Kawthaung
Kawthaung is nestled along the southernmost tip of beautiful Myanmar on Myanmar’s border with Thailand. As the starting point for many excursions into the Mergui Archipelago, this little town serves as a charming introduction to Myanmar. Kawthaung has old-world charm in spades, from its narrow winding roads to vibrant waterfront markets, a visit to Kawthaung will leave you feeling like you stepped back in time to the height of British colonialism in Southern Asia.
Called Victoria Point by the British when they landed, Kawthaung had once been a part of Siam which is modern day Thailand. The first Siamese settlements in what is present day Myanmar were located near Kawthaung and the Maliwan district. In the later part of the 19th century, Arab and Malay traders also came to Myanmar to trade and established a port on the northern side of the Kraburi estuary.
Present day Kawthaung culture is more Thai than Burmese though both cultures are evident in this region. Most of the inhabitants of this little town work as part of Ranong’s growing fishing industry, or in the booming tourist industry in Phuket. The language spoken in this area is predominantly Thai and the baht is an accepted currency. Thanks to its location on the Thailand border, Kawthaung’s residents are a delightful mix of both Burmese and Thai people.
We invite you to see and experience the wonders of Kawthaung on one of our half-day sightseeing tours which can be organized prior to your departure on one of our Island Safaris or when you arrive back in Kawthaung following an exciting Island Safari.
