) falling in each month.

Cruises are available year round in the region as weather is warm all year round – though both cruising and weather are better in the non monsoon period.

General Information:

Language: Burmese, English
Currency: Khat (although the US Dollar is widely used)