The government of Ayeyawady Region has approved the test operation of a floating hotel on a luxury cruise ship near Aungmingalar Island of Chaungtha Beach. 

It has been allowed for a one-year test period after building a jetty near the island and the government will continue to monitor whether it will adhere to rules and regulations in place.

"We have allowed the floating hotel service there for a one-year trial period but it has to run in accord with the rules and disciplines adopted by relevant departments such as Hotels and Tourism Enterprise, Development Affairs Department, General Administration Department and Environmental Conservation Department. If their service is OK for the convenience of passengers and visitors, we will then plan to give permission for official operation," said Ayeyawady Region Minister for Development Affairs Kyaw Myint. 

Chaungtha Township Administrator Kyaw Thu said: "The floating hotel is in Ward No.1 of Chaungtha. A jetty has been built connecting Aungmingalar Island. The floating hotel is on a 130-foot two-decked luxury cruise ship. It is named floating hotel or Aungmingalar Island Hotel. Now is the trial-run period for that service."