Getting Around Myeik
Myeik is a compact port city, and most visitors find they can cover the centre on foot while relying on motorcycle-taxis for longer hops. The city has no rail, metro or tram network, so land transport is entirely road-based, supplemented by boats across the harbour.
On Foot
Downtown Myeik is the easiest part of the city to explore on foot. Walking is a practical way to reach the waterfront, markets and central streets, and it pairs well with short motorcycle-taxi rides when you want to cover more ground.
Motorcycle-Taxis
Motorcycle-taxis are the mainstay of local transport and the mode most visitors end up using. They are found everywhere, and are especially easy to pick up downtown, at the airport, at the port, and at the highway bus station. A trip around downtown costs roughly 3,000–5,000 kyat. Agree the fare before you set off.
Taxis and Car Hire
Car transport is also available. You can arrange a car through your hotel or pick one up at the jetty, the airport, or the highway bus station, with prices in the region of 5,000–7,000 kyat. For longer excursions, cars can be hired for trips such as the run to Kyaung Pyar via the Kyeal Gu Bridge on the Tanintharyi River, which takes anywhere from one to a few hours from Myeik, or to Bo Taung Waterfall outside town, about an hour away by taxi.
Cycle Rickshaws and Boats
Cycle rickshaws share the downtown streets with motorcycle-taxis and are a relaxed option for short trips in the centre. On the water, longtail boats operate as ferries across the harbour to Pahtaw-Pahtet Hill.
Motorbike Rental
Motorbikes can be rented at hostels, or arranged through some locals at the riverside. This suits visitors who want to explore at their own pace, though it is worth being cautious on the region's hilly roads.
Buses and Long-Distance Connections
Myeik has no city bus network to speak of, but it is served by long-distance minivans and buses. A couple of companies run minivan connections to and from Kawthoung (a long overnight-style haul of 10–12 hours), Bokepyin, and Dawei. Services to Dawei leave at 10:00 and 17:00 and take 8–10 hours. These depart from the highway bus station, which is also one of the places where motorcycle-taxis and hire cars wait.
Arriving by Air
Myeik Airport serves the city. Myanmar National Airlines flies between Myeik and Yangon on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and also operates frequent weekly flights to and from Kawthoung. Be aware that flights can be cancelled without notice because of low bookings, poor weather, or other unpredictable circumstances, so build some flexibility into your plans. From the airport, motorcycle-taxis and hire cars are both available to take you into town.
Arriving by Boat
Fast ferries run between Myeik and Dawei to the north, taking around four hours. Five Star Line passenger ships may also call at Myeik roughly fortnightly, en route between Kawthoung and Yangon in either direction; the company has an office opposite the main piers. Foreign passengers pay considerably higher fares, but the first-class two-berth cabins are comfortable.
Practical Tips
- Keep small kyat notes handy for motorcycle-taxis and rickshaws, and confirm the fare before you ride.
- Ask your hotel to arrange a car if you want a fixed price or a longer trip out of town.
- Allow extra time around flights, since cancellations can happen at short notice.
- For onward travel, head to the highway bus station for minivans to Kawthoung, Bokepyin and Dawei.