Travel Guide to Mergui Archipelago

Cities of Mergui Archipelago

Dawei

Dawei, the capital of the Tanintharyi Division is a tropical seaside town, dotted with famous historical pagodas and can be accessed by all means of transportation. The Special Economic Zone project is near Dawei city and the Dawei region serves as the southern economic corridor of Greater Mekong Subregion.

 

Myeik City and the Mergui Archipelago

Myeik (Mergui) is situated in the southern region of Myanmar. It is a busy part town and center for the fishing, pearls, rice, dried fish and bird’s nests.

The archipelago is comprised of more than (800) pristine islands varying in size and local communities. It is located in the far south of the region, lying in the Andaman Sea. Renowned for its crystal clear water, pristine white-sanded beaches diverse marine life, this is heaven for nature lovers and those looking for a relaxing holiday.

 

Kaw Thaung 

Kaw Thaung is the southernmost town and one of the entry ports of Myanmar for visitors from Thailand. Across the river is the border town of Ranong in Thailand. Travelers can easily enter to the Mergui Archipelago famous islands from Kaw Thaung.

 

How to get there

By Air

There are daily flights from Yangon to Dawei, Myeik and Kaw Thaung airports.
Air KBZ and Myanmar National airline have many flight to Myeik Archipelago region.

 

By Sea

There is daily express coastal boat service between Dawei, Myeik and Kaw Thaung. Myoma Jetty in Kaw Thaung is the main jetty for transportation. It is a frontier checkpoint and border entry from Thailand.

 

By Land

There are daily express buses from Yangon Aung Mingalar Bus Station Yangon to Kaw Thaung, via Dawei and Myeik. Htee Khee checkpoint on the Myanmar-Thailand border is about 100 miles east of Dawei and was inaugurated in 2013 as an international gateway.

 

Where to Stay in the Mergui Archipelago

Hotels in Dawei

1. Pearl A Ka Yi Hotel Ph: (059-21780/21980)
2. Garden Guest House Ph: (059-22116)
3. Zeyar Thet San Hotel Ph: (059-23902(
4. Dawei Golden Guest Hotel Ph: (059-21351/21400)
5. Maung ma kan beach resort Ph: (09-422201819)
6. Shwe Maung Than Hotel Ph: (059-23763-64)

 

Hotels in Myeik

1. Hotel Myeik (Mergui) Ph: (059-42424-27-28)
2. Mya See Sein Hotel Ph: (059-41272/42572)
3. Pearl Laguna Resort Ph: (059-42126)

 

Hotels in Kaw Thaung

There are two types of hotel location in Kaw Thaung on the city or island resorts in the Mergui Archipelago which can get direct access to the beach.

• Kaw Thaung Hotel Ph: (01-651033/059-51139)
• Garden Hotel Ph: (059-51731)
• Myanmar Andaman Resort (01 540271/ 540475)
• Honey Bear Hotel (01-222099/ 059-51352)
• Penguin Hotel (059-51145/ 09-49902096)
• Victoria Cliff Resort (09253869977 / 09253869980)

 

Myeik Bird’s Nest Cave

There are cliffs and marble lagoons around the Mergui Archipelago. Precious nests of swift birds dwell around these cliffs and marble lagoons. These birds are a very important national icon and a beautiful sight to see.

 

Pearl Farming

This area is renowned for its uniquely beautiful pearls. Natural pearl harvesting has been prominent in this region since 1891. In 1995, pearl cultivation was introduced and is widely produced by local and foreign companies. The Myeik region produces some of the finest quality and highest valued pearls in the world.

 

Kaw Thaung

Bayint Naung Point (Victoria Point)

Bayint Naung Point is situated in the southernmost part of Myanmar. During the British colonial period, this point was named after Queen Victoria. Later, in 1990, it was renamed to Bayint Naung Point. It has one of the best views of the Kaw Thaung Area and is just a seven-minute walk from downtown.

 

Ngar Thone Lone Hill (Triple Five Hill)

Ngar Thone Lone Hill is centrally located in Kaw Thaung and has a height of 555 ft above sea level. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking views of the entire city at the viewpoint on the top of this hill.

 

Shepyi Thar Pagoda and Museum

Shwepyi Thar Pagoda and Museum is six miles away from Kaw Thaung. It is a replica of Ananda Temple from Bagan. Pagoda Museum, the only Museum of Kaw Thaung displays counting beads and animal shells such as whale bones, turtle shells and other interesting findings from the sea.

 

Pa Lone Tone Tone Beach

Pa Lone Tone Tone beach is the closest beach to Kaw Thaung. It is located 7 miles from Kaw Thaung. This is a great location for a relaxing family beach holiday whilst observing local fishermen’s life. Pa Lone Tone Tone bridge is the longest wooden bridge in Taninthayi Division and connects Pa Lone Tone Tone island with the mainland.

 

Maliwan Waterfall and Hot Spring

The beautiful waterfall is 25 miles away from Kaw Thaung, located five miles from the waterfall.

 

Salone Villages (Sea-gypsy villages)

The Salone people, who are also called Sea Gypsy or Moken, Live on small boats around the Mergui Archipelago. They are known for their ability to dive underwater without modern apparatuses.

 

Islands of Mergui Archipelago

Cock Comb Island

Situated at the southwest of Kaw Thaung and a four-hour journey by boat. Many sharks and lobsters can be found in abundance there. This is an ideal location for snorkeling when the tide recedes.

Western Rocky

Western Rocky is one of the most famous sites in Myanmar for scuba diving. It is situated in the west of Kaw Thaung. Divers can observe beautiful coral reefs and many kinds of marine life such as whales, sharks, stingrays, and dolphins.

 

Lampi Island

Lampi is the most famous island in the Mergui Archipelago. It is one of the largest and has been designated as a National Park. The island boasts various kinds of flora and fauna. There is also a magnificent mangrove situated on the island.

 

Island 115

Island 115 is located 39 miles (63 km) from Kaw Thaung. This island is home to many lizards, snakes and bird’s nest cave. It is a great location for snorkeling and Kayaking.

 

Nyaung Wee Island

Nyaung Wee island is north of island 115. A group of Sea Gypsies settles here to avoid southwest and northeast monsoon winds. A river in the northern part of Nyaung Wee is a great spot for bird watchers and wildlife explorers.

 

Bo Cho Island

Bo Cho Island is situated in the south of Lampi Island and has a major settlement of Salone people during the monsoon season. This island also boasts a mile-long sandbank and scenic views overlooking the village at the pagoda located on the hill.

 

Mway Daw Island

Mway Daw island, border river of Myanmar and Thailand, is situated at the mouth of Parcharn river. Immigration and Custom checkpoints are on the northern part of the island.

 

Cruising and Yachting Tours

The yachting tours are operating in only peak season around the islands of Mergui Archipelago. With the prior permission and accompanied by professional guides, the yacht tours usually operate based on 5 days 4 nights program.