Introduction
 Lying
only 180 kms to the north of Phuket, comprising over eight hundred islands and covering an area of ten
thousand square miles, the Mergui Archipelago in Myanmar (Burma) had, until January 1997, been closed to
all foreigners for over fifty years.
This beautiful area is totally untouched by modern development and the majority of the islands are
densely forested and mountainous, with impenetrable jungle meeting white sand beaches.
Due to the Archipelago's virtual isolation, the islands and
surrounding seas are alive with an amazing diversity of wildlife, flora and fauna. Parrots, hornbills,
sea eagles, kites and herons fill the skies, whilst on land the animal population includes wild cattle,
elephants, monkeys, deer, wild pigs, tigers, crocodiles and rhinoceros.
The only human inhabitants in the area are the sea gypsies, a nomadic sea-faring race whose lifestyle
has changed very little over the years, and who still practice the same fishing and boat building
techniques used for generations.
 Weather
Northern Myanmar has three distinctive seasons; namely, hot
(March to May with average temperatures 30-35°C), rainy (June to October with average temperatures
25-30 °C) and cool (November to February with average temperatures 20-24 °C).
Southern Myanmar's seasons and temperatures are similar to Phukets with a dry north east monsoon and
wet south west monsoon.
Charts
Myanmar charts are based on surveys carried out by the Marine
Survey of India and the Burmese Government.
Chart No 1075 (Bay of Bengal - Burma, Approaches to Mergui Harbour) can be purchased from the
Asia Pacific Superyachts - Phuket office.
Tides
The tidal range in Myanmar is larger than in Phuket. The range at
Kawthaung entry port is 3 metres and the range in the Mergui Archipelago is 5 metres.
Courtesy Flag
 A Myanmar courtesy flag should be displayed
whenever entering Myanmar waters.
The Myanmar flag is red, white and blue: the white signifies purity; the red indicates bravery and
the upright nature of the people; and the blue stands as a symbol of peace and stability in the
country. The figure of a paddy stalk represents the peasants and the pinion stands for the workers who
form the majority of the people in the country. The 14 white stars symbolize the equal status and union
spirit of the 7 States and 7 Divisions that constitute the Union of Myanmar.
Security
Yachts have been visiting the Mergui Archipelago since
1997 without experiencing any threats to their safety or the security of their vessels.
Arrival
Arrival without prior approval is not advised.
 Regulations
Asia Pacific Superyachts can arrange cruising permits for
Superyachts wishing to visit the Mergui Archipelago and the rest of the country.
Yachting Facilities
There are plenty of natural harbours in the Archipelago providing
a fantastic range of day and overnight anchorages for cruising yachts but no formal marine facilities,
as such, exist.
The Myanmar Yachting Federation is located at:
Aungsan Stadium, Mingala Taungnyunt Township
Yangon Division 11221, Myanmar
Tel: + 95 1 664 302/3/4; Fax: + 95 1 664 882/221 723
Agency Services
Together with our Asia pacific partners you will find that whatever you need we can
help no request is too small or impossible. |
