MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO

THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE

The Myeik Archipelago, as it should now be called, is most commonly referred to by its colonial name; the Mergui Archipelago. It is a vast cluster of islands covering a colossal area of the azure, clear waters of the Andaman Sea. It consists of over 800 rocky limestone karsts, small limestone pinnacles and ancient granite rock islands.

Mergui’s islands are carpeted by dense tropical jungle, fringed with white sandy beaches and abundant coral reefs. The islands, both above and below the sea, host an unimaginable abundance of flora and fauna of which some is totally unique to the area. The Mergui Archipelago appeals to nature lovers, snorkelers, scuba divers, scientists and adventurers.

JUMP STRAIGHT IN!

When can you visit the Mergui Archipelago?
Where is the Mergui Archipelago?
How to get to the Mergui Archipelago
What you can do?
More Information

CURRENT STATUS

During to the SW Monsoon

travel to the Mergui Archipelago

is currently:

CLOSED

Until

15 October 2018

SEASONAL DATES

The recommended Burma diving

season, every year is from:

Though there are no strict regulations as to when you can visit the Mergui Archipelago, most dive operators and sail boat charters do not risk travel in the Andaman Sea during the rainy season due to unpredictable and adverse sea conditions.

Most Mergui Archipelago boat operators are based in Thailand. When you can visit the area greatly depends on the high season of Thailand’s West Coast and the opening times of the Similan Islands National Park.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MERGUI?

OCTOBER SW Monsoon

Weather and sea conditions can be changeable with storms that mark the end of the rainy season

NOV – JAN: NE Monsoon

Weather can be changeable at the start of the cool season. Occasional strong prevailing winds can cause high waves at sea well into January.

FEB – MAR: NE Monsoon

Optimum weather and sea conditions for visiting the Mergui Archipelago. Best time to encounter Giant Manta rays at Black Rock and westerly dive sites.

APR – MAY: NE Monsoon

Temperatures start to rise heading into the hot season bringing a higher chance of storms at sea.

Water conditions are dependant on annual monsoons governing Myanmar’s climate. November to April is the North-East monsoon. Winds blow across Myanamar bringing cool, dry air from China. Offshore winds create favourable sea conditions.

May to October the climate is controlled by the South-West monsoon. Strong winds carrying hot, humid air from the Indian Ocean bring clouds, heavy rainfall and make for unsafe sea conditions. Travel to the Mergui Archipelago is not recommended.

As well as limited travel opportunities and annual monsoons determining conditions throughout the Mergui Archipelago, there are also other considerations for scuba divers and snorkelers. The best time to visit the archipelago will depend on other factors including tides and water visibility.

WHERE IS THE MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO?

The Mergui Archipelago or Myeik Archipelago lies off the coast of the Tanintharyi Division (region) of southern Myanmar. After decades of both self imposed and internationally sanctioned political isolation, this pristine archipelago is one of the world’s most mystical destinations.

High Rock Island in the Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar

OVERVIEW

The archipelago covers an immense area; over 36,000km² of mostly uninhabited islands. The name Mergui comes from the town of Mergui or Myeik located on the Myanmar coast. Mergui lies roughly in the middle of the archipelago’s length. Mergui is an important historical town and has been a vital trading town for the Burmese (now Myanmar), the Siamese (now Thailand) and the British during it’s long, often turbulent past.

Mergui Archipelago, Burma Map on a Diving liveaboard

A MYSTERIOUS ARCHIPELAGO

The Mergui Archipelago was only opened to visitors as late as 1997. Former military leaders of Myanmar attempted to control and impose fees on scuba diving operators running liveaboard trips to the Burma Banks from Thailand. Opening the Mergui Archipelago to scuba diving meant operators had access to unlimited new potential dive sites as well as the Burma Banks. Even today you are unlikely to meet divers from other boats underwater.

Two people walking on the beach in the Mergui Archipelago Myanmar Burma

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Excessive entrance fees, high operating costs for boat operators and a checkered reputation of blast fishing in the archipelago’s waters has kept tourist numbers to the region relatively low when compared with the visitor boom at the Similan and Surin Islands in neighbouring Thailand. This tends to enhance Mergui’s reputation as one of the last undiscovered frontiers, offering the chance of undisturbed dive sites and chance encounters with interesting species.

1

2

3

4

Location map of the Andaman Sea and the Similan Islands

Want to visit the mystical, breath taking Myeik Archipelago?

A throwback to bygone times that still offers the chance of discovery and adventure in the modern age.

Contact Us

COORDINATES AND DISTANCES

The Mergui Archipelago lies between latitudes 97*43′ and 98*63′ East and longitudes 9*59′ to 13*21′ North. The islands that make up the archipelago run in a general South to North direction, roughly 404km from Christie Island in the South to Mali Kyun Island in the North.

The archipelago lies off the Western coastline of Myanmar’s Tanintharyi Division (region). This consists the entire coastline of Western Myanmar within the Kra Istmus; the name given to the thin portion of Myanmar and Thailand joining the Malay Peninsular further South.

Many of the archipelago’s islands are scattered close to the mainland. Heading West there are clusters of islands, again formed in a North South direction. There is a third string of more remote islands to the far West that attract much larger pelagic marine life.

It is 76km West from Kawthuang to Western Rocky. Black Rock lies 119km offshore and a whopping 230km North of Richelieu Rock in Thailand.

The whole of the Mergui Archipelago is located to the North of the shallow Eastern portion of the Andaman Sea. 72km West from the Mergui Archipelago are the famously remote Burma Banks.

200km West from the Mergui Archipelago, in the middle of the Andaman sea, the depth increases dramatically. 400km west of the archipelago is the deepest part of the Andaman Basin with an average depth of over 3000m.

The islands are 600km East of the Bay of Bengal and 200km North of the Mallacca Straits.

HOW TO GET TO THE MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO

TRIPS START IN THAILAND

Please Note

Most trips to the Mergui Archipelago
start from Thailand; either Khao Lak or Ranong

1

2

Map showing locations of Khao Lak and Ranong in relation to the Mergui Archipelago

HOW TO GET TO THE MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO

KHAO LAK TAP LAMU PIER	The primary Mergui Archipelago departure pier is 13km South of Khao Lak, 4km off Highway 4. Tap Lamu Pier is a departure pier for both Burma and Similan Liveaboards.
KHAO LAK BY ROAD	The holiday resort of Khao Lak is one of the main departure points to the Mergui Archipelago. A taxi ride to the pier is included with any booking
PHUKET TAXI SERVICE	Phuket Intl Airport is 52km South of Khao Lak. Private taxis are quickest and easiest. Please contact us for rates.
PHUKET BUS SERVICE	Take a taxi from Phuket Intl Airport to Highway 402 (400THB). Pick up the hourly bus service to Khao Lak
BANGKOK BY PLANE	Daily flights from Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok to Phuket. Fly with Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways & Air Asia
BANGKOK BUS SERVICE	From Bangkok’s Southern bus terminal, ‘Sai Tai Mai’, it is 630km to Khao Lak. The journey takes approx 12h
RANONG DEEP SEA PORT	The border town of Ranong is one of the main gateways to Myanmar, due to it’s close proximity to Kawthaung. Trips departing from Khao Lak also enter Myanmar via Ranong.
BANGKOK RANONG BUS	From Bangkok’s Southern bus terminal, ‘Sai Tai Mai’, it is 580km to Ranong. The journey takes approx 10h
KAWTHAUNG MYANMAR	Sailing charters and Burmese snorkelling trips start from Kawthaung. It is easily reached by boat from Ranong or by plane from Yangon.

LIVEABOARD TRIPS TO THE MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO

Diving and snorkel liveaboard vessels typically depart from Thailand. Khao Lak and Ranong are the two main departure locations in Thailand. Many liveaboard trips to the Mergui Archipelago include a day or two in Thailand, either on the way to Myanmar or on the return leg. All vessels must enter Myanmar via Kawthaung, the main border town in Southern Myanmar. Kawthaung is situated across the Kra Buri River opposite Ranong. Thai Immigration procedures are handled either in Ranong or Khao Lak.

For Myanmar liveaboards departing from Khao Lak, embarkation is usually in the evening and include diving at Koh Bon, Koh Tachai and Richelieu Rock before heading to Kawthaung. Most operators offer a complimentary pick up service from hotels in the Khao Lak area and from Phuket to Tap Lamu Pier. Times vary between 14:00-18:00.

For Myanmar liveaboards departing from Ranong, embarkation is usually in the early afternoon with both Thai and Burmese Immigration handled departure day before the vessel heads out to the Mergui dive sites.

The crossing from Kawthaung, to the Mergui archipelago’s islands, varies between 4 to 6 hours depending on specific boat itineraries. Contact us to check any specific Myanmar liveaboard departure locations and detailed Mergui Archipelago itineraries.

Fishing Boat and small village in the Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar Burma

The archipelago is a must for scuba divers, snorkelers, nature lovers, bird watchers and tropical island goers looking for adventure at remote locations well off the beaten track. The total area covered and vast number of islands offer seemingly endless possibilities for adventure and discovery.

Although entry to the Mergui Archipelago is stringently controlled by the Burmese authorities, once out amongst the islands there are few signs of civilisation and development; a nature lover’s dream.

Dotted around some of the larger islands are small villages and trading posts. At these locations it is still possible to encounter the Moken, an ethnic group of oceanic nomads. In the past, the Moken lived entirely off the sea, traveling the Andaman coastline with the monsoon seasons.

As travel restrictions ease in Myanmar, the popularity of the Mergui Archipelago is sure to increase in the future. For now though, the area’s virtual isolation creates a mystical air of a former age. Myanmar is one of the few remaining areas of the world still left to discover.

STAY SAFE

TOURS MUST START FROM KAWTHAUNG, MYANMAR, CONDUCTED BY OFFICIALLY REGISTERED OPERATORS AND ACCOMPANIED BY A BURMESE GUIDE.

BURMA DIVING

Red Giant Frogfish and scuba diver in Myanmar

The options for Myanmar diving are endless. Dive sites vary greatly in terms of the size, marine life you can find, underwater topography and remoteness of locations. With over 800 islands in the Mergui Archipelago, Burma diving is the best and most varied in the Andaman Sea. Check out our interactive map to find the perfect dive sites for you.

Dive trips leave from Thap Lamu in Khao Lak, or from Ranong on the Thai/Myanamr border. There are very few day trip diving options available in Myanmar. The best way to see the best the Mergui Archipelago has to offer is by hopping on a Myanmar Liveaboard. Make sure you book in advance as Myanmar diving schedules are limited and places on the best boats fill up very quickly.

BURMA SNORKELING

Andaman Snorkel discoveries boat reggae queen

The warm, clear blue waters of the Andaman Sea provide a unique opportunity to swim with a multitude of marine life. Protected, unspoiled beaches in beautiful bays, rocky pinnacles and a countless number of submerged shallow reefs. Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago is a perfect snorkelling destination.

Snorkelling in Myanmar has been limited to dive boats at deep dive sites or whilst aboard private yacht charters. There are now a few snorkelling day trips offered by speedboats from Ranong. Experienced snorkelers now have the option to snorkel in Myanmar on multi-day trips to the region on a dedicated snorkel liveaboard boat. Contact us for further assistance or advice.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Small boat next to large island in Myanmar Burma

With such a vast area of water, untouched tropical islands and abundant fauna and flora, a trip to the Mergui Archipelago offers a whole range of possible activities. The only limitation you will have is the equipment you can take with you. Some Myanmar liveaboards have tried to solve this problem for you.

Most vessels come equipped with kayaks for exploring the shallow waters around islands, a rubber dingy for beach and island visits, binoculars for bird/wildlife watching and fishing gear. Island topography and wildlife is diverse, with several rare species to be found. Island jungle trekking and exploration is possible on some of the larger islands like Lampi and Pincep.

DO IT YOURSELF MERGUI

Unless you own your own sailing boat or can afford to charter a private vessel, there are few possibilities to explore the Mergui Archipelago free from the constraints of an organised tour. There are strict entry requirements and costly fees to take a boat into Burmese waters and all boats must be accompanied by a local guide.

Sometimes you strike it lucky and are allocated a local guide with plenty of experience of the archipelago and a good standard of spoken English. Often you are not. Whether you join a Myanmar liveaboard or take your own vessel, you will encounter these local guides. A guide is compulsory and an additional fee will be charged for the service.

MERGUI SAILING

Recent years has seen a rise in the popularity of sailing trips around the Mergui Archipelago (both scheduled trips and private yacht charters). With so many islands, picturesque bays, deserted beaches, abundant wildlife, great snorkeling and diving possibilities, the remote region attracts adventurers and nature lovers alike.

Sailing boats tend to be at the higher end of most budgets, but come with experienced professional crews, luxurious amenities, fine cuisine and a whole host of activities.

If high end travel is not for you or if you have more specific interests and needs, then Scuba Diversion offer a truly unique, affordable way to explore the region. These trips are designed for people interested in scientific research, marine biology, conservation, photography or even just an avid interest in the wildlife to be found in the Mergui Archipelago. Working closely with our friends at Manaia, we tailor trips for a longer duration with a specific focus on a certain areas.

We can cater for any number of specialist requirements. Join us on board a well equipped, cozy catamaran, the Sea Nomad. The boat is kitted out to make detailed ocean floors maps, has an on-board ROV and equipment for taking and storing water/plankton samples. Collected data is used for conservation and research studies.

MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO CONDITIONS

Three islets dive site in Myanmar Mergui Archipelago

As there are so many islands, many of which are far from the mainland, they are subject to their own weather and sea conditions. Even if it is raining on the mainland, conditions may still be excellent out at the islands and vice versa. Whether you are diving, snorkelling or sailing, there are a few things you will need to be aware of.

Most importantly, sea and weather conditions are affected by the annual monsoons, so please contact us to find out the best time of year to visit. During the high season water visibility can be excellent (up to 30m) around the Western islands. Visibility reduces somewhat around the larger islands and closer to the mainland. Water temperature consistently stays nice and warm between 28-29C year round.

Divers and snorkelers will need to think about tides and currents. A few days before and after the full moon, tidal shifts are much larger and this will create stronger currents and a drop in visibility. Currents around the Mergui Archipelago are affected by other factors due to their shape and position meaning that currents are much more dynamic and unpredictable when compared with neighboring Thailand.

Some sites are more prone to strong currents than others, but this is not necessarily a bad thing. Strong currents bring lots of life with it and these sites are often the best place to see Manta Rays or Whale Sharks.

MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO WILDLIFE

Underwater the marine life is diverse and spectacular. As well as the hundreds of species of smaller marine creatures, you can also see Whale Sharks, Giant Manta Rays, Eagle Rays, Blotched Fantail Rays, Guitar sharks and several other species of reef sharks. However, the wildlife on the islands is just as impressive.

Brahminy Kites, White Bellied Sea Eagles and herons are frequently spotted, even around the smaller rocky islands. Other large birds include the Great Hornbill and the much rarer Plain-pouched Hornbill. Other smaller birds like the beautiful Crested Partridge, Red-throated Sunbird and Brown-winged Kingfisher can be found with a keen eye.

Primates can be found on some of the larger islands such as Lampi Island (Lanbi Kyun) as well as a wide variety of snakes and reptiles.

Due to the distances between islands, most Burma liveaboards only allow for limited island and beach time. If you wish to go there for more unique activities such as bird watching, be sure to check with us if this is offered as part of your tour.

Eagles on a rock in Mergui Archipelago, Burma

MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO ACCOMMODATION

Burma Accommodation at the Myanmar Andaman resort

To date there is only one resort in the Mergui Archipelago, the Myanmar Andaman Resort located on Macleod Island. Macleod Island lies to the south of the archipelago, approximately 66km north west from Kawthaung.

The resort’s 14 superior cottages and 8 suite chalets overlook a beautiful shallow bay with one large and two smaller sandy beaches. All rooms have air-conditioning and ceiling fans, hot showers, complimentary drinking water and mosquito nets. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, dive centre, beaches chairs with umbrellas and a mini spa. The dive centre is the only operator offering day trip diving in the Mergui Archipelago.

To get to Macleod Island, the Myanmar Andaman Resort run transfers with their private speedboat from Kawthaung every Wednesday and Saturday.

Reservations can be made directly on the Myanmar Andaman Resort website or through their Yangon office: No. 84, 6th Floor, Uniteam Office Tower, Pan Hlaing Street, San Chaung Township, Yangon, Myanmar. Tel: (95-9) 797 627 627

MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO

JUMP STRAIGHT IN!

CURRENT STATUS

SEASONAL DATES

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MERGUI?

WHERE IS THE MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO?

OVERVIEW

A MYSTERIOUS ARCHIPELAGO

THE BIGGER PICTURE

THE ANDAMAN SEA

MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO

THE BURMA BANKS

THE SIMILAN ISLANDS

COORDINATES AND DISTANCES

HOW TO GET TO THE MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO

TRIPS START IN THAILAND

HOW TO GET TO THE MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO

LIVEABOARD TRIPS TO THE MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO

BURMA DIVING

BURMA SNORKELING

OTHER ACTIVITIES

DO IT YOURSELF MERGUI

MERGUI SAILING

MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO CONDITIONS

MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO WILDLIFE

MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO ACCOMMODATION

Latest from Diversion

Join our Mailing List

WE ACTIVELY SUPPORT

WE LIKE TO WEAR

WE ARE VERIFIED BY

WE CAN TEACH