Mergui Archipelago snorkeling and diving experience

How to get to the Mergui Archipelago ?
Our yacht charters in the Mergui Archipelago usually start from the town of Kawthung which on the Thai-Burmese border. The town on the Thai side of the border is called Ranong - not to be confused with Rangoon (Yangon) which is the largest city in Burma.

Because air and car transport is so much more reliable in Thailand than in Burma, we recommend that our guests arrange to travel to Ranong. On completion of immigration formalities in Ranong (departing Thailand) we then use a "longtail" boat to transfer our guests across the Pak Chan River from Ranong to Kawthaung were yacht Asia will be moored.

There are no scheduled flights into Ranong airport which is effectively closed. Private charter flights are permitted to use the runway at Ranong airport.

There is also the option of starting your charter from Mergui in Myanmar but this adds considerable expense to your charter and for this reason is not recommended.



From Phuket

Many of our guests choose to combine a sailing charter in the Mergui Archipelago with a stay in one of Phuket's premier hotels.

Mergui Burma Private Charter

From Yangon

From Yangon there are flight connections to Kawthaung (at the southern end of the Mergui Archiepelago) and Mergui (at the northern end of the Mergui Archipelago). However, domestic flights within Myanmar are frequently cancelled or delayed. For this reason we advise our guests to travel to Kawthaung through Thailand.

From Phuket
By airconditioned minibus taxi it is a 4 hour drive to Ranong.

From Bangkok

For those guests who wish to escape to a remote jungle clad island as quickly as possible we can arrange a private charter flight from Bangkok direct to Ranong. There are many options on this route ranging from small single engine aircraft, helicopters of various sizes or luxurious executive jets. From your international flight into Bangkok you will be met and provided with a VIP transfer service directly to your private flight to Ranong.

Flying time from Bangkok to Ranong depends on aircraft type but is typically around 1 hour.

We can also arrange for a private helicopter to pick you up from your Phuket hotel and to fly you direct to Ranong. A low level helicopter flight along the Andaman Sea coast of Thailand is a great way to start your holiday. Fllight time to Ranong is 40 minutes.

Visas
As part of our yacht charter permit for Burma (Myanmar), all of our guests are issued with a visa on arrival in Kawthaung. This visa is valid for up to 30 days and is only valid for cruises in the Mergui Archipelago. Each visa costs US$20.

Those guests who may wish to combine their yacht charter with travel elsewhere in Burma (Myanmar) should apply for a visa in advance to their nearest consulate or embassy.

Mergui National Park Fees
National Park and Port Clearance fees are not included in your charter rates. These fees are as follows:
Each guest is charged an entry fee. For charters south of 11°North the entry fee is US$100 per guest. For charters north of 11°North the entry fee is US$150. These entry fees are valid for 5 days / 4 nights. For any additional days beyond this time is charged at US$20 per guest per day.

A Myanmar guide is compulsory for all charters in the Mergui Archipelago. The fee for the guide is US$35 per day.

Port clearance fees from Kathaung for your trip are Thai Baht 8000 (about US$260).

The above fees must be paid direct to the Myanmar authorities in cash US dollars prior to the start of your charter. These cash notes must be in "as new" condition. Any US dollars notes with writing, marks, folds or tears will not be accepted by the Myanmar authorities.