Kawthaung (Victoria Point)
It is very little known about Kawthaung history. Before Maliwan was the main port in the most southern part of Myanmar, but the shores were too shallow for the big ships. So Kawthaung was founded in the 19th century about 25 Miles south. The King Bayinnaung statue is greeting visitors from the cape. It is said he was very much accepted in Thailand for his policy to leave the country ruling be his own King. Bayinnaung only demanded loyalty. History tells us that he went a different way to invade Thailand. Today Kawthaung is a major trading town with Thailand.
To get to Boulder Bay Eco Resort, Awei Pila, Wa Ale Resort, Victoria Cliff Resort and day trips to the Southern Mergui Archipelago you have to embark from Kawthaung.
Life Seeing tip #1: On Pa Lut Tot Tot island is a beach and water front restaurant. Don't expect too much from the beach. It is good for a swim at high tide. To get there you need to take a tricycle or a tuk tuk as the rickety wooden bridge don't allow cars (Update June 2020 - There is a concrete bridge for cars nowadays. Totally a local experience.
Life Seeing tip #2: A must do is to see the sunset from 5-5-5 mountain, which offers a breathtaking 270° degree view on the Mergui Archipelago.
Getting there
Kawthaung can be reached by air from Yangon, Dawei (daily) and Myeik (2-3 times a week). There is a long tail boat connection from Ranong. Buses and minvants between Myeik and Kawthaung run daily.
By VIP Bus from Myeik (11:30 AM) - 30500 Kyats
By minivan from Myeik (6:00 AM. 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM) - 25000 Kyats
By boat from Ranong, Thailand (About 45 minutes) - The broder from the Thai Site will open 7 Am and close 5 PM - Don’t forget 30 min time difference
By flight from Yangon (Between 2 and 3 hours, daily)
By flight from Myeik (About 1 hour, not daily)
By flight from Dawei (About 2 hours, not daily)
Food recommendations
Restaurants are cleaner than street stalls. However most visitors say street food is fine to eat. All places are in walking distances for major hotels, but as taxis are cheap they can help you to find it quicker.
Mingala Restaurant – Located half way up 5-5-5 Mountain with the best view on the town and islands. Get there for sunset spoil yourself with cocktails, beer and food
Shwe Nin Ze (Golden Rose) – Little bit out of town (Taxi needed). You will be dining in cozy bungalows with thatched roofs. The cuisine is Thai and Chinese.
Penguin Curry house, daily fresh curries and huge variety, vegetarian friendly.
AccomModation
For our trusted hotels in Kawthaung click here —>