The Mergui Archipelago Islands are considered one of Southeast Asia's most pristine natural treasures. Comprising over 800 limestone and granite islands, these islands remain largely uninhabited or underdeveloped, resulting in remarkably pristine terrestrial and underwater ecosystems.

Underwater Diversity

• Excellent Dive Sites: The archipelago is known among divers as the "last frontier" of the Andaman Sea, offering a high chance of encountering large and rare marine life, such as whale sharks, manta rays, nurse sharks, and seahorses, as well as a diverse and abundant coral reef system, primarily soft corals and vibrant sea whips.

• A Complex Underwater World: Dive sites often take visitors to fascinating underwater geological features, such as underwater tunnels, underwater volcanic vents, and hidden caves, home to a vast array of marine fish.

Island Landscape and Culture

• Rainforests: Many islands are covered in pristine rainforests, providing habitat for endemic birds and wildlife. This makes it a paradise for birdwatching and nature walks.

• Moken People: The islands are home to the "Moken," also known as the "Sea Gypsies," a nomadic people whose way of life is closely tied to the sea. They continue to preserve their tradition of building "kabang" boats and subsist on sustainable forest and seafood foraging. Visiting a Moken village offers a unique opportunity to learn about their traditional way of life, a rare experience today.

Tour Types

• Day Tours: Most depart from Ranong Province in Thailand, focusing on islands near the border, such as Cock's Comb Island or the Emerald Heart Island, a heart-shaped lagoon.

• Liveaboard Trips: This is the most popular form of island hopping, offering 3-7 days on a dive or exploration boat to reach the most remote and beautiful islands and dive sites. These trips are often "sustainable and limited" to preserve the natural beauty of the area.

From Thailand:

• Phu Nam Ron–Singkhon (Ranong) is a popular route for Myeik Archipelago trips.

• Cross the border to Myanmar → Transfer to Kawthaung Pier → Board a boat to the archipelago.

• The boat journey takes approximately 1–2 hours, depending on the destination.

From within Myanmar:

• Fly to Myeik or Dawei from Yangon, then transfer to the pier.

• There are a variety of speedboat and liveaboard trips available.

• Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as the weather can be quite hot.

• Wear thick, lightweight shoes for walking along the beach, as some areas are rocky.

• For underwater photography, use a high-quality waterproof case, as the water is very clear and the images are sharp and clear.

• Book in advance, especially during peak season.

• Do not collect coral or marine life (they are protected areas).

• Most trips include lunch, drinks, and complete snorkeling equipment.

Admission Fees:

• Permit Fee / Marine Park Fee: This is a fee charged by the Myanmar government for entering the Mergui Archipelago (prices vary depending on the length of stay and area visited).

• Visa/Border Pass Fee: If traveling from Ranong, Thailand, travelers must pay entry and exit fees to Thailand and Myanmar. These fees may be part of the tour price or paid in cash (USD or THB) directly to immigration officials. (For example, it has been reported that the fee can range from $250 to $310 USD for a sleeper boat trip.)

• Boat tour fees, meals, and insurance: These are all included in the tour price.

  Tour type (travel from Ranong)	Approximate price (per person)
  Day Trip (e.g. Emerald Heart Island)	3,600 - 4,200 baht
  2-day, 1-night overnight tour	5,100 - 8,900 baht (depending on accommodation)
  Liveaboard trip (multi-day diving)	45,000 baht or more (This price usually does not include immigration fees that may be paid separately.)