Southern Myanmar

Myeik (Mergui Archipelago)

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 easels, Brahman kites and herons fill the skies, whilst on land the animal population includes elephants, monkeys, deer, wild pigs, tigers 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, they have been the sole inhabitants of the Mergui Archipelago over two years and still practice the same fishing and boat building techniques used for generations. This magnificent wilderness is one of the world's natural treasures.

Dawei

Dawei is the capital of Thanintharyi Division in the south of Myanmar. It was founded in 1750 AD. Dawei longyi (sarong) is famous among the Myanmar. The area produces rubber, dried fish and teakwood. There is also an one refinery at Kamyawkin Smelting Plant nearby. Situated about 614.3km south of Yangon on the northern bank of the Dawei River. About two day by car from Yangon and 50 minute by air from Yangon. Myanmar Airways flies to Dawei 5 days a week.

Kawthaung

Formerly called Victoria point, Kawthaung is a southern most town in Myanmar. It is 921km from Yangon and 622km from Mawlamyine. From Ranong, a border town in Thailand, visitors can takes 20 minutes boat trips to Kawthaung for sightseeing & shopping. 45 minutes by air from Yangon. It takes about 2 days by special boats. Traveling by air and boat is recommended for comfort and safety while travel by road is not advised as it is less comfortable for visitors.

For visit, Lampi Marine Biological Park, Salone Village, Shwe Kyun (Runel Island), where there is a goldmine and is 48km northwest of Kawthaung. Iron island at Day Wuit kyun is 72 km south of Kawthaung. Tungsten is found in this area. Andaman Club on the Thahtay Kyun Island is located west of Kawthaung.