Undisturbed beaches nestled against the warm, turquoise Andaman Sea set a majestic scene. Combine this with genuinely friendly and kind-hearted locals smiling their way into a newfound democracy—plus highly affordable beachfront drinks and accommodations—and you have the epitome of a dream sea, sand, and surf vacation.
I’m talking about the Southeast Asian country of Myanmar, a pristine destination that’s somehow avoided many travelers’ radars but should be added to your next trip itinerary.
Even the bravest travelers tend to overlook beautiful places when the geopolitical climate resembles a monsoon. For decades, that was the case for Myanmar.
The country became known for workers’ rights violations and the 15-year imprisonment of Aung San Suu Kyi, rather than its highly surfable swells and exotic Bagan temple ruins.
Even the nation’s name was a controversy. In 1989, the military abandoned the title “Burma”—a reference to the Burman ethnic spoken language—in favor of “Myanmar,” which instead refers to the country’s central region.
Although it was deemed illegal to refer to the country as “Burma,” many citizens refused to abandon their heritage. They fought the name change on the basis that the government didn’t have the authority to enforce it.
Changes in Myanmar
Times are changing—albeit slowly—for this potential paradise nation. It took 11 years, but Free Burma activists eventually persuaded Western clothing manufacturers like Target, Wal-Mart, and Levi to cease production in the country due to its lack of human rights regulations and poor factory conditions.
After decades of military rule, the government finally caved to international pressure and hosted elections. Former political prisoner and democracy advocate Aung San Suu Kyi even announced her plan to run for president in the 2015 election.
As the country’s controversial haze lifts, it reveals a breathtaking landscape and an opportunity for economic growth through tourism. In 2012, more than 1 million international travelers visited Myanmar’s beaches and forests, unlocking a nation that had long been hidden away.
While the country is beginning to reveal its natural beauty to curious vagabonds, some visitors are returning the favor—by introducing the concept of surfing to Myanmar’s waves.
Surf Culture
Even ten years ago, if you visited Myanmar for surf tourism, you’d be met with curious stares and confusion. Surfing was a foreign concept, and early pioneers found themselves explaining how a board could glide across waves without a motor to wide-eyed Burmese villagers.
Despite initial confusion, locals soon understood the appeal and began embracing a culture centered on the endless pursuit of the next big wave.
Myanmar gets consistent swells from both Antarctica and the Indian Ocean between mid-May and late September. However, this also overlaps with the monsoon season—bringing heavy rain along with the waves.
The best time to surf is either at the beginning or end of the season, when you can catch the swells without the downpours.
Even with the rain, the waves are strong enough to attract international surf company Quiksilver. After a rigorous site selection process, the brand opened a shop in May 2013 in the capital city of Yangon (formerly Ragoon).
Sales have been strong, with both locals and tourists embracing the growing surf scene. Quiksilver is already looking to expand to a second Myanmar location.
To help build the culture, the shop also hosted a skateboarding demo during its opening event—introducing another new sport to the country.
Surfing Toward Harmony
Surfing and surf tourism aren’t just ways to generate income—they offer much-needed balance. When you’re out on a wave, your background and politics fade into irrelevance. All that matters is getting on your board and enjoying the ride.
Language barriers quickly dissolve, replaced by crystal-clear waters drawing people in and back to shore in harmony.
In a nation with so much to offer, surfing and tourism could help showcase Myanmar’s beauty. That’s not to say there aren’t risks—like economic leakage or corruption.
Too many destinations, such as China’s Hainan Island—once dubbed “The Hawaii of China”—have become cautionary tales of overdevelopment and abandonment.
Some worry Myanmar may suffer the same fate. But if travelers are mindful about where they stay and which businesses they support, they can help contribute to a more sustainable future.
Bonus Myanmar Travel Resources
Trekking Kalaw To Inle Lake: A Beautiful & Culturally Immersive Adventure
The Plight Of Burmese Women Refugees (And How You Can Help)
Myanmar Travel: Local Finds In Urban Yangon
14 Best Spiritual Yoga Retreats To Strengthen Your Body, Mind & Soul
About the Author
Currently working in a museum, Judi Zienchuk has lived everywhere from Southeast Asia to Northwestern Canada. She loves travel, longboarding, and coffee-flavored ice cream.
To get more personal, check out her blog, Travvel Sized.
