Tips and Guide on How to Plan a Fun-filled Holiday to Mergui Archipelago, Myanmar

Recently, I got a chance to visit Mergui Island with my family. Though I have been to a number of beautiful destinations worldwide, this was definitely one of my most memorable excursions. Ever since I am back, a lot of my friends have asked me about this place. They bombarded me with a slew of questions like what are the best places at Mergui, how is the food at the island, and how safe is it to plan a family holiday there.

Then I thought why not share my Mergui excursion while it’s fresh in my mind. So here’s what I feel about this captivating archipelago in Myanmar, a quick travel guide on it and some suggestions that can help you prepare better if you plan a vacation there. 

A Nature Lover’s Paradise

Mergui Archipelago enjoys a remote location in Myanmar Andaman Sea, and is usually billed as a nature-lovers paradise. Over 800 pristine and untouched islands here offer everything a nature-loving tourist can wish for. It has a beauty that’s hard to narrate in words, an isolation that can cure any city-infested soul, exciting outdoor activities to uncover many fascinating facets of the nature, and most importantly warm and hospitable people who make your trip all the more gratifying. Since hordes of tourists flock here year-round, modern amenities are mushrooming too, making Mergui a perfect holiday destination for all. 

How to get in There

Myeik Airport is the main gateway to Mergui Archipelago. The airport has good connectivity with Yangon International Airport via daily direct flights by Myanma Airways. The archipelago is accessible by roads as well. But it is not a preferred option as the roads are sleazy. Most of the buses plying to the island from Augn Minlar bus station are in poor condition either. You can also take fast ferries that run daily to/from Kawthoung.

What to see?

With so many activities and attractions, you may end facing the problem of plenty. One of my favorite destinations here is Salon Island. It is simply an oasis of tranquilly and solace. Beaches are pretty calm and beautiful. After having some peaceful time along the shores, we hired a boat and visited the Salonkyan Pagoda, a popular pilgrimage site for Moken people. We were advised to visit the Dawei Peninsula by our travel agent. And now we thank him to introduce us such a magical place. The place has a number of untouched beaches and hence features raw beauty of nature. Nabule Beach, Maung Ma Kan Beach, and Teyzit Beach are a few places you simply cannot afford to miss on at Dawei Peninsula. Myaukni Island is a haven for divers. The place boasts spectacular corals and amazing marine life that draw divers and snorkelers from all over the world. If you love fishing, then Bocho Island is a place to be.

Tips and Suggestions

Myanmar is largely a Buddhist community where people are conscious regarding their traditions. You, as a tourist, are expected to respect their laws and customs. Nudity is forbidden, even at the remote beaches. So avoid it. Refrain from wearing revealing clothes as it’s considered offensive. Burmese kyat is their local currency. Most of the ritzy hotels and restaurants accept credit cards. Although Mergui is a safe travel destination, you must be vigilant at the crowded places.   

Sometime taking services from a local travel agency to manage your city tour Myanmar is good and time saving. The local company can guide you better about the local places that you can enjoy a lot.

Top Adventure Sports to be enjoyed while on an adventure tour to Myanmar

Myanmar’s reputation as one of Asia’s cultural hot spots is well-known and well-deserved. Over 100 different ethnic groups, and countless of pagodas, temples and historical monuments throughout the country depict its eventful past and rich cultural diversity. However, little known is the fact that Myanmar is also an adventure junkie’s paradise. From mountain trekking to biking and wildlife safaris to white water rafting, there is a lot to keep adrenaline junkies euphorically occupied. Here is our guide to top adventure excursions to be enjoyed during adventure travel in Myanmar.

White water rafting

An activity that literally sends shivers down your spines, white water rafting is one of the most captivating adventure sports. Myanmar, being blessed with shimmering rivers and gushing waterways, is an ideal place to try this exhilarating adventure. The Mayhka River, flowing down from the Himalaya, is fast gaining popularity among rafting buffs. Since the water current is fast, rafting here is suitable for pros only. The Nam Lang River near the Nam Lang Valley offers rafting opportunities for most age groups. The experience is incredible for the river passes by the lofty mountains, thickly forested canyons and quaint villages.

Wildlife Tours

Love wildlife? Myanmar wouldn’t disappoint you. A number of nature reserves and national parks throughout the country feature an amazing array of flora & fauna. Alaungdaw Kathapa National Park in Sagaing Region is the largest and probably most popular nature reserve in Myanmar. Safari tour to this park is an opportunity to spot many exotic animals like tigers, leopards, rhinos and wild buffalos in their natural habitats. Lenya National Park is home to the endangered Gurney's pitta, which are endemic to Myanmar and Thailand. Loimwe National Park in Eastern Shan State and Hlawga National Park in northern Yangon are a couple of other popular sites for wildlife tours in Myanmar.

Myanmar Trekking

Blessed with lofty mountains and lush green forests, Myanmar is definitely a dream destination for trekking enthusiasts. Whether you trek up the forest-clad mountains of Mandalay, or opt for easy hike in the Kalaw-Pindaya region of Shan State, Myanmar trekking tours promise many unforgettable experiences. Apart from a feeling of triumph after completing your expedition, you will cherish the way trekking keeps you connected to the nature. Many trekking trails in Myanmar lead to the ethnic groups, where you cannot help but be awed by the intriguing local traditions and lifestyles.

Mountain Biking

Mountain biking has been deemed as a great stress-buster. For those who take the idea seriously, there are plenty of places in Myanmar where biking is as soothing as it gets. Mandalay and Taunggyi are two widely renowned places for enjoying the activity in the lap of the nature. Scenic biking trails in these parts of Myanmar offer the bikers memorable experiences. Even night mountain biking tours are arranged by many local agencies. Yangon, with its many beautiful lakes, abundant mountainous scenery and interesting local culture, also draw biking enthusiasts from far and wide.