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.

Myanmar Press Release

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 SEAL office.

Cruising Guide

Click here to read the article on Myanmar written by Adam Frost, Director of SEAL Superyachts, which appeared in the 4th Edition of Sail Thailand.

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

Seal has been taking tourists to the Mergui Archipelago since January 1997 without experiencing any threats to their safety or the security of their vessels.

Arrival

Arrival without prior approval is not advised.

Regulations

Seal Superyachts can arrange cruising permits for Superyachts wishing to visit the Mergui Archipelago and the rest of the country.

In 1999 Seal arranged for M/Y Battered Bull to be the first private yacht to visit the Myanmar capital of Yangon.

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