Locals have been quietly slipping down to Gaw Yan Gyi peninsula (erroneously referred to as ‘Gaw Yan Gyi Island’) for a few years. Recently foreigners caught on and the opening of the G7 Plage bungalows will only spur the footsteps to this hidden-away corner of the country.

Twenty-five miles south of Ngwe Saung Beach, G7 Plage is located on the peninsula’s Chai Lay Beach. In the clear water you may see a few Myanmar tourists swimming in the water, but it is normally only occupied by local school children cooling down between lessons. From the other side of the peninsula one can catch a boat out to the islands where under coconut trees guests will be served fresh fish and hermit crab agogo!

There are currently about 8 bungalows on the grass just behind the beach. The rooms are simple but comfortable and the bathrooms are stone wet rooms. The restaurant is fantastic, with good wine and the chance to order a lobster fresh from the ocean.

Gaw Yan Gyi remains a tiring 10 hour bus journey from Yangon. However, G7 Plage is well equipped to welcome weary travellers.

FLASH POINT: As G7 Plage is right next to the local community, a stay here offers both a relaxed beach-sojourn, while at the same time the best of the Burmese village: friendly locals, tea-leaf salad, and jolly tables upon which to drink the local liquor.