Destination

Mergui

Arguably the least-known destination within Myanmar is the Mergui archipelago, which sees less than 2,000 visitors each year. Once used as a place of exile for political prisoners, Mergui is the traditional home of the Moken, a nomadic, ocean-going people known as the Sea Gypsies, who, over the centuries, have lived off the cerulean waters of the Andaman Sea.

Today, the islands now host guests of a different sort, drawn to the region's colorful corals, white sand beaches, and flourishing wildlife - all made possible by Mergui's relative isolation. In addition to its tropical beauty, Mergui's 800 islands also offer rainforests, mangrove swamps and rocky headlands, many of which remain untouched by human activity; indeed, it is not unheard of to visit Mergui and not see another tourist there during your entire visit.

Experiences

A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.

Diving

Travelers interested in a "soft-diving" activity can swim through the Andaman Sea’s turquoise waters and view its myriad wildlife. In particular, sharks are plentiful; one dive site, the aptly-named Shark Cave, is home to whale sharks, bull sharks, nurse sharks, and grey reef sharks. Other standout species include stingrays, pipefish, ribbon eels, and all the manner of crustaceans, lobsters, and crabs.

The best diving is from December to April; for a glimpse of sharks and manta rays, however, the best time to do so is from February to May.

Fishing

Anglers and saltwater lovers will find the fishing here to be a peaceful endeavor. While the large fish are to be found in the Burma Banks, it is possible to watch the locals go squid fishing.

Kawthaung

Named for the legendary British sovereign, Victoria Point is the starting point for trips to Mergui. A neat little enclave, Victoria Point is exceedingly close to the Thai border, so much so that Thai Baht is the currency of choice, and Thai SIM cards can work on one’s cell phone. Nonetheless, Victoria Point does make for an excellent day trip; it offers friendly locals and a chance to sample Burmese cuisine.

Lampi National Park

Part of the Mergui archipelago, Lampi has been classified as a “total protective” area by the government – and for good reason. Within the park lie a variety of diverse habitats, including coral reefs, sandy beaches and dunes, and tropical evergreen forests – densely packed, layered forests sheltering a wide range of flora and fauna. Local wildlife includes dugongs, large marine mammals related to manatees, as well as five wild, elusive elephants which were released in the area by the government.

Private Beaches

Surrounded by a patchwork sea of aquamarine and azure, the islands of the Mergui archipelago are home to hundreds of hidden, private beaches. Treat yourself to scenic vistas of the surrounding ocean, pristine, white sand, polychrome corals, and broad, leafy palm trees. Experience the tropics at its best – and most secluded.

Sea Gypsies

The Moken, also known as "Sea Gypsies,” are one of the smallest minorities in Myanmar. While these maritime nomads once roved the ocean in small boats, they now live in small villages on terra firma. Visitors can learn more about their ways of life, from traditional boat-building techniques to their diving and spearfishing abilities.

Myanmar Regions

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Mergui Itineraries

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Multi Country

Lost Islands of Mergui

Spend 5 days discovering the stunning hidden treasure that is the Mergui archipelago and this luxury Myanmar trip. You’ll dive at one of the world’s best dive sites, while staying on a luxurious private liveaboard boat, enjoying fun beachside activities, and meeting members of the Sea Gypsy clan.

Interests Diving, Beaches

Destinations Myanmar, Myanmar

Duration: 5 days / 4 nights

Price Per Person: From $8,900

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Tranquil Island Luxury in Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago

Unwind and explore the shores of the Mergui Archipelago, an idyllic island chain and adventure lover’s dream. Enjoy days at two luxury resorts, Wa Ale and Awei Pila, that both offer an abundance of private tours and activities. Venture along the treeline and spot rare, exotic birds, witness the local Moken people practicing their customs, or merely relax on the white sand beach and enjoy marine wildlife spotting – all these experiences and more await on this seven-day trip.

Interests Beaches, Diving

Destinations Myanmar, Myanmar

Duration: 7 days / 6 nights

Price Per Person: From $4,550

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Awei Pila Resort

Mergui, Myanmar

Off the southern coast of Myanmar lies the Mergui Archipelago, a collection of hundreds of islands boasting untouched coral reefs and beaches that were long inaccessible to tourists. Currently, there remain only a few islands open to the public in this area, and the Awei Pila Resort is one of them. The resort is nestled within virgin forest on Pila Island, which is located 80 kilometers from the shoreline of Kawthaung and is only accessible via private boat. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the Andaman Sea from the island's northernmost beach and enjoy a collection of chic, tented villa accommodations. Offering unparalleled privacy and built to allow for a low environmental impact, interiors are flooded with natural sunlight, and the light décor fosters a relaxing environment. Guests shower under the stars in their enclosed, outdoor bathrooms, and they can relax in private terraces that are surrounded by manicured gardens. The social hub of the resort is centered on the reception area, where there is a café and bar, as well as the resort’s flagship restaurant. Headed by a world-class chef, the restaurant strives to satisfy guests by serving up a gastronomical experience of local and regional flavors prepared with the freshest of ingredients – especially in terms of seafood. Of course, the main attraction to the island is the natural environment itself. The resort can organize a variety of snorkeling and scuba diving excursions for guests that reveal the complex, healthy ecosystems below, and a number of hiking and kayaking adventures can also be arranged. Additionally, the island is a paradise for birdwatchers, as a number of exotic species can be spotted here.

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Wa Ale Island Resort

Mergui, Myanmar

Nestled on an island amid a 9,000-acre wildlife reserve on the Andaman Sea, few places in the world can rival the isolation, serenity, and sheer natural beauty offered by the Wa Ale Island Resort. The resort is complete with 11 villas that are directly connected to a private stretch of beach and two treetop villas that boast unobstructed vistas of the ocean. Accommodations are open-air and lavishly appointed with furniture that is perfect for lazy days under the sun and constructed in an environmentally conscious manner. Reclaimed materials were used during construction to avoid disrupting the surrounding environment. Gourmet meals feature a combination of Southeast Asian and Mediterranean dishes, which are prepared by a head chef who values health just as much as he values flavor. Rich fruit smoothies go hand-in-hand with the surrounding paradise; light brick-oven pizzas remind one that this is a place to relax. Bocce ball courts are set up on the sand, and there are a number of excursions to be taken around the island, such as trekking through jungle trails or snorkeling and diving through the archipelago's abundant reefs and caves. Exploring marine life in Lampi Marine National Park is a highlight. Wa Ale Island is remote. It can only be reached by three-hour luxury speedboat from Kawthaung, which is on Burma's mainland, but this is a worthy price for all the island has to offer.

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Boat Cruises in Mergui

Mergui, Myanmar

Remote Lands clients can choose to stay overnight on private sail or motorboats, sailing around the region and visiting some of the region's 800 islands. Boats in Myanmar are fairly basic and not luxurious, but they are private charters. It is also possible to bring in more luxurious vessels from Phuket, at additional cost.

Multi-Country Specialists

Myanmar Goes Well With

Cambodia

Laos

Vietnam

Thailand

Why Remote Lands?

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With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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