Crow Island Beach Park, also called Crow Island or Nga Yoke Kaung Beach Park, is a well-liked seaside spot on the eastern edge of Yangon Region in Myanmar. It lies at the mouth of the Yangon River where it flows into the Andaman Sea. The park takes up part of Crow Island (Nga Yoke Kaung Kyun), a low-lying island fringed with mangroves, connected to the mainland by a short causeway and bridge near Kyauktan, about 30 kilometers south of central Yangon.
The beach is a wide stretch of firm, light-brown sand, about 1–1.5 kilometers long, sloping gently into the tidal river waters. Unlike the open-sea beaches such as Ngapali or Ngwe Saung, Crow Island faces the sheltered river mouth, so the water is very calm and shallow, suitable for children and those who cannot swim strongly.
The park is run by the Yangon Region Government together with local officials and provides simple facilities like shaded seating, small food stalls, changing rooms, toilets, and a modest playground. Crow Island Beach Park is quite easy to get from Yangon and often sees local families on weekends or holidays coming for picnics, swimming, and relaxed time. The beach keeps a very Burmese coastal feel, with a close-knit community atmosphere, low-cost food, and almost no commercial development.
Unique Feature of Crow Island Beach Park
Crow Island Beach Park is located where Yangon River flows into the Andaman Sea, creating a mixed water area of fresh and sea water. The water is very calm and shallow, sometimes just knee-deep for a long distance at low tide, making it safe for children to play. The mangrove areas nearby also let visitors see birds like egrets, herons, and kingfishers from the beach itself, which is uncommon so near to Yangon.
Historical Context of Crow Island Beach Park
Crow Island and the Kyauktan area have long been part of the traditional fishing and farming landscape of the Yangon River delta. The English name “Crow Island” comes from the many crows that used to nest in the mangroves, while the Burmese name Nga Yoke Kaung means roughly “good fish corner,” reflecting the abundance of seafood in the area.
During British rule (1824–1948), the mouth of the Yangon River was a busy shipping route, and Crow Island acted as a small navigational point. After Myanmar’s independence, the island stayed a quiet fishing community until the late 1990s and early 2000s, when new roads from Yangon and the construction of the Kyauktan bridge made day trips from the city possible. In the 2010s, the Yangon Region Government developed the beach park, adding basic facilities and promoting it as a family-friendly spot for weekends. Unlike Myanmar’s main tourist beaches like Ngapali, Ngwe Saung, or Chaung Tha, Crow Island has mostly stayed a local destination, with little international tourism and no large resorts, keeping its authentic community character intact.
Activities at Crow Island Beach Park
Crow Island Beach Park provides a variety of simple, family-friendly activities typical of a local Burmese seaside visit:
Swimming or wading in the very shallow, calm estuary waters, suitable for children and those who cannot swim.
Picnicking under shaded areas or small rented gazebos, with many families bringing mats, home-prepared food, and small portable speakers.
Playing games on the firm, wide sand, including volleyball, frisbee or traditional Burmese beach games.
Observing local fishermen as they leave or return with their boats, especially around sunrise and late afternoon.
Eating at beachside stalls or small restaurants offering fresh seafood like grilled fish, prawns, and crab, as well as mohinga, samosas, fried noodles, and seasonal fruits (average meal MMK 1,000–3,000).
Relaxing on rented chairs or hammocks under coconut palms.
Taking short boat trips with local fishermen to explore nearby mangrove channels or see fishing nets (prices negotiable, around MMK 5,000–10,000 per group).
Watching birds along the mangrove edges, especially early morning or late afternoon.
Access to Crow Island Beach Park
Crow Island Beach Park can be reached fairly easily from Yangon:
From central Yangon: Around 45 to 90 minutes by private car or taxi, using Yangon–Kyauktan Road and crossing the Kyauktan bridge (about 30–35 km).
By public bus: Take a bus from Yangon (Hlaing Thar Yar or Dagon terminals) to Kyauktan, which usually takes 1–1.5 hours (fare MMK 500–1,000), then a short tuk-tuk or motorcycle taxi ride to the beach entrance (MMK 1,000–2,000).
Entry Charge: A low fee is required for the entry or parking at the beach, generally about MMK 500–1,000 per person or per vehicle, and it may vary with the season.
Recommended Time to Visit:
The best time to visit is between November and April, which is the dry season, with temperatures usually between 28 and 34 °C, low rainfall, and calm waters. These conditions are most suitable for swimming and general beach activities. The beach gets most crowded on weekends and public holidays.
From May to October, the southwest monsoon causes heavier rain and sometimes rougher seas, although the sheltered waters often remain safe for swimming. Visitor numbers are lower during this period.
