Burma Boating, Mergui, Myanmar

Mergui Archipelago

Avoid the crowds and head to the remote south of the country where you will find a pristine region that attracts fewer than 2000 visitors a year. Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago is one of Asia’s last island worlds which remain virtually untouched.

Be one of the first to visit this paradise. Swim and snorkel in azure waters, visit indigenous communities and enjoy empty beaches without a footprint in the sand.

Burma Boating, Mergui, Myanmar
Kawthaung, Myanmar

Myanmar is certainly on a rapid rise as a tourist destination, but still only very few people know about the country’s beautiful islands in the Andaman sea. Just across from the Thai border, the archipelago opened to foreigners as recently as the late 1990s. With only a few of the 800 islands sparsely populated and a couple dozen visitors to the entire area each month, the Mergui Archipelago remains one of the planet’s most unspoilt destinations.

Mokenman, Mergui, Myanmar
Kawthaung, Myanmar

The traditional inhabitants of the Mergui Archipelago are the Moken, a people who live off, and on, the sea. Sometimes called “sea-gypsies”, this ethnic minority group leads a traditional, semi-nomadic lifestyle, dominated by diving for sea cucumbers, fishing and bartering.

The best time to visit the Mergui Archipelago is between November and April. December to February is perfect, with warm sunny weather, steady winds and calm seas. March and April, with less wind, is ideal for diving and snorkelling.

Experiences

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Wa Ale Resort, Mangrove Kayaking, Mergui, Myanmar

Mergui Adventure

Journey into the remote Mergui archipelago for a stay at Wa Ale Island Resort. Walk through pristine rainforest, snorkel in azure waters and kayak through mangroves.

Suggested hotel

Wa Ale Resort, Visit to Lampi Village, Mergui, Myanmar

Wa Ale Lampi Foundation

Spend some time with the local communities, supporting social and environmental welfare via Wa Ale’s Lampi Foundation.

Suggested hotel

Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Paul Craven

Paul is the Conde Nast Traveller chosen Specialist for Central Asia and the Silk Route.

Being from a family with Army connections I can from an early age remember travelling. From camping in Europe and then later being sent to boarding school when we lived in Germany at the age of eight, complete with shorts, long socks, a cap and my suitcase. In appearance not too dissimilar to the children evacuated to the countryside during the blitz.

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