| Position | southernmost town in Myanmar, Tanintharyi Region |
|---|---|
| Old name | Victoria Point under British rule |
| Population | 57,949 in 2021 |
| Border | faces Ranong in Thailand |
| Role | one of seven official border trade posts with Thailand |
At 1859, a local Chinese and Thais group is settled at Maliwan to the north of Kawthaung, a place with numerous lakes and flower trees called Maliwan in Thai Language. And at 1865, an Arab-Malay group led by Nayuda Ahmed, traveling and collecting sea products around Mergui Archipelago start to form a base and village at bay of Victoria Point. In 1872 the third mayor of Mergui District, Sir Ashly Din (1870–1875) assigned the first police officer to be stationed at Maliwan, a village 24 miles north of current Victoria Point. In 1891, the local government offices were moved from Maliwan to Kawthaung because Maliwan is located on the bank of a small shallow river, Maliwan Creek, unsuitable for large ships to enter and waiting tide water.
Kawthaung gives you an idea of the life Joseph Conrad and Maurice Collis. You can find his book about this area during colonial times here. This place is separated from Thailand by the Pak Chan River on the east, and dwarfed by the Andaman Sea to the west. Unsurprisingly, it is a township whose history, economy and character have been shaped by its proximity to the sea.
The favorite for tourists and fortune risk-taking people is Andaman Club Resort Hotel located on Thahtay Kyun Island about half an hour trip by boat from Kawthaung or Ranong. The club is famous for casino gambling, the only one international gambling places of Myanmar on the Andaman side. Not far from the town, there are Kayin Kwa and other such as Myauk Ni and Salone Islands, a part of Mergui Archipelago, they are good places for diving, and other sea activities since the place can be regard as still virgin since not much disturbed by outside environments. Nearby Kawthung has a small water fall and hot spring at Maliwun Village 24 miles north from the town.
In addition, Kawthaung is the home to the Barma, Thai and other ethnic minorities like Shan and Karen, and so on. Therefore, this place is also a great stop for visitors those want to experience the culture and customs of the locals.
Last but not least, these 800-plus islands are a last-of-their-kind paradise, hosting an amazing variety of flora and fauna. They were only opened to tourists in 1997 and are still considered virgin territory. Their abundance of marine life attracts seasoned divers and passing tourists alike.
If you are on your way and are looking for a place to stay in Myanmar, be sure to check Kawthaung out.
The southern border town
English Wikipedia describes Kawthaung as a border town in the southernmost part of Myanmar, in the Tanintharyi Region, known as Victoria Point during British rule between 1824 and 1948. It had a population of 57,949 as of 2021 and faces Ranong in Thailand, one of seven official border trade posts with Thailand. We have not verified the older text on border crossing rules, islands or prices. Check current crossing conditions with your operator, because they change. Conditions in Myanmar can change quickly, so check your government’s current travel advice and confirm access with your operator before booking.
Sources (read in English, English Wikipedia): Kawthaung. Last checked November 2026.
Kawthaung: FAQ
Where is Kawthaung?
In the southernmost part of Myanmar, in the Tanintharyi Region.
What was it called under British rule?
Victoria Point.
Which Thai town faces it?
Ranong.
How many people live there?
57,949 as of 2021.
Can you cross to Thailand here?
It is an official border trade post, but check current rules.