Victoria Point

Kawthaung

This small port at the southernmost tip of Tanintharyi Division - and the southernmost point of mainland Myanmar(Burma) (800km from Yangon and 2000km from the country's northern tip) - is only separated from Thailand by a broad estuary in the Pakchan River. To the British it was known as Victoria Point and to the Thais it's known as Ko Sawng (Second Island). The Burmese name, Kawthoung (also spelt Kawthaung), is a mispronunciation of the latter.

The main business here is trade with Thailand, followed by fishing, rubber and cashews. Among Burmese, Kawthaung is most known for producing some of the country's outstanding kickboxers. Most Kawthoung residents are bilingual in Thai and Burmese. Many residents born and raised in Kawthoung, especially Muslims, also speak Pashu, a dialect that mixes the Thai, Malay and Burmese languages.

Kawthoung's bustling waterfront is lined with teashops, moneychangers and shops selling Thai construction materials. Touts stroll up and down the pier area, arranging boat charters to Thailand for visitors and traders. A huge duty-free market was built in pseudo-Bamar style in 1997, next to the harbor, but so fare it stands completely empty. Along one side of the harbor lies Cape Bayinnaung, named for King Bayinnaung, a Bamar monarch who invaded Thailand several times between 1548 and 1569. A bronze statue of Bayinnaung - out - fitted in full battle gear and brandishing a sword pointed at Thailand, not exactly a welcoming sight for visiting Thais, stands at the crest of a hill on the cape.

Five kilometers north of town, the fishing village of Thirimyaing Lan is known for its hilltop Third Mile Pagoda, with good sea and island views. Thirimyaing Lan also boasts good local seafood restaurants along its waterfront. Another 11km on is Paker Beach, reportedly the best nearby mainland beach.

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