Myanmar: A Visit to Paradise – The Golden Rock to the Mergui Archipelago

The Mergui Archipelago off the southern coast of Myanmar, is one of the worlds untouched gems, a piece of paradise in a far-too-busy world. With its 800 islands and peopled by the Moken, or sea gypsies, the archipelago is only accessible by boats requiring special permission from the authorities.

Join Myths and Mountains President, Dr. Antonia Neubauer on a one-of-a-kind 7-day trip aboard the Pandaw* snorkeling the blue waters off of tiny islands, visiting the homes of sea gypsies and learning about their culture and way of life, kayaking in Myanmar’s only marine national park and to secret lagoons, and wandering one of the key port towns to see apartments dedicated to bird’s nests rather than people, discover the pearl industry, see fishing ships being built and try some delicious sea food.

But that is not all! Beginning in Yangon, before heading down to the sea, this unique trip spends 8 days exploring some of Southern Myanmar’s most awe-inspiring places. You visit Kyaikthiyo, the Golden Rock, perched precariously on the edge of a cliff, topped by a gleaming pagoda and a “must stop” for pilgrims from all over the country. Then, it is on to Hpa An with its amazing limestone caves, intriguing Mon and Kayin villages and unique weavings. And, just before heading to the Mergui Archipelago, you wander through the town of Mawlamyaing or Moulmein, made famous in George Orwell’s “Shooting an Elephant.”