Noor Ali

Boats of Arakan

Woodwork (WDW)

Transport

The añdha naw is a double-decker passenger and cargo vessel, approximately 35-40 feet long. This is an expensive boat to make and own. The hull is built from a combination of wood and metal, while the keel is made out of iron.

The most common types of wood used to make an añdha naw are garjan (dipterocarpus alatus) and boilam (anisoptera scaphula) but less expensive timber can also be used. Construction material often needs to be brought in from Yangon due to a lack of availability in Arakan, especially of metal, which also runs up the costs.

These boats are generally found in Buthidaung and Akyab (Sittwe) and have passenger decks as well as a cargo hold. The añdha naw is a sea-going vessel and has gained some notoriety as one of the boats used in illegally ocean crossings.