"The Last Unspoilt Island in Myanmar"
Mergui Archipelago Tourism
The Mergui Archipelago consists of over 800 islands of different sizes scattered off the western shore of the Malay Peninsula in the Andaman Sea in southern Myanmar. Also called Pashu islands due to its Malay inhabitants, it is a part of the Tanintharyi Region. The Mergui Archipelago is known for its rare and abundant marine life including corals, different species of fish, sharks, whales and plankton.
The stunning archipelago has marine parks abundant in marine life and islands with white-sand beaches making it a famous beach destination for locals as well as international tourists.
Tourists can go kayaking, snorkelling, take boat trips, set sailing, swim and go diving in these islands. There are a few resorts with private beaches as well if travelers want to enjoy a quiet beach vacation.
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Things to do in Mergui Archipelago
1. Lampi
Lampi is the only marine national park in Myanmar, located in Lanbi Island, Mergui Archipelago, in the Tanintharyi region. It is also a protected bird reserve area and a heritage site, which is home t (Read More)o over 200 species of birds. Lampi is one of the lesser-known destinations in Myanmar for tourists but is worth visiting if you love marine life and bird watching.
2. Kawthaung
Kawthaung, also known as Victoria's point, is located in the Mergui Archipelago in Myanmar, and is the southernmost town in the country. It is an offbeat destination for tourists as people mostly visi (Read More)t to cross overland between Thailand and Myanmar, as the border is just 25 minutes away. There are a few places of interest for those wanting to spend a day or two in this little town.
3. Frost Island
Frost Island, also known as 115 Island, is located in Mergui archipelago in southern Myanmar. It is known for crystal clear white sand beaches and thousands of beautiful corals, tropical fish and sea (Read More)urchins. It is among the top attractions for tourists visiting the archipelago for enjoying kayaking, snorkelling and jungle trekking.
4. Phi Lar Island
Phi Lar Island is one of the 800 islands located in Mergui archipelago in southern Myanmar. The island is secluded and is known for its crystal clear white beaches, and is famous among tourists for sn (Read More)orkelling, scuba diving and boat trips because of the abundant marine life. It is worth stopping over at Phi Lar on the boat trip at the archipelago.
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The Life of the Sea Gipsies - Moken
Moken or the sea gipsies are semi-nomads formerly belonging to Austronesian region. They lead a hunter-gatherer lifestyle in many of the islands of the Mergui Archipelago. Their unique culture characterized by a nomad life has put them in danger due to modernization, an influx of tourists and laws by governments. Both Thailand and Myanmar governments have tried to gain control over the Moken people for decades, although the islands officially belong to Myanmar.
They speak the Moken language, and this group is not only present in Mergui, but also inhabit the coasts in Andaman sea and Satun, Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga and other islands in Thailand. They are known as Selung in Burma and Chao Nam by Thais, both meaning the people of the sea. The Moken live on boats called Kabang, which includes kitchen, bathroom and small rooms.
Their extensive knowledge of flora and fauna lets them hunt and cook food with ease. They practice barter among themselves for trading. During the monsoons, when the sea becomes inhabitable, they move along the coast and islands to set up temporary settlements. In Mergui, efforts are in progress to conserve this community. Tourists can visit their settlements on boat trips to the islands.
They speak the Moken language, and this group is not only present in Mergui, but also inhabit the coasts in Andaman sea and Satun, Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga and other islands in Thailand. They are known as Selung in Burma and Chao Nam by Thais, both meaning the people of the sea. The Moken live on boats called Kabang, which includes kitchen, bathroom and small rooms.
Their extensive knowledge of flora and fauna lets them hunt and cook food with ease. They practice barter among themselves for trading. During the monsoons, when the sea becomes inhabitable, they move along the coast and islands to set up temporary settlements. In Mergui, efforts are in progress to conserve this community. Tourists can visit their settlements on boat trips to the islands.
Mergui Archipelago Corals
The Mergui Archipelago is known for its rare and abundant marine life including corals, different species of fish, sharks, whales and plankton. Several thousands of corals are found off some of the islands in the Andaman, but they are not available for tourists as they come under reserve area.
The sea near these islands are home to many wild species of whales including Omura, Bryde, Blue and Killer Whales. You can also spot Irrawaddy dolphins and turtles. The tropical forests are also home to endangered Sumatran Rhinoceros, monkeys, deers, and birds including hornbills. The islands opened up to tourists only in recent years, and the construction of a few resorts and introduction of beach sports has started attracting western travelers.
The sea near these islands are home to many wild species of whales including Omura, Bryde, Blue and Killer Whales. You can also spot Irrawaddy dolphins and turtles. The tropical forests are also home to endangered Sumatran Rhinoceros, monkeys, deers, and birds including hornbills. The islands opened up to tourists only in recent years, and the construction of a few resorts and introduction of beach sports has started attracting western travelers.
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The top places near to Mergui archipelago are Hua hin which is 191 km from Mergui archipelago, Bangkok which is located 305 km from Mergui archipelago, Pattaya which is located 298 km from Mergui archipelago, Koh samui which is located 343 km from Mergui archipelago, Surat thani which is located 347 km from Mergui archipelago
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