Leisurely Cruise Along The Coast
(Yangon to Mawlamying )
1,385-mile coastline of Myanmar is divided into three sections: the Rakhine, the Ayeyawaddy Delta and the Taninthayi.

In the hinterland of Rakhine and Ayeyawaddy Delta, there are States and Regions of Myanmar while the Tanintharyi has only Tanintharyi ranges adjoining, and beyond that there is Thailand to the east. Geographically, Tanintharyi Region is quits different from other States and Regions of the Union.

Cultivable land is scarce because the coastal plains and offshore islands provide limited arable land. However, there is the Andaman Sea that provides means for livelihood. The sea though stormy and dangerous at times, provides opportunities for aquaculture, pearl culture and hunting for birds nests. Naturally, people in Tanintharyi are industrious, adept at braving the odds and achieve what they want. They are very versatile.
Let’s take a leisurely cruise along the Tanintharyi coast to observe what is extraordinary there!
The crew of MV Chindwin of Myanma Five Star line are readying for the trip, Yangon-Mawlamyaing-Myeik-Kawthaung.
After wishing bonvoyage to friends and relatives, MV Chindwin moves out of Yangon Port and starts its cruise. One may observe fishing canoes dotting Yangon river just like pieces of wood here and there.
From a distance, Thanlyin Bridge can be seen joining Yangon and its suburb Thanlyin.

The magnificent great Shwedagon Pagoda is also visible for homage for some time as the ship moves out to sea. The ship passes by Thilawar, the deep-water harbour. Now, the ship is moving perfectly out to the sea.
As dusk falls, MV Chindwin reaches the estuary where the river turns bluish green. The ship anchors there for the night. Early next morning, the ship crosses the Andaman Sea, heading for Mawlamyaing. The beauty of the glimmering sea under the morning sun is glorious and awesome.
Passengers, fresh from a tranquil night’s rest are gaily mounting the deck, taking pictures at everything that struck their fancy. Instantly after passing by the offshore pagoda of Kyaikhami, the ship enters the estuary of Thanlwin river. The pilot guided the ship toward Mawlamyaing on the bank of Thanlwin river.
On the way up river, the ship passes by incredible Belugyun isle which forms Chaungion township. It is renown for cottage industries. Now, we're nearing Mawlamyaing.
Mawlmyaing, a prosperous and peaceful city, is the third largest in Myanmar. There are so many pagodas of renown in the town. Agriculture, horticulture and trade also flourish.
Mawlamyaing is on the eastern bank of the Thanlwin River and is bustling with business. As the ship will make an overnight stop, the passengers have the opportunity to go ashore and visit relatives and friends or prominent places.
We will present the second part of the cruise from Mawlamyaing to Myeik in the next program. Thanks for watching.
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