10 days Itinerary for Mergui Archipelago (Myeik) to Ranong

Mergui Archipelago

>> Mergui Archipelago, located in southernmost part of Myanmar (Burma), comprises over 800 beautiful islands. Due to its virtual isolation, the islands and surrounding seas are alive with an amazing diversity of flora & fauna and very beautiful underwater scenes and marine life.
>> The only human inhabitants in the area are sea gypsies, namely Salon in Myanmar. They live on boats during dry season and remain on land during rainy season. They still practice the same fishing and boat building techniques used for generation.
>> The arrival and departure point to the Mergui Archipelago is through Mergui Town, sometimes called Myeik, only a short flight from Bangkok.

Day 1: BANGKOK-MERGUI TOWN

>> Arrival by air from Bangkok to Mergui Town (Myeik). You will be met at the nearby airport by a crew member of M. Y Kalizma.
>> Final clearance from the port authorities will be given upon presentation of your passports.
>> You may decide to either explore Mergui Town or proceed directly to the waiting M. Y Kalizma. Very few Western tourists have traveled to Mergui Town in the last 50 years. This historical town has a great feel with its rich maritime history stretching back over 400 years. Depart by tender for M. Y Kalizma anchored off as the waters are too shallow closer to town.
>> Marcus Islands for our overnight anchorage.

Day 2: WESTERN TORRES ISLANDS AND BENTINCK ISLAND

>> This string of islands runs North to South and extends the furthest offshore
>> into the Andaman Sea providing exciting dives in deeper water with excellent
>> visibility and the excitement of exploration. Here large ocean creatures abound including sharks, whale sharks, and mantas.
>> Sail to Mee Sani Island for a quiet anchorage after the thrill of visiting the remote Western Torres.

DAY 3: BENTINCK ISLAND

>> Excellent Sailing with prevailing winds to Bentinck Island (Pyin Sa Bu), for exploring and shore visits.
>> Again this is a good area to meet the Moken people people as they often frequent this area during their seasonal migration through the Mergui Archipelago.

DAY 4: DOMMEL ISLAND

>> Dommel Island is a long narrow mountainous island with many scenic anchorages and sheltered bays with the highest peak reaching 683 meters.
>> Anchor in a beautiful deep bay opposite a white sandy beach approximately a mile long. On the high tide you can travel by tender 3 miles inland into a very nice tidal inlet for excellent bird watching. Resident birds include Great Hornbill, Green Hanging Parrot, Sandpipers, Cuckoo, Basra, and the Red Wattled Lawing. Many wild pigs and buffalo live in the forest. Another nearby bay encompasses three pristine beaches with a small headland separating the southern two.

DAY 5: THE SISTERS AND CLARA ISLAND

>> Early morning sail to Sisters Islands for general exploration (sea otters can be seen here).
>> Another wonderful anchorage awaits Kalizma on Clara Island with three sandy beaches ashore and excellent diving and snorkeling on the fringing reef.
>> Rocky outcrops both North and South of the island known as the Sentinels are excellent stops for diving, fishing, and snorkeling enroute.

DAY 6: SALET GALET CHANNEL

>> In the channel between Salet Galet Island and the northern tip of the larger Lampi Island is a very protected calm anchorage of outstanding beauty banked with steep sloping rainforest and fringed with coral reefs.
>> This is a good place to spot monkeys, wild pigs, hornbills, sea eagles, and other creatures of the archipelago.
>> Afternoon to be spent at Wa Ale Kyunn Island. Snorkeling, beach visits and general relaxing.

DAY 7: LAMPI ISLAND AND KO PHAWT ISLAND

>> Sail to and explore by kayak the ancient forest river systems of Lampi Island. Idyllic spot for bird spotting, walking or relaxing, and beach combing.
>> Optional (highly recommended) early evening trek to the peak of Hornbill Island (Ko Phawt Island) to see big flocks of Hornbill birds coming in to roost in a giant Fig tree, as well as seeing thousands of flying foxes (giant fruit bats) flying from their dayroosts for evening feeding.
>> Bar-b-que on the beach.

DAY 8: GREAT SWINTON ISLAND/PULAU BADA

>> Early morning travel to Pulau Bada, for morning visit to Sea Gypsy (Moken) village.
>> Visit the village headman for talks as well as guided tour of the village and experience the Moken way of life.

DAY 9: INVESTIGATOR CHANNEL TO CAVERN, McCARTHY, AND STEWARDISLANDS

>> Early morning travel south to Stuart, Cavern and McCarthy islands for kayaking the sea caves.
>> Lunch followed by snorkeling or scuba diving. Afternoon spent relaxing onboard or a spot of fishing.
>> Early evening sail back to Frost Island 115 for a calm overnight anchorage.

DAY 10: FROST ISLAND TO KAWTHONG /RANONG

>> Morning to be spent relaxing at Frost Island (Island 115). You can either visit one of the numerous beaches or go swimming or snorkeling or paddle sea kayaks to Swift Cave, home to thousands of nesting swiflet birds.
>> Prepare for disembarkation to Kawthoung and transfer by smaller boat. All details of immigration will be facilitated by our crew.
>> Upon arrival in Kawthoung check out at Burmese immigration,then cross the Pakchan River on the border between Burma and Thailand by long tail boat to Ranong, Thailand to complete Thai Immigration.