Mergui Archipelago Holidays

Myanmar is often typecast as the land of temples, where the peaks of Pagoda's silhouette against sunsets in Bagan, and the shimmering gilded stupa of the Shwedagon Pagoda attracts camera toting tourists and saffron robed monks in equal measure. But what if we told you that the country is also blessed with some of the most pristine beaches in Southeast Asia, lined with palm trees, and backed by tropical jungle? The Mergui Archipelago (sometimes know as the Myeik Peninsula) in Southern Myanmar is blessed with gin clear waters, vibrant coral reefs and, despite a history of dynamite fishing in the region, returning shoals of tropical reef fish. Add to this unspoiled beaches, lush rainforest and traditional Moken fishing villages, and Mergui Archipelago holidays are well worth considering as an add-on to your exploration of mainland Myanmar. Even better, what was until recently one of Myanmar's best kept secrets, the Mergui Archipelago is slowly catching up with the rest of the country in terms of accessibility, having been closed to tourists since the 40's. The best way to explore is without doubt by water - booked on to a cruise on a luxurious sailing vessel (or chartering a sailing boat for a private sail). Get there before the investors do.

What can you find in the Mergui Archipelago that you won't find anywhere else?

Beyond Myanmar’s culture-crammed cities, you’ll find some of Southeast Asia’s most sought-after strips of flawless sand, complete with picture-ready palm trees and crystalline waters. The Mergui Archipelago is a group of around 800 jungle-clad islands, sprawled across the Andaman Sea, each perfectly fitting this description. Previously incredibly difficult to travel to thanks to its far-flung location, it remains one of the least-visited places on the planet, making Mergui Archipelago holidays a lesson in barefoot, castaway luxury. Exploring the almost unchartered waters surrounding the islands is a must and our travel experts can arrange chartered sailing trips that can transport you between the paradisiacal islets of Kyun Pila, Wa Ale and Macleod.

Dive beneath the aquamarine ocean for abundant and diverse coral reefs inhabited by colourful sealife or hike through the thick jungle which decorates the island interiors for the chance to spot resident monkeys and tropical birdlife. Feast on grilled seafood skewers, succulent satays and spicy papaya salads come evening, the serenity interrupted only by the soft clicking of cicadas, while a smattering of stars illuminate the night sky. A truly wild and remote corner of Southeast Asia, Mergui Archipelago holidays offer a stuck-in-time island escape, as yet still untouched by tourist crowds and over-development.