Ayeyarwady Dolphin Community Based Ecotourism started in 2014, and now has over 350 members from 8 villages in Mandalay and Sagaing Regions.
The main purposes are:
(1) to create sustainable income for local community
(2) to maintain the unique culture of co-operative fishing
(3) to support dolphin conservation.
Local communities have full self-determination for participation, as well as their own systems for providing tourism services. They created and registered the Dolphin Community Conservation Association (DCCA) in 2018, to formalize their group and strengthen teamwork. The group has an effective leadership committee, and follows democratic processes for electing representatives, developing rules, regulations and guidelines for dolphin watching, as well as setting prices and benefit sharing mechanisms.
The DCCA is actively involved in dolphin conservation activities, including joint patrolling to prevent illegal fishing, dolphin promotion and awareness. In 2018 the DCCA won an award from for “Best Community Involvement in Tourism”.
Tour sightseeing can be conducted at eight CBT villages ( Sinkyn village, Aye kyun village, Sein Pan kone village , Myae Zunn village , Myint Ken Gyi village ,Sithe village , Yawr Thit village and Indown village) for ancient pagodas, monastery, local handicraft and, foods as well as learning and participating in local people’s culture, agriculture activities, daily lifestyle.
Tourists can visit Sheinmaka Tawyagyi, Myanmar’s first wildlife sanctuary there can be seen the ancient culture and artifacts as well as study one of Myanmar’s endemic species called Eld’s Deer (Golden Deer) and interesting bird species. Bird watching activity is highly recommended along the Ayeyarwady and around the community areas for different avian fauna species such as water birds, grassland birds, Myanmar Endemic bird as well as migratory birds.
The other attractions for tourism are Nantaw Kyun Village, the temporary palace of Bodawpaya and the ancient wooden monastery in Thonesel Bay village.Through Indaung CBT Village, tourist can visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pyu ancient city in Wetlet Township. Visiting the sand beaches adjacent to CBT villages for playing, birdwatching, and camping.
The best time for visiting is between October and May of the year.
Route 1
By Zet-Craft
Dala Jetty to Phayar Ngote To Junction (30 mins Drive)
Phayar Ngote To Junction to CBT Kyaikthale (15 mins)
Route 2
By Car
Downtown to Hlaingtharyar BOC (1 hour Drive)
Hlaing Thar Yar BOC to Phayar Ngote To Junction (30 mins)
Phayar Ngote To Junction to CBT Kyaikthale (15 mins)