Ecotourism in the Ayeyarwady Delta

Ecotourism in the Ayeyarwady Delta

Ecotourism in the Ayeyarwady Delta

The great Ayeyarwady River flows from the north to the south of Myanmar for 2,093 kilometers, splitting into numerous branches to form a large, fertile delta area (240 x 210 kilometers), before entering the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

When Myanmar reopens for tourism, the Ayeyarwady delta region has much to offer as a destination for foreign visitors looking to explore off the beaten path and away from tourist sites and crowds.

Image – Irrawaddy delta – NASA earth observatory

Pathein, the capital of the Ayeyarwady Division, is a half day leisurely drive from Yangon. Attractions along the way include traditional bamboo umbrella making and Shwemohtaw Pagoda, before arriving to the glorious white sand beaches of Ngwe Saung. This sleepy, unspoilt resort area is blissfully untouched by urbanization.

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Those wishing to venture even further off the beaten path should set your sights on the Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary. Located in the southern delta, it’s a convenient one day trip by steamer from Yangon to Bogale. Those making the journey are rewarded with idyllic sights of wide expanses of paddy fields, coconut tree-lined riverbanks and scenes from daily village life.

A few local guest houses offer accommodation in Bogale, the best being the Forestry Department Guest House.

Be sure to stock up on purified drinking water (no single use plastic bottles, please!) as Meinmahla Kyun is an island located in the wetlands near the mouth of the sea, and rain is the only source of fresh water. In the dry season, water is in short supply and must be brought from outside.

The expedition begins with a two-hour motor boat ride to the Kyaung Daunt, as the scenery changes dramatically. Mangrove trees and bushes sway in the breeze. Fishing birds scan their prey from above, then swoop down for the catch. Fishermen sing gaily from their canoes. Local villagers welcome visitors with broad smiles and enthusiastic waves.

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An important function of the Sanctuary is to collect hatchlings (baby crocodiles) from their nests, nurture them for one year, then release them into the wild. The aim is to increase the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) population. Visitors can visit the headstarting centre to observe the adorable hatchlings, which make little hissing sounds of protest when the staff catches them to take measurements.

Continue two more hours by boat to Thaung Chaung camp, at the southernmost end of the island. The camp has two very basic bungalows. A sleeping bag or mosquito net and a portable mattress are essential for visitors unaccustomed to sleeping on a wooden floor and mat. Once you settle in, feast on delectable fresh fish and shrimp. For adrenaline junkies tempted to take a dip in the river, remember: this is the natural habitat of crocodiles!

Other Sanctuary dwellers include snakes, dolphins, wild cats, wild pigs and fishing birds. To conserve the wildlife, other important functions of the Sanctuary staff are to protect the mangrove forests and wetlands, and educate visitors on the vital importance of living in harmony with nature.

Another highlight is a visit to a nearby fishing village, of which Kadonkani is the largest. The village serves as a source for exporting fish, shrimp and crabs to Yangon and as far away as China. Bamboo crab storage containers, fisherman in canoes hawking their fresh catch, and the frenzy of fish trading activity, all add to the ambience, which juxtaposes quaintness and commerce.

A favorite activity is nighttime crocodile spotting by boat. The creatures’ eyes glow red in the dark, making them easy to spot.

Some fishermen live entirely on the river, with a canoe serving as home, place of business and mode of transport. Their children are even born in the canoe! If they’re afraid of a crocodile attack, it’s by no means a deterrent to their way of life.

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In general crocodiles are greatly feared by fishermen and intensely disliked by local people, who refer to them as “man-eaters”. Food-habit studies reveal that crocodiles are largely fish eaters, but they also capture birds and small mammals that make their way into a croc’s habitat. As part of the conservation effort, Sanctuary staff are trying to change peoples’ perception of and attitude toward the much-maligned reptiles. According to behavior studies, crocodiles do not typically prey on humans, except to defend their territory against intruders. If crocodiles were as dangerous as their reputation suggests, the fishermen would not dare to anchor their canoes at the edge of river at night, when the crocs are asleep nearby on the mud bank. Crocodiles can grow to a length of 7 meters (23 feet) and a weight of 1,000 kg (2,200 pounds). A canoe is no match for an agitated crocodile!

In summary, the Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary has great potential to promote wildlife education, environmental awareness and ecotourism. It not only offers refuge for endangered species, but a respite for nature lovers seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and awaken the senses. Feel the gentle touch of the warm breeze on your skin. Listen to the soothing sound of water gently lapping against the shore. Awake in the morning to nature’s chorus of chirping birds. Relax and calm your soul in the great Ayeyarwady delta region.

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to Daw Ohn Mar Ohn, Ph.D, Zoological Department, University of Yangon, and Forestry Department, Bogale Township.

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303 thoughts on “Ecotourism in the Ayeyarwady Delta”

  3. Wow! So interesting!
    My native town is also beside the river of Ayeyarwady.

    Reply

  9. LET’S BUILD ECOTOURISM TOGETHER. 🚮

    Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.

    Reply

  14. Ecotourism is a form of tourism based on the concept of organising travel to places of natural beauty, but doing so in a way that avoids damaging the environment, while also helping local people. It can be viewed as a means of limiting the damage caused by travelling to natural areas, while trying to leave a positive legacy.

    Ref;gluglu

    Reply

        1. ညိုပြာနဲ့စန်ကို တယ်လီ မှာမတွေ့တာကြာပြီနော်သတိရနေတာ

          Reply

    1. Delta is an area of low, flat land shaped like a triangle, where a river splits and spreads out into several branches before entering the sea.(from google)

      Reply

  29. Discover Ayeyarwady Delta Tour is exploring the Cultural and Natural scenic Beauty. Observation of Lifestyle of dwelling people and Relaxing at Goyan Gyi Beach.

    Reply

  30. Ayeyarwaddy is one of amizing places in Myanmar. I’ve never been in Meinmahla Island. One of my travel dreams is to travel this Island and see the nature of wild crocodiles between mangrove trees. I got the helpful information from this article. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  37. Nice article! Ayeyarwady Delta is the rice bowl of our country. Stayed and visited in a few towns/cities when my dad was posted during his service.

    Reply

  38. I felt like I’ve been there by reading this article. But I don’t like crocodile. Thanks admin for sharing good articles.

    Reply

  90. The Ayeyarwady Delta is one of the major tropical deltas in the world. Mangrove forests are key elements in the evolution of tropical deltas such as the Ayeyarwady and provide a range of resources that support communities. The communities of the densely populated Ayeyarwady Delta are highly dependent on mangroves, for fuel, food, and coastal protection from extreme storms..

    Reply

  96. I haven’t known about the habit of little crocodile. This article gives me very interesting knowledge. Thanks.

    Reply

  98. The Ayeyarwady Delta is one of the major tropical deltas in the world. Mangrove forests are key elements in the evolution of tropical deltas such as the Ayeyarwady and provide a range of resources that support communities. The communities of the densely populated Ayeyarwady Delta are highly dependent on mangroves, for fuel, food, and coastal protection from extreme storms.

    Great article. Thanks for sharing

    Reply

  102. Oh!!It is interesting. Sometimes, we are so tired of the towns.It makes me feel exhausted. You Are true.This paradise can help me to run away from the busy and exhausting life.Thanks a lot for showing me the heaven.

    Reply

  106. The Ayeyarwady Delta is one of the major tropical deltas in the world. Mangrove forests are key elements in the evolution of tropical deltas such as the Ayeyarwady and provide a range of resources that support communities. The communities of the densely populated Ayeyarwady Delta are highly dependent on mangroves, for fuel, food, and coastal protection from extreme storms.

    Great article.

    Reply

  110. The Ayeyarwady Delta is one of the major tropical deltas in the world. Mangrove forests are key elements in the evolution of tropical deltas such as the Ayeyarwady and provide a range of resources that support communities. The communities of the densely populated Ayeyarwady Delta are highly dependent on mangroves, for fuel, food, and coastal protection from extreme storms.

    Great article. Thanks for sharing

    Reply

  119. Date-27/01/2022

    The Ayeyarwady Delta is one of the major tropical deltas in the world. Mangrove forests are key elements in the evolution of tropical deltas such as the Ayeyarwady and provide a range of resources that support communities. The communities of the densely populated Ayeyarwady Delta are highly dependent on mangroves, for fuel, food, and coastal protection from extreme storms.

    Great article. Thanks for sharing

    Reply

  125. Date-28/01/2022

    The Ayeyarwady Delta is one of the major tropical deltas in the world. Mangrove forests are key elements in the evolution of tropical deltas such as the Ayeyarwady and provide a range of resources that support communities. The communities of the densely populated Ayeyarwady Delta are highly dependent on mangroves, for fuel, food, and coastal protection from extreme storms.

    Great article. Thanks for sharing

    Reply

  136. Date-30/01/2022

    The Ayeyarwady Delta is one of the major tropical deltas in the world. Mangrove forests are key elements in the evolution of tropical deltas such as the Ayeyarwady and provide a range of resources that support communities. The communities of the densely populated Ayeyarwady Delta are highly dependent on mangroves, for fuel, food, and coastal protection from extreme storms.

    Great article. Thanks for sharing

    Reply

  150. Date-05/02/2022

    The Ayeyarwady Delta is one of the major tropical deltas in the world. Mangrove forests are key elements in the evolution of tropical deltas such as the Ayeyarwady and provide a range of resources that support communities. The communities of the densely populated Ayeyarwady Delta are highly dependent on mangroves, for fuel, food, and coastal protection from extreme storms.

    Great article. Thanks for sharing

    Reply

  153. Date-06/02/2022

    The Ayeyarwady Delta is one of the major tropical deltas in the world. Mangrove forests are key elements in the evolution of tropical deltas such as the Ayeyarwady and provide a range of resources that support communities. The communities of the densely populated Ayeyarwady Delta are highly dependent on mangroves, for fuel, food, and coastal protection from extreme storms.

    Great article. Thanks for sharing

    Reply

  156. Date-07/02/2022

    The Ayeyarwady Delta is one of the major tropical deltas in the world. Mangrove forests are key elements in the evolution of tropical deltas such as the Ayeyarwady and provide a range of resources that support communities. The communities of the densely populated Ayeyarwady Delta are highly dependent on mangroves, for fuel, food, and coastal protection from extreme storms.

    Great article. Thanks for sharing

    Reply

  158. Date-08/02/2022

    The Ayeyarwady Delta is one of the major tropical deltas in the world. Mangrove forests are key elements in the evolution of tropical deltas such as the Ayeyarwady and provide a range of resources that support communities. The communities of the densely populated Ayeyarwady Delta are highly dependent on mangroves, for fuel, food, and coastal protection from extreme storms.

    Great article. Thanks for sharing

    Reply

  160. Date-09/02/2022

    The Ayeyarwady Delta is one of the major tropical deltas in the world. Mangrove forests are key elements in the evolution of tropical deltas such as the Ayeyarwady and provide a range of resources that support communities. The communities of the densely populated Ayeyarwady Delta are highly dependent on mangroves, for fuel, food, and coastal protection from extreme storms.

    Great article. Thanks for sharing

    Reply

  165. I miss my native town ,one of towns located in Ayeyarwady delta after reading this article.
    Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  213. Interesting of AYA delta region. a lot of beach and not too far from Yangon Capital of Myanmar.

    Reply

  217. What an insightful article about Bogalay wildlife attractions. Even local people in Ayawaddy region is not aware of this treasure. It will surely help our country’s future tourism industry.

    Reply

  245. We need to essentially promote environmental awareness and ecotourism to value our beautiful ecosystem’s services, after achieving our goal.

    Reply

    1. Ayeyawaddy…interesting living style/culture and foods in Myanmar. Mangrove trees are everywhere in alongside of rivers. And many species of birds.

      Reply

    1. Do not be discouraged.
      Do not break up the group.
      Do not compromise your health.

      Reply

  277. Ecotourism is a form of tourism based on the concept of organising travel to places of natural beauty, but doing so in a way that avoids damaging the environment, while also helping local people. It can be viewed as a means of limiting the damage caused by travelling to natural areas, while trying to leave a positive legacy.

    Reply

  280. In AYA delta region, we believed that “U(Uncle) Shin Gyi” Natt (holy Spirit) who protect seaman/fisherman at the sea & river. Some village celebrate “U shin gyi Natt pwe” once a year especially before rainy season. Also individual house offer with foods (sticky rice, with coconut, banana and ……) I like it.

    Reply

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