Unspoiled Myanmar
Burma is what the region was called years ago, but was renamed Myanmar
in June 1989 by the military government. The Mergui Archipelago lies off the
western coast and is the perfect chartering area for those who delight in the
simple pleasure of unsullied natural beauty. Over 800 islands make up the
archipelago, which covers an area of 10,000 sq. miles. The archipelago’s isolation
is so great that much of it is just now being explored.
Day 1: We will begin the charter in Kawthaung, formerly called Victoria Point.
This is the southern-most town of Myanmar and the starting point for exploring
the Mergui Archipelago.
Day 2: Barwell Island with its crystal clear waters will give you a foretaste of
the cruising area you are entering.
Day 3: Today we will visit Cavern Island and its numerous caves. The
Bada Group is nearby and consists of 25 islands on a shallow bank with reefs
surrounding nearly all of them. Perfect for visiting and perhaps a beach picnic.
Day 4: Further north is Swinton Island with excellent diving on coral
encrusted rocky islets. There are also long stretches of deserted beaches, perfect
for lounging in a sand chair with a good book while the water laps around your
legs. Ah, relaxation.
Day 5: Today we will visit Lampi Island, the second largest island of the
Archipelago. Impenetrable jungles cover the mountainsides that are laced
with several rivers. Many species of mangroves thrive along the waters edge
as the rivers are reduced to streams. Further north, the hook of Lampi has a
deep, narrow channel of exceptional scenic beauty, perfect for an overnight
anchorage…or a week!
Day 6: Today we begin our voyage back by returning to the Bada Group and
anchoring off No Name Island. Our mission: snorkel the island’s entire perimeter.
The tender will follow us with drinks if we decide to swim into the shore for a
rest, or give us a “tow”, should we need one. Simply fabulous.
Day 7: This is the day for the risk takers. Today we will travel to St. Luke Island
(also known as Thahtay Kyun Island) to stop by the Andaman Club Resort Hotel.
No, going there isn’t the risk, the chance taking is inside, as the club is famous
for its casino. Ready, set, roll!
Day 8: Return to Kawthaung. Now, don’t you wish you had time for two weeks
in this beautiful, unspoiled paradise?
Itinerary Courtesy of Alex Garro of Select Charter Services
Images Courtesy of Capt. Keith Jones
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