Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
THE MYEIK ARCHIPELAGO
TheislandsoftheMyeikArchipelagoarethestuffoflegend.Betweenthehundredsofgor-
geous, uninhabited islands fringed with white-sand beaches, hidden military bases and the
AndamanClub 's island casino, the archipelago sounds more like the set of a James Bond
movie than a holiday destination.
The islands were opened to dive boats in 1996. Since then, access has been limited to
thoseon live-aboardboattours andguestsofthecrony-ownedluxury Andaman Club and
the low-key Myanmar Andaman Resort - the only two hotels on the islands. Rumours of
future hotel developments are rife, and it's surely only a matter of time before the situation
here begins to change dramatically. For now, though, you'll need to book well in advance
through a recognized operator to enjoy a slice of this particular paradise.
Despite the marketing spiel, the islands are not quite as untouched as they might first ap-
pear.Widespreaddynamitefishinghaskilledmanyofthereefs,andthe Saloneseagypsies
are increasingly being resettled on land in scruffy villages. Whether they will be subjected
to “human zoo”-style ethnic tourism, a fate that has befallen their Moken cousins in Thail-
and, remains to be seen.
TOURS AND ACTIVITIES
AOneDiving 0066818915510, a-one-diving.com . Ranong-basedoperatoroffering
live-aboard dive tours and also runs the Andaman Resort 's dive centre. Dive trips to the
archipelago start from $850/person for a five-day trip, including all expenses except park
and visa fees.
Asia Whale 012 26069, asiawhale.com . Based in Yangon, Asia Whale organizes
diving, sailing and snorkelling trips, sharing the same fleet and diving operation as A One
Diving. Four-day, twelve-dive trips around the archipelago start at $980, not including
equipment rental or park and visa fees.
Moby Dick Adventures 012 02064, islandsafarimergui.com . With offices in Phuket,
Yangon and Kawthaung, Moby Dick specializes in “island safaris” where the focus is on
kayaking and snorkelling rather than diving. A five-day trip will set you back $1110/per-
son, while a day-trip costs $150.
HOTELS
AndamanClub ThahtayKyunIsland 006622873031, andamanclub.com . A15min
motorboat ride from Kawthaung, this island resort has an 18-hole golf course, casino and
in-house zoo. The staff are keen and the rooms perfectly comfortable, with great views
from the seafront ones, though the hotel is frequently empty a nd d oesn't quite realize its
potential for Bond-style glamour. No Myanmar visa necessary. $110
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