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Mergui Archipelago

myanmar_mergui_200x160.jpgLocated to the north of Phuket, it is no exaggeration to say that the Mergui Archipelago is likely to be the 'newest' yachting destination on earth having only been 'opened' to visiting yachts since the late 1990's.

Dense mountainous rainforests, white silica sand beaches and perfect natural bays providing ideal shelter for visiting yachts, characterize an archipelago of some 800 virtually uninhabited islands.

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mergui_beach_200x160.jpgUnderwater, the Mergui offers abundant coral reefs, fascinating topography and prolific fish and invertebrate life, including many unusual species, some of which are rarely encountered in Thai waters just 100 miles south.

On the beaches macaques and monitor lizards can be seen feeding on crabs at low tide. Hornbills and sea eagles fly from the rainforest canopy, and the dense jungle is home to an amazing diversity of flora & fauna. Tracks have been found of the rare Asian rhinoceros and crocodiles have also been seen.
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The native of Mergui are known as the Moken people. They are sea gypsies and can be observed fishing and living on their boats in entire family groups. They follow a traditional way of life, still doing things very much the way they have been done for centuries. Their knowledge of the sea enables them to live off its fauna and flora by using simple tools such as nets and spears to forage for food. What is not consumed is dried atop their boats, then used to barter for other necessities at local markets.

SAMPLE ITINERARY: MERGUI ISLAND CRUISE

Embarkation: Phuket
Disembarkation: Myeik
Duration: 7 days
Optional Activities: Scuba Diving, Fishing, Kayaking
Note: If departing from Phuket, a Mergui cruise can be combined with a stopover at the Similan and Surin islands.
Recommended Yachts: Silolona, Moecca, Lady Anita, Raja Laut, S/Y Asia

Day 1: Embarkation in Phuket, Thailand, and set sail for the stunning Similan and Surin islands, Thailands most captivating scuba diving paradise, located just south of the Mergui Archipelago.

Day 2: Victoria Point is the gateway to the Mergui Archipelago. An archipelago of 800 virtually uninhabited islands, the islands of Mergui are characterized by fringing coral reefs, white silica sand beaches and perfect natural bays providing ideal shelter for visiting yachts. A short sail to Haycock Island, and one can enjoy swimming, snorkeling/diving in a pristine environment, unhurried by time and untroubled by others.

Day 3: From Haycock we sail to Stewart Island, a very good island for scuba diving and offers scenic reefs, clear waters, prolific fish and underwater life. Mergui region has some of the best diving in the Andaman Sea: some sites have huge boulders, soft corals and sea fans, others offer wall diving, caverns, tunnels and drop-offs.

Day 4: Sail from Stewart to Lampi, the largest island in the archipelago. Here is a chance to explore by kayak a pristine mangrove river. Enjoy an afternoon of leisurely play, and a sunset dinner in sheltered anchorage.

Day 5: After breakfast visit the Sea Gypsy village on the northern shore of the island. The Burmese name for the village is Marghon Galet (translated means a channel visited by a foreigner).

Day 6: Black Rock is an islet with steep walls past which swim a procession of exciting creatures including a variety of rays and sharks. Add to this excitement the wonder of an area of boulders featuring a profusion of soft corals and a shallow section of tube corals where all manner of crabs, urchins and other little creatures call home and you can see why many consider Black Rock to be the finest diving in Myanmar.

Day 7: Myeik is the capital of the Mergui Archipelago, and is a port city used to be crowded with a cosmopolitan crowd of Thai, Chinese, Indian, Malay, Portuguese, Dutch, French and English. The settlements are Bahmar, Mon, Shan and some Kayins who speak Bahmar language but with a strong Myeik dialects. Today the port is full of warthann boats and fishing boats that vary in size which give the region its traditional feel. Here we will visit the House of Bird Nests, the Lay Gyun Se Mee Pagoda - the most stunningly attractive pagoda in the region, and the the Beik evening bazaar.

Disembark from yacht and transfer to Myeik Airport for a flight to Rangoon (Yangon) and explore the fascinating capital of Myanmar before flying home.

BEST TIME TO GO: Fine weather between December and April, though Mergui is an all-year-round cruising destination.

PORTS OF EMBARKATION/DISEMBARKATION: Kawthung, Myeik or Phuket.

HOW TO GET THERE: One can either travel by yacht from Phuket to the Mergui, or fly directly from Bangkok to Ranong on the Thai/Burma border, or fly to Myeik from Rangoon (Yangon)