Myeik (also known as Mergui) Archipelago is a group of islands located in the Southern region of Myanmar on the Andaman Sea. It comprises more than 800 pristine islands of varying sizes. These untouched islands are renowned for their pristine white-sand beaches and diverse marine life. Myeik City, located in the far south of the region is a must see. Apart from being a gorgeous and remote island, Myeik also has a host of to an amazing colonial-era buildings, and boasts a 500-year long nautical history. The clear waters are also perfect for pearl cultivation. For a nature lover, Myeik is heaven on earth. The unparallel diversity of flora and fauna coupled with breathtaking underwater scenes and marine life make for an unforgettable holiday destination. Apart from the sea, Myeik has a number of lakes, lagoons and abundant wildlife, all typically laying undiscovered by travellers. It’s time to uncover the Myeik Archipelago.
People of Dawei, Bamar, Rakhine, Mon, Shan, Burmese-Thai, Kayin, Salone and Malay lineage are part of the region. They typically speak Myanmarese/Burmese, Dawei and Thai and are followers of Buddhism, Christianity and Islam.
Myeik has a tropical monsoon climate and is very warm throughout the year. Extending across 43,345 sq.km/16,736 miles, it is bordered by Mon State, the Andaman Sea and Thailand. Heavy rains fall typically from May to September.
From the late 13th Century to the middle of 18 Century, Myeik was part of the Thai Kingdoms of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya. Myeik is famous for it’s products such as pearl, rubber, bird’s nest, dried fish, dried prawn and shrimp paste.
Lampi Island is the largest and most famous island in this region. Located in the Southern half of the archipelago, this island is shaped like a giant horseshoe. It was established as Myanmar’s first Marine National Park in 1995 and hosts an unbelievable variety of flora and fauna. It was declared as an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2003.
Macleod is an unspoiled island with white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters in the Myeik Archipelago. Located around 40 nautical miles away from Kawthaung, it is a prime location for snorkelling, diving, sea kayaking, fishing, bird watching, trekking and jungle safari. Tourists can take advantage of guided trips to explore the island.
Cocks Comb Island or the emerald heart island requires a 4-hour journey by boat from Kawthaung. It is the new destination for the Andaman Sea Snorkeling Tour. The highlight is the heart-shaped lagoon located in between mountains of the island. It is considered a treasure island for underwater life. The island also has innumerable caves.
A beautiful island in the Andaman Sea, Bo Cho is situated in the south of Lampi Island. It hosts a mile-long sandbank and scenic views overlooking the village from the pagoda located on the hill. It has a major settlement of Salone people. Tourists looking to explore the beauty of nature and catch a glimpse of the life of the Salone people can visit this island.
Kyun Phi Lar, also called Pilar has long white beaches which stretch for miles. One can spot monkeys sitting on the beach and leisurely snacking on crabs. Although a tourist favourite, most parts of the island are untouched and extremely clean. One can enjoy kayaking or paddle boating. The colourful coral reefs present an excellent opportunity to snorkel.
This island is often called the frost island and owns some of the best beaches in the archipelago. The soothing ocean waters are perfect to enjoy a nice swim. Much of this island has thick green forest presenting excellent opportunities for trekking. Apart from this, one can also enjoy snorkelling and kayaking. The forest has several rare bird species.
Nyaung Oo Phee島は 、ミャンマー南部のAndaman海にあるとっておきの楽園です。 原始のままの白い砂浜をお探しの方に、素晴らしいシュノーケリング、スキューバダイビング、その他のレジャーをお楽しみ頂けます。 これは特別な場所となるでしょう。島は事実上、手つかずの熱帯雨林でできており、トレッキングや、島の多様な動植物の探索にぴったりの場所です。島での宿泊が可能です。 ボートサービスで、島と本土のKawthaungを結んでいます。Kawthaungまでは、約43海里または約1時間20分です。
Around late April, this one-day festival is celebrated by the Salone people. During the festival, all the villagers gather, offer food and pray for a better year for business, good health and prosperity. They also enjoy their meals, drink and dance traditionally during this festival.
This festival is celebrated throughout the country during the full moon after the rains. Since the monks need new robes after the rains, on the full moon day, new robes are given to the monks along with other offerings which include slippers, umbrellas, alms bowls, food, towels, soap and other necessities.
Around the full moon day of Thadngyut, this festival is celebrated for 3 days throughout the country to commemorate the time when Buddha returned to earth after preaching in the celestials. People decorate their houses with candles and coloured lanterns to symbolize this event. It marks the end of Lent.
