MERGUI ISLANDS
AND MOKEN VILLAGES

TRIP OVERVIEW

The Mergui Archipelago is located along the southwest coast of Myanmar and is home to more than 800 mostly uninhabited islands, white beaches and incredible seabed. It is an extraordinary destination for exploring unspoilt nature, learning about local culture and traditions, relaxing, snorkelling and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Andaman Sea.

Mergui Islands and Moken Villages is an example of a 5-day tour that includes 2 days sailing to some of the most beautiful islands in the area, with rich biodiversity, marine life and beautiful backdrops.

Visit Shwedangon Pagoda in Yangon, the most sacred monument in Myanmar, and explore Myeik, one of Myanmar’s largest fishing industries with a strategic role in the economy for over 500 years.

This suggested itinerary can be customised according to your travel needs as well as combined with other routes.

MERGUI ISLANDS AND MOKEN VILLAGES - map © In Asia Travel

DOWNLOAD ITINERARY

Length : 5D 4N
From : YANGON
To :YANGON
Destinations : Yangon, Myeik, Mergui archipelago

ITINERARY

01. ARRIVE IN YANGON - CITY TOUR

Shwedagon Pagoda © Gabriele Stoia Shwedagon Pagoda

Welcome meeting by our staff upon arrival in Yangon and transfer to the hotel. Afterwards we start our tour with the most important attractions.

We visit Chauk Htat Gyi Buddha Temple, known for its 72 meters long reclining Buddha statue, one of the largest in Myanmar.

In the afternoon we continue to the Kandawgyi Park, from where we enjoy a stunning view of the Karaweik barge, the sumptuous palace built in the 70s on a royal barge.

The day ends with the visit to the famous Shwedagon Pagoda, the most sacred in Myanmar. The massive bell of the stupa is gold-plated while the very top is tipped with diamonds, rubies, sapphires and topazes. An absolute must-see and the best spot to start this incredible journey to Myanmar.

Included : Private pick up from them airport, tour guide, tickets, private transportation and hotel

02. MYEIK

Strand Road - Myeik © Gabriele Stoia - In Asia Travel Strand Road – Myeik

After breakfast transfer to the airport for the domestic flight to Myeik, one of the largest fishing industries in Myanmar with a strategic role in the economy for over 500 years. Everything needed for the fishing industry is produced here. Once known simply as Mergui, Myeik is home to several buildings dating back to the British colonial period.

We visit a factory where wooden boats are still made according to traditional methods. At the end we visit a workshop specialised in processing “soft-shell crabs”, one of the most exported products.

In the afternoon we continue our visits to the colonial district of Myeik. The most significant street is Strand Road, on the waterfront, where most of the economic activity is focused, where the night market takes place, and where we find the main restaurants with a vibrant atmosphere.

At the end of the day, we have two options:

– excursion on board of a long tail boat to the Pathaw Pathet island and hike to the top of the hill to watch the incredible 360˚ view of the city and the islands of the archipelago.

– walk into town to Thein Daw Gyi Pagoda to immerse ourselves in the everyday lifestyle.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, tour guide, domestic flight, tickets and private transportation

03. BOAT TRIP MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO

Kyail Laik Island

Private boat trip exploring some of the islands of the Mergui Archipelago, snorkelling in the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea, relaxing on the beautiful beaches and trekking through the jungle.

There are many possible itineraries. Here below are listed a few options that can be combined and customised.

OPTION 1 : Dome Waterfall, Moken Dome Nyaung Mai Village and Smart Island
At 8:00 am we embark at Myeik Pier for the transfer to the Dome Waterfall. We then go on to Moken Dome Nyaung Mai village where we meet the locals and watch their daily lifestyle.
After lunch we continue to Smart Island for snorkelling.
At 3pm we return to Myeik (approx. 2h).

OPTION 2 : Fishing villages, Mergui Island, trekking and local villages
At 8 a.m. we embark at the Myeik pier for the transfer to the fishing village: an authentic experience to get to know the ancient fishing traditions of the Moken ethnic group, the methods of preserving fish, and the peculiar lifestyle that has ensured the survival of this ethnic group also known as “Sea Gipsy” for centuries.
We continue to Moken village, another fishing village with different styles of fishing and survival. Next we hike into the jungle, rich in flora and fauna, through hillside villages to Phyan Aw Beach.
After lunch we continue to Thel Dan Kyi Beach.
At 3.30pm we return to Myeik (approx. 1h30).

OPTION 3 : Chester Islands (Kyal Laik) and Dana Theik Di Island
At 8.00 am we embark at Myeik jetty and sail to Chester Island, also known as ‘Kyal Laik Island‘, famous for its seabed, beautiful corals and colourful marine life. Fish lunch on board.
Arrival at 01:30 pm. Free time to relax.
Afterwards we transfer to Dana Theik Di Island. The island is known for its rock formations and incredible seabed, perfect for snorkelling. Trekking enthusiasts can enjoy a short hike through the jungle.
At 3pm we return to Myeik (approx. 2h).

*For any option: after the boat excursion, transfer to the hotel in Myeik.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, lunch, boat and tour guide

04. BOAT TRIP MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO

Seabed East Sular Island Seabed

OPTION 1 : Fishing villages, Tha Mee Island and Marcus island (Harris Island)
At 8.00 am we embark at Myeik pier for the transfer to the fishing village: an authentic experience to learn about the ancient fishing traditions of this area.
Afterwards we continue to Tha Mee Island to relax on the small beach and at the waterfall. Then we go on to Marcus Island, known for its beautiful white sandy beaches.
At 3pm we return to Myeik.

OPTION 2 : Dana Theik Di Island and Chester Islands (Kyal Laik)
At 8.00 am we embark at Myeik jetty and sail to Dana Theik Di Island (approx. 3h). The island is known for its rock formations and incredible seabed, perfect for snorkelling. Trekking enthusiasts can enjoy a short hike through the jungle.
Afterwards we transfer to Chester Island, also known as ‘Kyal Laik Island‘, famous for its seabed, beautiful corals and colourful marine life.
At 3pm we return to Myeik (approx. 2h).

OPTION 3 : Dana Theik Di Island and Bailey Island
At 8.00 am we embark at Myeik jetty and sail to Dana Theik Di Island (approx. 3h). The island is known for its rock formations and incredible seabed, perfect for snorkelling. Trekking enthusiasts can enjoy a short hike through the jungle.
Afterwards we transfer to Bailey Island, one of the best spot for snorkelling.
Around 12pm we return to Myeik (approx. 4h).

*For any option: after the boat excursion, transfer to the hotel in Myeik.

Included : Hotel, breakfast, lunch, boat and tour guide

05. FLIGHT TO YANGON - DEPARTURE

Bogyoke Aung San Market

In the morning transfer to Myeik airport in time for the domestic flight to Yangon.

On arrival we visit Bogyoke Aung San Market, or “Scott Market“, one of the largest bazaars in Yangon where over 2000 merchants sell clothes, precious stones, traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.

Afterwards transfer to Yangon airport in time for your departure flight.

Included : Breakfast, tour guide, domestic flight and private transportation

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