Head off the tourist trail (and seemingly off the map) as you dive headfirst into a Myanmar sailing adventure through the remote Myeik Archipelago.
Setting off from the hustle and bustle of Phuket, explore lush rainforest, swim in turquoise waters and chill out on pristine beaches in this tropical paradise. Learn about the ‘sea gypsies’, an ethnic minority living in Ma Kyone Galet, cruise through mangrove forests by kayak and snorkel with brightly coloured fish in an underwater wonderland.
Highlights
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Navigate the spicy sights, smells and sounds of Phuket’s bustling streets
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Sail through remote islands in the Myeik Archipelago
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Snorkel with colourful fish
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Meet nomadic ‘sea gypsies’ at Ma Kyone Galet
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Relax on picture-perfect beaches
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Trek along lush jungle trails
Itinerary
Day 1 Phuket
Sawatdee. Welcome to Phuket, Thailand. You can arrive at any time today, as there are no activities planned for Day 1. Your accommodation for this evening is at the Nai Yang Beach Resort and Spa, which is located in the middle of the Sirinat National Park and is within walking distance of the beach. This is an ideal location if you wish to extend your stay before or after the trip. It's also convenient for those flying in directly to meet the trip, as it's in close proximity to the airport. If you arrive early and wish to visit Patong Beach or Phuket Town, the resort reception can organise a taxi for you. It will cost you around THB 900-1200 and it will take approximately 35 minutes one way. As Thailand's largest and most well-known island, Phuket has some excellent beaches and a huge array of restaurants, hotels, bars and shopping to choose from. You'll have an early start tomorrow morning so please regularly check the hotel noticeboard for information about your transfer - this can be altered at short notice. ***The beauty of sailing is that each day is unique and, while we have a destination to reach, if the weather changes or something takes the group’s fancy, we are flexible on the day's itinerary***
Day 2 Myauk Ni Island
In the morning transfer to Ranong, where you'll be met by the skipper and transferred to your home for the next week, Zoe. Zoe is a superior 46 foot catamaran boat, with spacious common areas, four cabins and four bathrooms. All linen, including beach towels are included and Zoe comes with her own on-board chef who will cook up delicious meals from the galley (kitchen). The boat also comes equipped with kayaks, paddle boards and snorkelling gear, but if relaxing is your thing then you may choose one of the other activities on offer - toast another amazing sunset on the Andaman Sea from your hammock or bean bag. We'll be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at the initial meeting, so ensure you bring these details to provide to your leader. Once processing is complete, set sail for Myauk Ni Island. The isolated Myeik (Mergui) Archipelago is comprised of at least 800 islands, many deserted, making this an amazing place to explore. The islands' limestone cliffs and dense rainforest meet with vast mangrove stretches and untouched white sand beaches. Underwater, the scenes are just as spectacular with a diversity of marine life and coral reefs. Explore the southern beach of Myauk Ni Island and maybe try sea kayaking, snorkelling or simply marvel at the natural beauty of this incredibly remote part of the world.
Day 3 Palu Bada
Head north towards Palu Bada today, which is a group of remote islands with great snorkelling spots. Drop anchor for the night in a protected bay and take a short jungle walk to the other side of the island. Relax in the evening on the boat and enjoy a freshly prepared dinner aboard Zoe.
Day 4 Lampi Island
Today, sail north for around three hours to the island of Bo Cho and get a taste of village life. Ma Kyone Galet is the largest island village in the southern Mergui Archipelago and is home to a local community of Moken people. Once a permanent nomadic, seafaring people, the Moken spent almost all their time floating on small wooden boats and diving for shellfish. Like many ethnic minorities in Burma, the majority of Moken were forced to relocate to onshore sites during the 1990s. After your visit, board Zoe and set sail for Lampi Island. The area where you'll anchor for the night is close to the picturesque, long white sand beach, where you can kayak up a river through the shade of mangroves.
Day 5 Swinton Island
Set sail today for Swinton Island, arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago. This is one of the snorkelling highlights of the trip, with its azure waters and stunning marine life. Tonight you can relax, exchange travel tales with your fellow sea mates and enjoy the catch of the day around a campfire on the beach.
Day 6 Kho Yinn Khwa Island
Sail to Kho Yinn Khwa Island (Maclead Island) today and witness its picture perfect beach. As one of the larger islands that's home to a small resort, you can take a guided hike for a fabulous view across the islands (approximately 1.5 hours). The climb is steep and challenging, so please bring suitable footwear for this hike (no sandals or flip flops). Tonight, take a break from eating on-board with dinner and drinks at the island's resort and perhaps enjoy a traditional Burmese massage (not included).
Day 7 Thay Yae Island
Sail east today to the pristine, isolated beach of Thay Yae island. The water is amazing and turquoise here, so why not try your hand at kayaking or snorkelling? Anchor on a nearby island and settle in for one more incredible sunset and a relaxing final night aboard Zoe.
Day 8 Ranong
Leaving very early in the morning today, sail back to Ranong. Say farewell to your skipper and cook, as you journey in a long-tail boat with your guide to re-enter Thailand via Ranong. From here, transfer by private vehicle back to Phuket. Travellers will be unaccompanied (the guide will stay in Ranong) for this leg of the journey and you should hopefully be back in Phuket by 6 pm. In the evening, perhaps enjoy a final meal with your fellow travellers.
Day 9 Phuket
There are no activities planned today and you're free to leave the hotel any time before 10 am (check out time). Transfers to the airport or Phuket town can be organised with the hotel reception. Notes: The Itinerary above may be subject to change depending on weather or berth availability. Your skipper will make the final call to ensure your safety at all times.
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