8 Days in the Mergui Archipelago

Day 01 YANGON – KAWTHAUNG

Day 02 KAWTHAUNG – TAUNG LA BO ISLAND – PONI ISLAND – ISLAND 115 (B, L, D)

After breakfast, transfer to Myoma Jetty and embark the MV Sea Gipsy, a Burmese-style junk, the perfect platform for snorkelling, adventure excursions and romantic overnight trips. Departing Kawthaung, smooth seas and adventure await as you cruise into the Mergui Archipelago. Once on board the MV Sea Gipsy, take a little time to get acquainted with your cabin. But don't wait too long; a deck chair is calling to you! Relax, take in the luscious sea breeze and enjoy the smooth ride to our first stop at Taung La Bo Island for some watery fun. This quaint island is a perfect place for your first dip in the beautiful waters of the Mergui Archipelago. Returning to the boat afterwards, the MV Sea Gipsy then heads to Poni Island for some more time to relax in the water before you cruise to Island 115, where you’ll spend your first night.

Day 03 ISLAND 115 – BO CHO & MANGROVE RIVER (B, L, D)

Day three dawns as you rise with the sun. You set sail from Island 115 and head to Bo Cho Island, where you will visit the Moken village. Bo Cho Island boasts the biggest ‘sea gypsy’ village in the area. From there, a visit to the local school gives you a glimpse into everyday life for these people of the sea. A brisk walk to the Hilltop Temple provides picturesque views of the bay, so be sure your cameras are ready to capture it all. From there, you sail on to Lampi Island. Upon arrival, a kayak trip up the magnificent mangrove river will thrill you with the sights and sounds. The mangrove river in Lampi is our night-time stop as well. The gentle breezes are sure to lull you to sleep.

Day 04 LAMPI ISLAND – TAR YAR ISLAND – KO PHAWT – SHARK ISLAND (B, L, D)

As soon as you finish breakfast, enjoy your stop at Tar Yar Island. This small island has exceptionally clear water due to being protected by the nearby islands. From there, you’ll explore Ko Phawt Bay at Lampi Island. Bird lovers can spy the graceful hornbills in their natural environment. There is a ‘sea gypsy’ village here as well – less frequented by tourists, it is a wonderful place to visit. Or kayak through a huge mangrove forest. The MV Sea Gipsy then heads to Shark Island.

Day 05 SHARK ISLAND & LAGOON BAY – MOKEN VILLAGE (B, L, D)

Day breaks on Shark Island. Don’t be afraid; the island gets its name from its shark-like shape, not because there are any sharks swimming in the safe waters around the island. The water is fun and inviting, but even more adventure awaits: swimming or snorkelling! Next up is a visit to the Moken village and home to the ‘sea gypsies’. It's a sure-fire bet that the local Moken children will be on hand to greet us with smiles and waves. Late afternoon will see you heading to Lagoon Bay where, following dinner, you can relax on the MV Sea Gipsy at the end of your fifth day. Rest well under the brightly shining stars. With no light pollution, the night sky is filled to overflowing with celestial beacons.

Day 06 LAGOON BAY – BA WEI ISLAND – BOULDER ISLAND (B, L, D)

Bidding goodbye to Lagoon Bay, you’ll cruise on to your stop at Ba Wei Island for an invigorating swim before departing for the real jewel of your tour: Boulder Bay, where you will have your choice of swimming, kayaking or continuing on to the island for an unforgettable trek on this previously uncharted territory. The island offers so much more than is possible to experience in one day – including five beaches, all with great snorkelling. Kayaks are available to explore the waters around Boulder Island. If you’ve brought your hiking shoes, there are amazing treks that take you to various locations on the island. One of our favourites is the hike to Eagle Rock, the highest elevation on the island. The view of Boulder Bay is spectacular. You'll spend the night here in Boulder Bay. Spend some time on the deck soaking up the beauty of this magical island before turning in for the night.

Day 07 BOULDER ISLAND – MYAUK NI ISLAND (RED MONKEY) – THAY YAE ISLAND (BARWELL CHANNEL) (B, L, D)

Awake to the sounds of the islands as the birds serenade you before breakfast. Don’t worry – you still have time for more adventures on Boulder Island! Kayaking, SUP (stand-up paddling), or snorkelling in one of the many locations. Or hike to Moken Bay or Bamboo Cove. For something really special, hike to Secret Cove and return via kayak! Watching Boulder Island shrink into the distance, you’ll travel onward with a stop at Myauk Ni (or Red Monkey) for a refreshing swim before your final destination for the evening and overnight stay at Thay Yae Island in the Barwell Channel. Enjoy a relaxing dinner and sunset before retiring for the evening.

Day 08 THAY YAE ISLAND (BARWELL CHANNEL) – KAWTHAUNG – YANGON (B)

You will arrive in Kawthaung at approx. 09:00 a.m. So if you have an early flight to catch, you won't be rushed. In Kawthaung, our staff will assist you with a return flight to Yangon.