When you think beaches lined with palm trees and dense jungle, swimming in azure water amongst colourful reef fish, spotting coral and collecting seashells, Myanmar doesn’t come to mind as a destination for that. But that’s about to change.
Luxury sailing company Burma Boating has been successfully operating luxury sailing holidays around the Mergui Archipelago and Southeast Asia since 2013.
Located just across the Thailand border, the Mergui Archipelago was only opened up to foreign holidaymakers in the late 1990s. Just a few of its 800 islands are home to a very small population of people living on one of the planet’s last unspoiled destinations.
Burma Boating’s fleet consists of eight luxury yachts, seven sailing yachts and one expedition vessel ranging from 15 to 30 metres in length with capacities from six to 11 guests. Each yacht has a crew of between three to six staff.
Burma Boating’s flagship — the SY Meta IV — is made entirely from Thai teak and measures over 25 metres in length and almost six metres in width. The yacht features a spacious triple stateroom, four guest cabins, six bathrooms and three dining areas (inside and out). Other features include ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning, modern safety and navigational equipment, barbecue and dishwasher, and a fully-stocked bar.
HIDDEN PARADISE ISLANDS
5 Nights / 6 Days — The North Route
This itinerary will allow you to discover some of the most hidden and remote islands of the archipelago. You will also have the chance to visit a Moken village and discover some of the best snorkelling spots.
DAY 1 – Noon – After the welcome aboard the yacht sets sail towards Barwell Island and spend some time swimming before sunset, cocktails and dinner on board
DAY 2 – After breakfast, sail to Tang La Bo Island for some amazing snorkelling spots and walks along the pristine beach. Lunch onboard and set sail toward Pony Island. Birdwatching (toukan, hornbill & seaeagles) and ample swimming time before sunset. Anchor and overnight in one of the bays of Nyaung Wee Island
DAY 3 – Set sail toward Lampi National Park and depending on the tide visit either the mangrove or take an excursion to a Moken village. Overnight anchor near the quiet bay of Pulo Bunai Island where you can often watch bioluminescent plankton at night
DAY 4 – After breakfast, sail toward Nga Namm Island for snorkelling, kayaking and find the best fishing spots in the islands. Lunch onboard and sail to Kyun Pila. If time permits, a quick swim before a bonfire and sunset cocktails on the beach. (Option: Scuba-diving available at Pila Island on request)
DAY 5 – Breakfast onboard, sail to 115 Island, trekking in the jungle and lunch. Sail and quick stop to Taung La Bo or Kyun Pya Gui depending on the wind and tide. Special Captain’s Farewell dinner around Hasting Bay
DAY 6 – Last swim and final passage towards Kawthaung. Casual brunch before departure around noon
*Sample itinerary – can be modified by the captain according to the weather conditions
FAMOUS MERGUI ISLANDS
3 Nights / 4 Days — The Southern Route
This new itinerary allows you to discover the most famous Burmese Islands of the southern part of the Mergui Archipelago.
DAY 1 – Noon – After the welcome aboard your yacht will set sail to the south bay of Zardet Kyee Kyun, light lunch onboard while sailing. Swimming or snorkelling in the bay if the tide allows it, enjoy a sunset cocktail and a first dinner onboard. Overnight in the south Bay of Zardet Kyee Kyun.
DAY 2 – Breakfast onboard. After a refreshing swim, start our way to Myin Khwar Island (also known as “Horse Shoe Island”) for a nice swim and a quick walk on this beautiful beach. After, set sail toward Kyet Mauk Island famous for its pristine turquoise lagoon to enjoy some snorkelling (schedule between these two visits can be reversed depending on tide time and best snorkelling time). Lunch onboard and slowly sail north to the St Andrew Group where the yacht will anchor around McLeod Island. Dinner and overnight onboard.
DAY 3 – After breakfast on board, transfer with the dinghy to McLeod Island for some hiking and birdwatching. Lunch onboard and sail back east to Barwell Island. Bonfire and sunset cocktail on the beach before getting back on board to enjoy the special Captain’s dinner
DAY 4 – Last swim and final passage towards Kawthaung. Casual brunch onboard before reaching the pier and saying goodbye to Mergui around noon
*Sample itinerary – can be modified by the captain according to the weather conditions
For more information, go to burmaboating.com or email info@burmaboating.com
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