Trip Overview

Length:

10 days

Difficulty:

2/5

Price:

$4300 USD

Location:

Mergui Archipelago Myanmar

Dates:

Suspended

What makes this trip special

–  The ability to explore a remote tropical paradise.
– Spectacular coastal scenery, sea cliffs, sea caves, sea arches and stunning beaches.
– 8 days on board a luxury sailboat
– Fantastic sea kayaking opportunities in an area that very few people have paddled.
–  The opportunity to meet the Moken Sea Gypsies.
– Excellent snorkelling opportunities

The Tour

 

Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago, with more than 800 limestone and granite islands, is a kayaking paradise. The islands are cloaked with tropical rainforest that contains a variety of terrestrial animals such as deer, monkeys and numerous exotic bird species. The  shoreline is punctuated by gorgeous sandy beaches, rocky headlands, fringing reefs and mangrove forests. Each island is different, providing variety and interest to each kayaking outing.   The marine ecology is highly diverse containing dolphins, whales, sharks and if we’re lucky dugongs.  Using a 85 ft Sailboat we’ll sail through the island chain in absolute comfort. With a dedicated fleet of sea kayaks on board we’ll explore as many of the area’s magical secrets as possible.

The Place

Myanmar is one of the most amazing and least travelled destinations on the planet.
Also known as Burma, it’s a land blessed with spectacular scenery, breathtaking landscapes and a fascinating history and culture. Our kayak journey will focus on the South Eastern corner of Myanmar, an area known as the Mergui Archipelago. This island chain extends 400km north from  border with Thailand, and contains more than 800 limestone and granite islands.  There is very little tourism, meaning the islands are incredibly pristine and well preserved.  The area is a kayaking paradise, the islands contain a huge variety of kayaking experiences from long sandy beaches with fringing coral reefs to extensive mangrove systems and rugged cliff lines.
The areas traditional people, the Moken, are a semi nomadic “sea-faring” culture who’s lifestyle is heavily based on the ocean. They spend most of their lives on boats in the Mergui  Archipelago foraging and hunting for marine flora and fauna.

The Weather

November to April is the best time of year to visit the Mergui Archipelago. During this period the weather is normally stable with sunny skies and light winds. Day time highs normally reach between 26 and 30 deg C, and cool off to 21 to 25 deg C at night.

What's Included

  • Eight nights on the yacht
  • Meals from lunch on day 2 to lunch on day 9
  • Sea Kayaks, paddles, lifejackets, skirts and safety equipment
  • Dedicated Kayak guide
  • Dedicated Chef and Skipper
  • Sailing Instruction
  • Accommodation in Ranong before and after the trip.
  • Permit to enter the Mergui Archipelago

What's Not Included

  •  Flights
  •  Airport transfers
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Travel Insurance
  • Meals while in Ranong

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in the town of Ranong Thailand . Check into the Tinidee  Hotel. Evening meeting in the hotel lobby at 7pm.

Day 2 –  Kawthuang and Barwell Island

Transfer to Ranong harbor, we’ll take a long tail boat across the Pakchan river to Myanmar and the town of Kawthuang.
After clearing customs, we’ll board Meta IV, get settled and sail to Barwell Island about 30km from Kawthuang. We’ll aim to go for an evening paddle. L,D

Day 3 –  Buda Island 

Morning transit to the triple Islets south of Buda Island. We will anchor in front of a beautiful sand spit and enjoy a refreshing swim and snorkel during the heat of the day. Mid afternoon we will circumnavigate the western island in triplet islands. A mix of gorgeous beaches and cliff lined coast will greet us as we paddle in the turquoise green waters.
B,L,D

Day 4 – Peaked Island and Great Swinton Island

We will transit west and stop at the stunning Peaked Island.  A beautiful white sand beach situated within a jagged rocky island is a perfect stop for snorkeling. As we snorkel, we will see small reef sharks, a variety of fish, and coral. After our refreshing snorkel, we will transit to Great Swinton Island. We will enjoy paddling beside stunning sea cliffs, sea caves, arches and sea stacks. We will be picked up by the sailboat at a beautiful beach where we can swim and snorkel.
B,L,D

Day 5 – Lord Loughborough Island

As we enter the westerly part of the Mergui archipelago, the landscape changes dramatically as granite and limestone cliffs dominate. We will paddle along the West coast of Lord Loughborough and marvel at the incredible rock formations, cliff walls and dense jungle.  The feel of our days on the water will change as the Islands take on a much more rugged and dramatic feel. After a stunning paddle of Lord Loughborough Island, we will anchor in a protected bay on the south coast of the Island.
B,L,D

Day 6 – Ba Wei Island and Macleod Island

We’ll start the day with a stunning morning transit over to Ba Wei Island. Here we will paddle below 350 m cliff walls, paddle into numerous caves, and enjoy the incredible views of these stunning islands.
Another short transit during the afternoon and we’ll arrive in a string of island just north of Macleod. To celebrate the heat of the day we’ll go for a snorkel and swim.
In the afternoon we will paddle through these small island featuring stunning sea cliffs punctuated with beautiful pocket beaches. The sailboat will follow us as we move south, finishing at our paddle at an incredibly beautiful isthmus beach.

B,L,D

Day 7 – Macleod Island and Hero Islands

Early start this morning, we’ll beat the mid day heat and  continue our paddle south along Macleod, the coastline becomes more and more rugged as we encounter caves, cliff walls, and sea stacks.  We’ll finish this paddle at another stunning beach where Meta IV will meet us.
After a short transit while having lunch and by the early afternoon we’re back in the kayaks exploring the Hero Islands. These two islands are exceptionally dramatic, featuring towering rock walls and impressive rock spires. In the later afternoon we’ll transit further south to Say Tan Island, anchoring in a small protected bay with stunning white sand beach
B,L,D

Day 8 –  Limestone Islands

Early start, we’ll paddle through an island group of stunning limestone islands. We’ll explore hidden lagoons, immense caves and impressive cliff walls containing huge stalactites.
These islands also contain the areas best snorkeling opportunities, we’ll make frequent stops to explore this amazing underwater world.
B,L,D

Day 9 – Kawthuang & Ranong

A sunrise paddle or swim provides the perfect send off and the perfect lasting memories of this incredible archipelago.
We’ll have breakfast as we transfer over to Kawthuang and go through the customs formalities. We’ll then take the longtail boat across to Ranong and check back into the Tinidee Hotel. Final dinner in Ranong.
B,L

Day 10  – Fly Out 

 

The Yacht

We cruise through the Mergui Archipelago in style onboard Meta IV.
Built in 1998, Meta has been through many restorations and refits and is exceptional condition. Built almost entirely of teak she is a beautiful boat and an amazing way to experience this island paradise.
At 85 feet in length, there is lots of space onboard, you could be mistaken for thinking you’re staying in a hotel not on a sailboat.

Sailing Mergui

 

 

 

Yacht Specs

Length –  85ft
Number of Guest Cabins – 4
Number of Guest Bathrooms – 4
Water maker –  capable of producing 200 litres per hour
Electricity – 220 or 12 volt
Engine – Cummins Diesel 15.7 litre
Draft – 2.8 metres
RIB dingy with 30 HP Yahama

 

 

 

The Cabins

There are four comfortable and well appointed guest cabins.
The  3 standard cabins and 1 suite, can house up to 9 guests.
All cabins feature air-conditioning and private ensuite.
Catering to single travellers, or friends is no problem. Two of the  standard cabins have twin beds and the suite features a Queen bed and a single. All cabins have excellent ventilation, high headroom and provide lots of natural light through several windows.

 

 

 

The Suite

A large rear cabin, with lots storage, windows on both sides as well as two retractible ceiling portholes.
The Suite features a queen sized bed as well as a single bed making it a great option for small families or friends.
The Suite is air conditioned and has a private ensuite with

 

Standard Cabins

Meta IV has 4 standard cabins in total, 2 cabins with queen sized beds that work perfectly for couples and 2 cabins with twin singles and work well for single travellers or friends. All cabins have air-conditioning, lots of storage, are well ventilated have side windows and a retractible hatch which allows lots of natural light, good headroom and every cabin has a private ensuite.

 

The Living Spaces

Meta IV features multiple dining area and relaxing areas. The space on the bow is always coveted with a comfortable lounging area perfect for taking in the views as we sail along. The covered rear lounge / dining area is the perfect place to curl up with a book. It doubles as an amazing place to enjoy a meal. If it’s raining or windy Meta also has a spacious and comfortable saloon dining area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Route Map

Myanmar kayak tour

Frequently Asked Questions

What sort of weather can we expect?
Tropical, the average day time high in November and December is 26-30 degrees C with light winds and generally sunny skies. At night it cools off to 21-25 degrees C. Rain is possible at any time of day, but normally doesn't last long.
How do I get to Ranong?
There are direct flights from Bangkok to Ranong with Air Asia and NOK air both airlines depart from Don Mueang Airport(Bangkok). There are also regular connections by bus and mini van which take about 6-8 hours from Bangkok.
Are Sharks or Crocodiles a concern?
No, there are no crocodiles in the area. There are black tip reef sharks but they are small and do not attack humans.
Is there communication onboard the boat?
There is very little mobile coverage once we leave port in Myanmar. We may pick up sporadic mobile coverage close to small villages. For emergencies there is a satellite phone onboard the yacht.
Can I charge my electronics onboard the boat?
Yes, the boat has multiple 220 volt outlets. There is plenty of opportunities to charge your electronics.
What is the food like onboard?
The Food is excellent. Meals are generally Thai cuisine with a strong emphasis towards fish and chicken. We are happy to cater for vegetarians and other special dietary requirements. Please let us know at the time of booking. It’s a good idea to bring along some of your own dietary substitutes if you have a specialist diet.
Do I need to be an expert paddler?
Kayakers should be of an intermediate standard and have paddled before on outings up to 12km in length. You do not have to be an expert or know how to roll but should have an adventurous spirit and recognise that the weather will influence greatly what we can and can't do.
Do I need a Visa to enter Thailand or Myanmar?
Most Western nations receive a visitor’s Visa upon entry into Thailand, this does not cost anything. On day 2 of our trip we will enter Myanmar where we will obtain a special permit to enter the Mergui area. This costs about $400 USD and is covered in the trip costs. If you plan to stay in Myanmar after the trip finished you will need to apply for a visa.
Is Malaria a problem / do I need other vaccinations?
Malaria is present in rural Myanmar but rare. Guests are advised to wear insect repellant as well as long sleeves and long pants during the evenings and to consult your doctor about malaria medication - certain Malaria medications can have negative side affects. Vaccinations – Consult with your doctor but Hep A, B and C is advised as is Tetonis and Typhoid.
What language do they speak in Myanmar?
There are about 100 languages spoken in Myanmar. Burmese is the native language of the Bamar people and is the language that is mostly spoken in the Mergui Archipelago.

Trip Reviews

Cecelia and Ian Smout, Australia

 

Kim and John Beesley, Australia

 

 

 

Application Form

Once you’ve filled on our online booking form we will contact you within 24hrs. Our follow up email will include the detailed trip notes.

We’ll also send you a medical form, this helps us make any necessary preparations it does not exclude you from the trip. To secure the booking we require a 500 Euro deposit for each person. If you’d prefer to contact us directly we can be reached at info@expeditionengineering.com or at +12502662515

We’d be happy to discuss different trip options and help you find the perfect expedition holiday.

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Myanmar Kayak and Sail Adventure Application Form


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