MYEIK ARCHIPELAGO: Previously known as the Mergui Archipelago
these are a loose cluster of of islands in the Andaman Sea off
the Myanma's Tanintharyi(Tennesserim) coast.There are
approximately 800 islands in the area, some huge but many small,
with some just a speck of jutting rocky outcrop above the
crashing waves. Many has names like Zadetgyi, or Thahtaygyun or
Myinkywa Gyun but others just numbers like Island 115. Also in
this area is Myanmar's first Marine National Park; the Lumpi
Marine National Park. But what all has in common is the
undisturbed nature of the islands and beaches. The underwater
paradise of clear blue waters and darting tropical fishes
invites many underwater enthusiasts. On Ma Kyun Ga Let Island
across from the Lumpi Marine National Park is the Ma Kyun Ga Let
Moken ethnic village. Moken (or Salones in Myanmar language) are
sea gypsies, so called because they wander around the
archipelago to harvest the sea\; sea cucumbers, pearls jellyfish
etc. All their belongings and the whole family, including the
family dog, sail from one island to another during the fair
weather season. They only come in to make camp on an island when
the seas start to become rough with the approaching monsoon
winds. Visitors can sail to these islands on their own yachts
from Phuket or fly down from Yangon to Kawthoung(previously
known as Victoria Point, the southernmost town in Myanmar just
across the Thai border. The visitors also have a choice of
staying at Kawthoung and hire a live-aboard to explore the
islands or choose the Andaman Resort on Kha Yin Gwa Kyun, about
40 miles into the blue Andaman Sea.
MYEIK: It was called Mergui during the Olden days and it has a
long and interesting history. Myeik once belonged to the Thais
and was the principal seaport for the Thai Ayuthaya Kingdom,
just across the mountains. The Customs Agent at Mergui,
appointed by the Thai Court was a colourful Englishman, Samuel
White of Bath, England, when England was under James II. But now
most of the historical buildings are no more but the town still
enjoys the reputation of an entry point to the beautiful Myeik
Archipelago.
Myeik is accessible by air from Yangon. There are adequate
accommodations in town also.
Home