Myanmar Andaman

Myanmar Andaman and Mergui Archipelago are situated in the southern province of Myanmar. The vast, pristine and extremely beautiful archipelago covering a 10,000 square miles area along Myanmar cost line consists over 800 tropical islands with amazingly diverse marine life, wildlife, flora and fauna.

The remote Mergui Archipelago with a rich history of Maritime trade, mysticism and piracy has been closed to foreign visitors for about 50 years until late 1996. Its virtual isolation has served as a protection from the modern developments and leaving the Mergui Archipelago pristine and untouched. This has allowed the thriving of spectacularly diverse rich marine in sea as well as the wildlife, flora and fauna in rainforests on shore and tropical islands.

The rich and diverse marine life in Mergui Archipelago is home to many beautiful corals, various species of dolphins, sharks (manta rays, whale sharks and bull sharks), giant groupers and other schooling fish.

The bird population includes sea brahminty kits, eagles, herons, hornbills and parrots and the islands are sanctuary for wild animals such as crocodiles, deer, elephants, monkeys, tigers, rhinoceros, wild cattle and wild pigs.

The local population live there are mainly Salone (the Mokans or the Sea Gypsies), a nomadic sea-faring race whose lifestyle has changed very little over the years. Some Bahmar (Burmese) and Pashu tribes also live in the area.

All the tour operated in this area including the resort and the cruises takes a great care to provide services to guests to explore the nature without disturbing or upsetting the ecosystem. All tour operations in Mergui Archipelago are orientated towards environmentally friendliness, conservation of the nature and ethical tourism practise to maintain the balance of nature and tourism and to avoid the zone from becoming a mass tourism destination. Tour operators also work together with the locals, and their conservation activities include educating the locals to stop dynamite fishing practised in some area which is now effectively illegal.

October to February is cool and pleasant (temperature of 20-24 °C), March and May is hot and dry (temperature 30-35 °C). June to September is the monsoon season when all tour operation and resort are closed.

Kawthaung is the gateway to Myanmar Andaman and Mergui Archipelago.

Air Bagan flies to Kawthaung from other Myanmar cities. Yangon to Kawthaung takes 1 hour 40 minutes by domestic airlines.

You could also get there from Bangkok or Phuket in Thailand via Ranong. One Two Go airlines also operate daily from Bangkok to Phuket and Surat Thani (Ranong). From Bangkok, it takes only 50 minutes to Ranong by Air Asia (www.airasia.com). From Ranong Airport it takes another 15 minutes to Ranong jetty and transfer to Myanmar Andaman Resort via Myanmar Immigration Check Point at Kawthaung (Victoria Point) by speed boat (1 hour 40 minutes). It takes about 5 hours drive from Phuket to Ranong and 3 hours and 30 minutes drive from Surat Thani to Ranong by private taxi.

If you are going to Myanmar Andaman Resort, we could arrange the taxi transfer from Kawthaung airport and boat transfer from Ranong airport to Kawthaung Jetty, from which all guests could be transfer to the speedboat to the Myanmar Andaman resort. Speedboat transfer takes about 1 hour 20 minutes and the transfer service run daily. Alternatively you could take long cruise to the resort from Myeik/ Kawthaung of Myanmar (14 hour) or yacht from Phuket, Krabi and Hat Yai of Thailand.

Those taking part in Mergui Archipelago Diving or Adventure cruises, meet & greet and the pickup can be arranged either at Kawthaung or Ranong.

Tourist visa on arrival (valid 28 days for travel in other parts of Myanmar) can be arranged at this border crossing, however advance booking of your trip with us and your passport details (name, passport number, nationality, father's name, your address and Occupation) are required. We assist you with visa formalities at Myanmar Immigration port.

A special permit is required for tourist who entered Myanmar through Yangon or Mandalay International Airport and would like to exit through Ranong, Thailand border town by border crossing at the end of the trip and those who entered Myanmar by border crossing from Ranong and would like to continue travelling to up country and exit through Yangon or Mandalay International Airport. You need to inform us in advance if you require special permits.

Zone fees of US$150 is to be paid in cash in person to enter the Myanmar Andaman/ Mergui Archipelago area. Zone fees is included in Myanmar Andaman Resort Packages but excluded in Mergui Archipelago Diving or Adventure Cruises.

Myanmar Andaman Resort is located on Fork (Macleod) Island in Myeik (Mergui) Archipelago, Southern part of Myanmar (Burma) at Latitude 10° 10' and Longitude 97° 58' and 40 nautical miles from Kawthaung (Victoria Point) and Ranong, Thailand and 160 nautical miles from Myeik (Mergui). Myanmar Andaman Resort is designed to meet the requirements of those who love to enjoy sun, sand, sea and nature on the beach / island and as well as to take part in activities of Marine Eco Tourism.

To conserve Nature and for the preservation of island's natural beauty, environmentally friendly products have been used in the resort. We are very careful not to change the atmosphere of the island. To love the Nature and Balance the Tourism, we take great care for the region would never become a mass tourism destination, as it would threaten its natural beauty. Macleod Island is one of the unspoiled islands in Myeik (Mergui) Archipelago which is perfect place for diving, snorkelling, sea kayaking and fishing as well as birds watching, short trekking and jungle safari on our Fork Island which is densely wooded and hilly (its single prominent summit is 173 metres high). Myanmar Andaman Resort Bay’s dazzling underwater is infinite shades of white, blue and turquoises coral garden. Myanmar Andaman Resort, (the first one island one resort) is located in the middle of a picturesque one mile deep bay with white sandy beach and idyllically sited between scenic mountains and the shimmering blue waters of the Andaman Sea.

On the island live at least 5 species of bird of prey: White-bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster), Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela), Crested Goshawk (Accipiter trivirgatus), Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus) and an unidentified Buzzard. Beside from bird of prays, Macleod Island is an important breeding and foraging site for Wreathed Hornbills (Aceros undulates), which is another species indicator of the good health of the forest.

Other interesting birds of the island include important populations of Edible-nest Swiftlets (Collocalia fuciphaga) that breed in caves at sea level, Collared kingfishers (Todiramphus chloris) and the elusive Beach Thick-knee (Esacus neglectus), which is a large wader that requires undisturbed sandy beaches to live on. Many more bird species breed in the forest on the island, making it a real bird sanctuary. And some Butterfly, Cricket, Squirrel and wild life, like Wildpig and Monitor Lizard, etc., can also be found.

14 Superior Cottages (26 sqm)
8 Suite Chalets (40 sqm)

Hot and Cool Shower (Every Room)
Air-conditioned & Ceiling Fans
Mosquito Net, Hair dryer

Bio Sanitary System

IDD Telephone available at Reception

Voltage 220-230

Myanmar Andaman Resort has a world class dive centre offering PADI and SSI certified scuba diving course as well as other scuba diving itineraries.

IDD phone, Fax ,E-mail and internet are available at business centre.

The diving itinerary offers up to 3 guided dives per day plus some night dives, exploring some of the best sites to be found anywhere in the Andaman Sea and the Archipelago, such outstanding sites as Black Rock, South and North Twin. These islands offer a great diversity of marine life and tremendous variety of undersea terrain including, caves, archways, swim-through, soft and hard coral reefs also, divers have excellent chances to encounter a variety of pelagic and other large fish. The itinerary may be rearranged to any sequence to suit tide requirements and other beneficial factors.

This package offers exceptional open water diving combined with the convenience of live-aboard boat accommodation.

Day 1: Ranong and Kawthaung
Meet on arrival at Surat Thani airport or, at the Royal Princess hotel, Ranong. Road transfer to Ranong Immigration for Thai check-out, then continue to the jetty to board a long tail boat for the Pakchan river crossing to Kawthaung. Short sightseeing tour in this interesting Burmese border trading town, formerly known as Victoria Point, before boarding the boat. Depart from Kawthaung at approximately 5:00 pm for the islands of the Mergui Archipelago.

Day 2: Western Rocky Islet
Proceed overnight to Western Rocky, three great dives here. Highlights of the dive site being a big cave filled with fifty or more lobsters and thousands of Glassfish. Good chance to see Manta-rays and Whale-sharks as well as the resident Grey Reef, Black Tip and White Tip sharks at this open ocean dive site.
Dive 1: Western Rocky
Dive 2: Western Rocky
Dive 3: Mojo's Pinnacle

Day 3: Resort and South Twin
Three dives, plus optional night dive. Great macro life makes these sites a 'must see' on any diver's checklist. Commonly seen are Sea Horses, Ornate Ghost-Pipe fish, Frog Fish, Stonefish, Turtles, Rays, Sea Snakes, Cuttlefish and much more.
Dive 1: In-the-Middle Move to South Twin
Dive 2: Barracuda Point
Dive 3: Joel's Point
Dive 4: Night Dive South point

Day 4: North Twin
Early morning travel to North Twin - three dives again. A night dive is available as additional dive.
Dive 1: Twin Cheeks
Dive 2: White Men Walk home
Dive 3: Franken Reef

Day 5: Black Rock - Three dives
Overnight to Black Rock, the most northern point on the itinerary. This dive site consistently provides some of the best diving to be found anywhere in the Andaman Sea. A truly oceanic site with no land in sight. Big pelagics are common, Manta-rays, Whale-sharks, plus lots of other different types of sharks and rays can all be seen here. Also, you can expect to see schools of Jacks and Tuna. If this isn't enough the macro life is also first-class but expect to spend your time looking away from the reef at the bigger stuff out in the blue.
Dive 1: Black Rock
Dive 2: Black Rock
Dive 3: Black Rock

Day 6: Nine Pins Rock and In Through-the-Outdoor
Considered by virtually all of our guests to be the best dive of the trip, the highlight of 'In Through-the-Outdoor' being, the big 'swim-through', which is home to Grey Reef sharks. Inside the cave also lives a family of Nurse sharks, one of which is about four meters long. A very healthy coral reef, inhabited by a profusion of fish life is another bonus. Sea Horses are common here.
Dive 1: Nine Pins Rock
Dive 2: In Through-the-Outdoor
Dive 3: In Through-the-Outdoor
At the end of the afternoon, set sail back to Kawthaung, local transfer to Kawthaung airport or Ranong Airport.

Service includes:
Local transfers (Ranong and Kawthaung), on-board accommodation, all meals, tea/coffee/ water and soft drinks, towels, use of kayaks, guide/dive-master services, cylinders, weights and belts.

Service excludes:
Rental dive equipments, alcoholic beverages and additional fees for Myanmar tourist visa on arrival (valid 28 days) & Mergui Archipelago entry/ royalty fee total of US$150, paid in cash in person on arrival.

This Eco-adventure besides cruising and exploring remote tropical islands, offers a combination of other activities. The activities offered include, kayaking sea and jungle rivers, diving, snorkelling, island treks, beach combing and much more. The variety of activities makes it suitable for all ages and especially exciting for children, obviously you can be as active as you wish. With regard to diving, this cruise is suitable for divers as well as non-divers, the itinerary provides for up to 6 guided dives during the 5 days of adventure. The itinerary may be rearranged to any sequence to suit tide requirements and other beneficial factors. This adventure itinerary offers up to 6 dives during the 5 days of adventure with some exceptional open water diving.

Day 1: Ranong and Kawthaung
Meet on arrival at Surat Thani airport or, at the Royal Princess hotel, Ranong. Road transfer to Ranong Immigration for Thai check-out, then continue to the jetty to board a long tail boat for the Pakchan River crossing to Kawthaung. Short sightseeing tour in this interesting Burmese border trading town, formerly known as Victoria Point, before boarding the boat. Depart from Kawthaung at approximately 5:00 pm for the islands of the Mergui Archipelago.

Day 2: Island 115, Palau Laviaung, Palau Nala
The morning spent relaxing and snorkelling at Crescent Bay (a cluster of islands grouped together to form a beautiful bay) with white beaches in every direction, it's also possible to take a short walk through the forest from this beach to another on the north side. There's also an interesting cave which can be entered from the sea on the south side. The cave is home to a very large school of minnows that is so dense that it looks to be a rock until viewed up close with mask and snorkel. Afternoon spent cruising north to Palau Laviaung island. A few hours spent at this beautiful spot for beach exploration and swimming before travelling north again to Palau Nala to visit the Sea Gypsy (Moken) village. The evening at anchor in this vicinity.

Day 3: Lampi Island, Palau Tayu, Kubo Island
Day three spent exploring Lampi Island, including a visit to the southern-most of the island's mangrove rivers using the inflatable dinghy and kayaks. Making a nice easy kayak trip and for the more intrepid tie up their kayaks and hike along the freshwater stream to get a real sense of being in the jungle. Afternoon cruise north along the western coast of Lamp visiting Pu Tayu, anchoring overnight at Kubo islands. Possibly an early evening trek to the peak of Hornbill Island to see big flocks of Hornbill birds coming into roost in a giant fig tree, as well as seeing thousands of flying foxes (giant fruit bats) flying from their day roost for evening feeding.

Day 4: Lampi Island, Kubo Island, Salet Galet
Morning visit to the northern-most river on Lampi island, tide permitting. The afternoon spent cruising and exploring Kubo Island before arriving in the evening at Salet Galet, a secluded 'S' shaped channel which guarantees a calm, secluded anchorage. This is a good place for bird-life including hornbills. Crab-eating monkeys can be seen here on the shoreline feasting on oysters.

Day 5: Salet Galet, Wa-Ale Kyun
Early morning kayaking tour in the mangrove forest to see wild monkeys and waterfall. Cruise around the coast of Wa-Ale Kyun and take lunch on a beautiful beach. The remainder of the day spent snorkelling, swimming or, take a jungle walk at the site of our original safari camp on the south side, great home reef here. An evening cruise south to the overnight anchorage in a bay off the Gt. Swinton Islands, it's possible to include a dive at Ninepins Rock on route.

Day 6: Gt. Swinton Islands, Cavern Islands
An early morning dive at the site known as 'In Through-the-Outdoor', an exciting cave dive, tide permitting. Continue south past Pu Pankyup if time permits stopping to visit the waterfall. On the south of Gt. Swinton Island is a vast mangrove forest, great for kayaking and enjoying the quiet shade in the heat of the day. Onto Cavern Island, so named for a series of caves around the south east point. Several caves can be entered by kayak or snorkelling, one such cave offers entrance and exit through two different portals. Opportunity here for another dive in this vicinity before a late afternoon cruises back to Kawthaung, arriving late evening.

Day 7: Kawthaung
Disembark Kawthaung at 9.00 am, local transfer to Kawthaung or Ranong Airport.

Service includes:
Local transfers (Ranong and Kawthaung), on-board accommodation, all meals, tea/coffee/ water and soft drinks, towels, use of kayaks, guide/dive-master services, cylinders, weights and belts.

Service excludes:
Rental dive equipments, alcoholic beverages and additional fees for Myanmar tourist visa on arrival (valid 28 days) & Mergui Archipelago entry/ royalty fee total of US$150, paid in cash in person on arrival.

3 Night 4 Day Half-board accommodations
4 Night 5 Day Half-board accommodations
5 Night 6 Day Half-board accommodations
7 Night 8 Day Half-board accommodations

Service includes:
Twin shared accommodation, half board meal (breakfast and dinner), Kawthaung Zone Fee (Royalty Fee), meet and greet on arrival at Kawthaung Airport (Myanmar) or Ranong Jetty (Thailand Border Town), assistance with the formalities at Myanmar Immigration Check Point, airport transfer in Kawthaung (Airport - Jetty - Airport) and jetty transfer (Kawthaung / Ranong Jetty - Myanmar Andaman Resort - Kawthaung / Ranong Jetty) by Resort's speed boat.

Service excludes:
International or domestic airfares, meals not mentioned above, personal expenses, personal or baggage insurance, activities (diving, kayaking, snorkelling and sightseeing) and Christmas & New Year's Eve surcharge (US$35 extra per person)

At Myanmar Andaman Resort, you can relax or be active as much as you want. The activities the resort can offer are:

• Scuba Diving

• Sea Kayaking

• Snorkelling

• Fishing

• Bird Watching

• Visiting Island / Villages

• Jungle Safari/ Short Trekking

• Beach & Hill walking

• Relax on the beach to enjoy sea, sun and sand

Depart resort at 8:00 am or 2:00 pm.

• Briefing of the trip at the beginning and during the journey making special interests  and materials on tour known.
• Visit Nyaung Oo Phee Island. Paddle amongst the islands and the many caves plus a swim and snorkel in the crystal clear water.
• Explore the dense forest on the island, sea caves and rock formations, fascinating small islands, beach and coastline.
• The order of the itinerary may vary depends on the tides.
• Bring hat, sunglasses, sun block cream and long sleeve shirt.

Day - 1: Depart the resort at 9:30 am, head due south. Explore Nyaung Oo Phee and Nga Htway Rue Islands. Explore Nyaung Oo Phee and Nga Htway Rue Islands, paddling the many caves, dense forests, swimming, snorkelling in crystal clear water, beach walking and lunch on a spectacular beach. Explore the dense forest on the island, sea caves and rock formations, fascinating small islands, beach and coastline.

Day - 2: Depart the resort at 9:30 am, cruise out of the bay and head due north up the east cost of Kayin Kwa (McLeod Island) to Kyunn Sue and Lai Ywe Lay Lone Islands. Explore the coastline by kayak, good places for squid fishing then lunch at some exotic location. Explore dense forests in the afternoon, the reef