The Mergui Archipelago consists of more than 800 islands situated off the Andaman coast in southern Myanmar and is open to international visitors since 1997. Five of the islands are inhabited by the indigenious Moken, who are now facing a new era with many changes.
Weather, Seasons and Travel Time
- Summer: From February to april – sunny, dry and hot.
- Rainy Season: May to November – rainy, windy and often heavy storms
- Winter: December and January – sunny, dry, windy and not too hot
Important To Know
Best time to visit: December to April
• Myanmar Andaman Resort
• Andaman Club
on cruising and diving liveaboards only!
| Location: | Division Tennasserim, Union of Myanmar |
| Area: | 36000 km² |
| Inhabitants: | mainly indigenous Moken on Ma Kyone Gallet, Lampi and on the Loughborough group. Recently inreasing numbers of mainland burmese |
| Towns & Cities: | Dawei in the north, Myeik (od. Mergui) in the middle and Kaw Thaung in the south |
| Entry Point: | Recommended is the entry via the Thai border at Ranong. Entry through the heartland of Myanmar is possible under bureaucracy and adventurous travel routes. Kaw Thaung has a small airport which is frequented more often from Yangoon in the recent years |
| Climate: | tropical |
News & Reports from Southern Myanmar:
New Boats And Possible Diving Daytrips in 2015/16
The development of the Mergui Archipelago as a tourist destination continues. Burma Boating will be operating with five luxury sailing boats and one completely new Motoryacht from October 2015 on. The MY Drenec is a huge Motorvessel which was running leisure trips into the Arctic and then was fully refurbished in Malta to be transferred …
Mergui Trip Log MV DEEP ANDAMAN Qn 28th Jan – 3rd Feb 2015
Trip log and photos of the Mergui Archipelago scuba diving cruise on the MV DEEP ANDAMAN Qn 28. January – 3rd February 2015. 28 January – A Day in Thailand Having set sail in Thap Lamu in the evening of the 27th, the divers woke up on Koh Bon for the first dive. Within 10 …
The Mergui Archipelago is located in the south of Burma. As part of the Tanintharyi region, it is a visually stunning collection of over 800 uninhabited islands that is a diving and sailing enthusiast’s paradise.
Although the islands are comprised mainly of granite and limestone, the thick, luscious rainforests, that cover them create a truly spectacular sight. Stunning expanses of coastline provide countless opportunities for sailing, diving or simply lying back and enjoying the sunshine.
For travellers who like to leave the hustle and bustle of modern life behind, the islands’ isolation from civilisation – as well as their rich and varied flora and fauna – makes the Mergui Archipelago in Myanmar a tropical paradise without comparison.
How to Get to the Mergui Archipelago
Reaching this stunning area of Myanmar and the surrounding islands usually involves a flight from Yangoon, but it can also be reached relatively easy from over the border in Thailand. Regular cruises and sailing excursions set sail from Phuket, Khao Lak or Ranong that combine some stunning views of the archipelago with a comfortable way to get there. If you decide to fly, you will need to plan your trip carefully, as only two to three flights leave from Yangoon to Kaw Thaung every week. The Mergui Archipelago’s location in the Andaman Sea gives it a slightly more temperate climate than inland areas of Burma and Thailand, but the temperature rarely drops below 25C. And with reliable and persistent coastal breezes, the area is perfect for sailing. By visiting between December and March, you will most likely avoid the monsoon season that Myanmar and Kaw Thaung are so renowned for.
In And Around Kaw Thaung
A great place to start your sightseeing is at Kaw Thaung Pier, where you can take a stroll around the vibrant market area of this thriving border settlement. Victoria Point – the southernmost point of Myanmar’s mainland – is only a short distance away, and the King Bayint Naung statue provides tourists with an excellent photo opportunity.
Stunning views over the river to Ranong can be enjoyed during a visit to the Pyi Daw Aye Pagoda, and the surrounding fishing settlements are as quaint as they are fascinating. Then, when you’re finally ready to call it a day, board a luxury, overnight cruise to the surrounding islands and the Three Islets. Many of the area’s sailing and diving excursions leave from the pier, so the district is a real hive of activity.
Activities: Sailing, Beaches and Scuba Diving
Myanmar is renowned for its white-sand beaches, many miles of gorgeous coastline and its spectacular diving locations. A trip to Nyaung Wee Island, Lampi Island and Bo Cho Island will provide you with countless opportunities for diving in crystal-clear waters whilst admiring the hundreds of tropical fish and the coral reef that can be found in plentiful supply. Local diving schools offer instruction for beginners and experts alike. If you’re more of a land-lover, take a walk into the dense tropical jungle of Nyaung Wee and explore the ancient charm of Moken Village.
The best way to fully appreciate the natural beauty of Tar Yar and Pilar islands is by sailing around them on one of the many organised tours that set sail from Kaw Thaung and many of the fishing villages in the region. And if you’re a real adrenaline junkie, the kayaking opportunities on Tar Yar Island are amongst the most exciting in the world. Make sure you take the time to relax and enjoy the stunning range of cuisine that Myanmar is so famous for, and a great way to do that is by enjoying a barbecue dinner on a cruise around Salon Island.
Whether you are looking for world-class diving opportunities or some of the world’s most spectacular sailing routes, Myanmar and Kaw Thaung have a great deal to offer. A stay in this beautiful Asian paradise can be whatever you want it to be. Relax on the white-sand beaches with cocktails and endless sunshine, soak up the Burmese way of life in the bustling markets and eateries of Kaw Thaung town, or simply gaze in wonderment at some of the most beautiful islands found anywhere on earth.