Myanmar: A Superyacht Guide to the Myeik Archipelago
Seal Superyachts Guide to Visiting Myanmar’s Myeik Archipelago written by Adam Frost.
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Just twelve hours steaming time north from Thailand’s premier holiday destination of Phuket, lie eight hundred stunning tropical islands, virtually all of which are uninhabited and devoid of human habitation.
Situated in Myanmar’s southern Tanintharyi division, the ten thousand square miles of the Myeik Archipelago offer a cruising area that is second to none in terms of isolation, adventure and beauty. With ninety-five percent of the islands carpeted in a lush primal forest, the wildlife and fauna of the region is extremely rich and diverse. Due to the fact that the area had being isolated for fifty years, since the end Second World War, it is only now that the Mergui Archipelago is starting to reveal its treasure trove of secrets, both above and below the waves.
In December 1996, The Myanmar government granted the first ever Transportation License, allowing a foreign-based company to operate Marine based tourism operations in Myanmar. This company was Seal Superyachts.
Seal Superyachts realised the potential of the area, not just for diving, but also as an incredible playground for all marine related activities. Today Seal Superyachts handles arrangements for virtually all privately owned Superyachts who wish to cruise in the Myeik Archipelago.
Myanmar has been cast in a bad light in recent years. However, at a local level the Myanmar people are genuinely very friendly towards western visitors. Through our experience it has become clear that rather than being a dangerous area to visit, the Myanmar people are welcoming to all. Since 1996, there have not been any crime or safety issues related toward visiting yachts, cruising in the Mergui Archipelago.
It should be noted that as the area is so vast, and local villages in the archipelago being sparse, a certain amount of independence and the attitude to be able to rely on ones own, needs to be applied when cruising the area.
The Navy does operate out in the islands, but due to lack of money for fuel running costs, the patrol vessels tend to spend most of the time in port. This gives rise to the feeling of the archipelago being a forgotten frontier. A few of the islands have army camps, of which cruising yachts are told to steer clear. It is not uncommon, for a passing patrol to come visit boats at anchor, to check paperwork. This is always done in a friendly way, and after a packet or two of cigarettes, they soon leave quite satisfied.
It is policy of the Myanmar government that each yacht wishing to cruise the Archipelago, must take aboard a government guide for the duration of their time in the islands. The guide’s job is to report on the vessels route and to advise on what Islands are out of bounds, due to a military presence or pearl farm activities. These guides are arranged through Seal Superyachts.
One of the highlights of the Mergui Archipelago is Lampi Island, now designated a Marine National Park. Lampi Island is the same size as Phuket and is just one of the eight hundred islands out there. On the west coast of Lampi are a dozen or so beautiful white sand beaches, some of which stretch for a kilometre or more in length. A walk on any of these, will revel a host of animal tracks from small Lizards to Turtles and even Leopard or Elephant tracks.
Lampi also has a number of inland jungle river systems, which are great for exploration by kayak, SUP or tender. Wildlife encountered along these rivers is rich. Many kinds of Kingfishers, Monkeys, Reticulated Pythons, Monitor Lizards and other such creatures are all quite commonly seen. On the Northwest corner of Lampi is a stunning s-shaped channel called Salet Galet. Once in side this natural harbour, it becomes impossible to sea the open ocean. A great place to anchor, offering glass calm conditions all year round. Plain-pouched Hornbills in flocks of thirty to forty can been seen here at dusk, as they come in to roost from a days foraging.
Sailing further north from Lampi, other attractions of the region are Tower Rock at Princep Island, a stunning rock formation that towers vertically for more than three hundred meters above. It is possible to sail right next to the rock, as the depth below the water drops to more than forty meters.
The Marble Islands are also another hidden gem, limestone cast islands, similar in formation to those seen in Phang Nga Bay. The main island of the group has a secret lagoon, which is accessible by a tunnel exposed at low tide.
Scuba Diving out in the Archipelago is excellent. The best dive sites are on the rocks and pinnacles further to west, where the waters are deeper, and the visibility generally clearer. Black Rock is one such of these great dive sites, where literally anything can be seen on a good day. Manta Rays in schools of twenty or more are not uncommon. A host of different species of shark can also be seen here on a regular basis, including the rare and elusive Whale Shark.
If time avails a visit to the old port of Mergui, (now known as Myeik) is a highly recommended stop-off. Boasting a magnificent six hundred year old golden pagoda on the top of a steep hill, the town really is a great place to explore. The old Market, and colonial mansions all belie the towns chequered past.
Entry Permits and Checking in to Myanmar
All activities within the Myeik Archipelago fall under the direct control of the Divisional Commander of Tanintharyi. This division also covers the townships of Myeik, Bokpyin & Kawthaung. Licenses and Entry Permits for Superyachts wishing to visit Myanmar are issued in Nya Pi Daw through the Ministry of Hotels & Tourism with each trip permit also requiring approval from the Ministry of Defence.
The Army have camps on some of the Islands in the Archipelago. These particular islands are strictly off limits to all yachts. The Navy operates a small number of patrol craft in the region. Illegal fishing and logging is their main concern.
Kawthong Port
The entry port in to the Myeik Archipelago is Kawthong, Myanmar’s southern most port. It is the only official port of entry in to the islands for vessels coming up from Thailand. Check-in procedures should take less than two hours to complete.
Good holding can be found in 4 to 6 meters on a muddy bottom between the southern point and Browning Island (Mwe Is.), directly east of the town. Be warned that strong currents are prevalent in this channel . Go ashore via the floating dock extending from the south end of the harbour to visit this thriving border town.
Kawthong is an interesting place for a quick tour, with cheap and interesting shopping and plenty of action along the waterfront. Climb the hill at the south end of town to see the memorial site honouring the ancient King Bayintnaung and excellent views overlooking the Pakchan River and the islands of both countries.
Footnote:
Contact Seal Superyachts Myanmar for detailed information about cruising around Myanmar, superyacht charter regulations and about how we can support your visit.
Principle agent Adam Frost is proud to have worked with many of the World’s largest Superyachts and has extensive knowledge of Myanmar and the surrounding area.
Adam Frost
Phone: +66 81 979 6636
Email: myanmar@seal-superyachts.com