Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago – The lost world

Myanmar’s appeal does not lie on an incredibly substantial number of sacred gilded pagodas and temples throughout the country, it is also about  fairly unknown destinations, including Mergui Archipelago, which show Myanmar’s diverse marine resources.

One of many inhabitant islands in Mergui Archipelago
One of many inhabitant islands in Mergui Archipelago

Situated in the southernmost region of Myanmar as a part of Tanintharyi area, the enormous Mergui Archipelago or “Myeik Kyunzu” consists of above 800 islands, varying in size from very small to hundreds of kilometers, dotted through out the AndamanSea between Mergui and Kawthaung (VictoriaPoint). Despite being generously endowed with the clearest sea water, the whitest sandy bank along with one of the most diverse fauna and floral in Southeast Asia, the region has been off-limits to outsiders for decades. These days, thanks to Myanmar’s open policy, Mergui Archipelago has been gradually renowned as a paradise for anyone fancy diving, kayaking, mountain climbing and fishing. Plan yours tours in Myanmar with us

 A corner of Mergui
A corner of Mergui

Geologically, the archipelago is a complex of limestone and granite islands, in some high points of which, islands poke up from the water like conical peaks of sunken volcanoes from a lost world. Most of them are covered with seemingly impenetrable rainforests above the high-tide line, some are interspersed with rocky headlands and saltwater swamps with vast stretches of mangroves and a few freshwater rivers, and others are distinguishingly featured by white beaches that run for miles. Read more: Indochina travel

Rock formation
Rock formation

The isolation of the area allows its fauna, especially wildlife, to remain unspoiled, involving deer, monkey, tropical birds and even the unclaimed Sumatra rhinoceros on LanbiIsland. Though a few of the large islands are inhabited by small communities of sea gypsies, named Moken in Myanmar, the majority are unpopulated and untouched by people.

Mangrove forest
Mangrove forest
The child locals
The child locals

 There is always one of them in sight when you are taking a sailing trip through the islands.

Underwater world of Mergui Archipelago is a shower of magnificent scenic coral reefs, of fascinating topography and of prolific fish and invertebrate life, rendering the islands breathtaking and unforgettable to any visitors ever diving here in their lifetime. This is not only home to a variety of tiny fish and reef creatures, comprising both native and non-native strange species, but also inhabited by several kinds of giant fish such as sharks and rays, which is amazingly attractive to visitors to come and admire.

 Such a creature!
Such a creature!

For activities, the archipelago offers you a considerable number of choices in some dominant particular islands to partake in. If you fancy exploring the formations of limestone caves or spectacular vertical rock cliff, do not hesitate to visit Kyun Su, Hlaing Gu and Bo Wei. In case you are irresistibly attracted by scenic coral reefs, you can enjoy them by diving and snorkeling in Bo Wei, Hlaing Gu, Na Nat Thee and etc. Nyaung Oo Phee, Nga Htway, Rue and Lai Ywei Lay Lone offer you mysterious limestone cave to explore by kayaking. And if you want to have a deep insight into Moken’s ways of life, think of Bo Cho and Nyaung Wee. Read more: travel to Vietnam

Sea bottom exploring
Sea bottom exploring

 

Exploring a cave with kayak
Exploring a cave with kayak

 The Indochina Voyages team.

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