Ngapali beach sees moderate crowds this year

Ngapali beach in Rakhine State that used to be overcrowded near Thingyan is now seeing only a considerable number of visitors despite some local and foreign travellers, according to locals and tour operators.
Ngapali beach was usually congested with visitors from all around the country from March before Thingyan and during the summer holidays, but there were only a few this March.
“Because the only way to get to Ngapali is by air, visitor arrival is low. Some come by plane, but the plane can take only a few compared to the capacity of the rooms in Ngapali. Travelling in Rakhine is difficult. Some hotels are organizing package tours, such as a 2-night trips including airfare.
Foreigners arriving in Myanmar also travel to Ngapali, but the number is small. It also depends on the availability of air seats due to air restrictions. Visitor arrival is small because of some difficulties,” said Myanmar Tourism Entrepreneurs Association chair U Naung Naung Han.
With fewer visitors, the income of local food vendors and restaurants has dropped.
“This time last year after matriculation exam, we saw many beachgoers. Some came in Thingyan and some in March.
“Ngapali beach in Thingyan used to be very crowded. Local food vendors and restaurants made a lot of money from many shoppers. This year, visitor arrival is low,” said local.
Many domestic travellers go to beaches like Chaungtha and Ngwehsaung, and some have already booked for Thingyan holidays. — MT/ZN/ED