Top 10 Marinas in Myanmar
Few sailing destinations have the mystique of the Mergui Archipelago. Stretching along Myanmar's southern Tenasserim coast for some 450 kilometres, this scatter of more than 800 islands remained almost entirely closed to foreign visitors until 1997, when limited access was first permitted. The waters were the domain of the Moken — sea nomads who have navigated these passages in hand-built kabang boats for centuries — and the isolation preserved an ecosystem of extraordinary richness. Mangrove-lined channels, limestone karst formations rising directly from jade-coloured water, coral reefs barely touched by anchor or fin, and tiger populations in the Tanintharyi National Park on the adjacent mainland: Mergui is, for the prepared sailor, Asia's most compelling cruising frontier.
A Slowly Opening Destination
The political situation in Myanmar makes planning here more complex than in any other Asian sailing destination. Following the military takeover of February 2021, many nations issued strong travel advisories, and the cruising permit process that had been carefully developed through the 2010s was severely disrupted. A small number of specialised liveaboard operators and yacht charter companies maintained limited operations, but the infrastructure that had been developing in Kawthaung and on outlying islands was significantly curtailed. The situation evolves, and sailors considering Mergui should check the most current guidance from their national maritime authority and consult specialist Southeast Asia routing services before committing to a visit.
Kawthaung — The Southern Gateway
Kawthaung, at the southern tip of the Tenasserim peninsula opposite the Thai town of Ranong, is the primary entry point for foreign yachts entering Myanmar waters. During the peak pre-2021 era, the town had a basic but functional customs and immigration process for yachts, and several guesthouses and small restaurants catered to cruising crews. The proximity to Ranong — just across the Pak Chan estuary — made logistics manageable, as Thai port and provisioning services could supplement the limited local supply. The passage from Kawthaung northward into the archipelago begins in sheltered channel water before opening into the magnificent island-studded sea passages of the central Mergui.
Myeik (Mergui Town)
Myeik, known historically as Mergui, is the largest town in the archipelago region and a significant fishing and trading port. The British-era customs house still stands above the waterfront, a reminder that this was once a stopping point on the Bay of Bengal trade routes. For visiting yachts, Myeik offers the most substantial provisioning options north of Kawthaung, with fresh markets selling excellent local seafood, vegetables, and tropical fruit. A fuel stop is possible here, though the process requires patience and liaison with local agents.
The Central Archipelago Anchorages
The heart of the Mergui experience lies not in any marina but in a series of anchorages scattered through the central island group. Lampi Island, now designated as a marine national park, is considered one of the finest protected anchorages in the entire Andaman Sea. The holding is good in sand and coral rubble, the snorkelling over the surrounding fringing reefs is exceptional, and the jungle interior — accessible by dinghy up freshwater streams — holds hornbills, monitor lizards, and the occasional saltwater crocodile. King Island, Dome Island, and the Sullivan Islands offer similar combinations of sheltered anchorage and extraordinary wildlife.
The Moken Connection
Any engagement with the Mergui Archipelago brings encounters with the Moken, and this requires sensitivity and awareness from visiting yachtsmen. The Moken are not performers or curiosities; they are autonomous people navigating a profound disruption of the lifestyle they have maintained for millennia. The introduction of motorised fibreglass boats has already changed their existence significantly. Approaching their communities respectfully, buying fish or coconuts through established exchange rather than photographing without permission, and supporting the few operators who work genuinely with Moken communities rather than exploiting them: these are the minimum standards for ethical passage-making in these waters.
Sailing Conditions in the Mergui
The northeast monsoon, running from approximately November through April, provides the primary sailing window for the Mergui Archipelago. During this period, winds are typically force 2 to 4 from the north and northeast, and the numerous islands provide excellent lee shores for overnight anchorages. The southwest monsoon brings heavy rain and strong south-westerly winds from May through October, making the outer passages uncomfortable and the visibility in rain squalls challenging. A number of sheltered channels remain navigable year-round, but the outer archipelago is the domain of the northeast monsoon season.
Provisioning and Fuel
Self-sufficiency is essential for a Mergui passage. While fresh produce is available at Kawthaung and Myeik, and fish can often be purchased directly from Moken communities, the assumption must be that you will find nothing between the two towns unless you know specifically where to look. A good watermaker is not optional; some island water sources are available but reliability varies. Diesel is obtainable at Kawthaung and Myeik with local assistance, but jerry-can capacity for the full passage is advisable. Gas for cooking should be sourced in Thailand or at Kawthaung before departure.
Marina Development
A small number of floating pontoons and basic marina facilities were under development in the Kawthaung area before the events of 2021 severely disrupted progress. The vision of a chain of eco-resort anchorages stretching through the archipelago — modelled in part on Thailand's Similan Islands and Krabi region infrastructure — had attracted investment and interest from Thai and international operators. Whether and when that development resumes will depend on political conditions. For now, a well-found offshore cruising boat with substantial ground tackle, a capable crew, and patience with process is the required entry fee for the Mergui.
Regional Context — The Andaman Sea
Mergui sits at the northern end of the Andaman Sea sailing circuit that connects Thailand's Phuket and Phang Nga Bay in the south with Myanmar's archipelago in the north. This circuit, well-established among Southeast Asian cruising yachts before 2021, forms the context within which any Mergui visit must be understood. Thai marina infrastructure at Ao Chalong, Nai Harn, and Boat Lagoon in Phuket remains excellent, and most Mergui passages originate from there. The permit process for Myanmar entry has historically required engagement with a licensed agent and advance application several weeks before intended arrival.
Explore on the map
The full extent of the Mergui Archipelago, including the island anchorages, national park boundaries, and the approach route from Kawthaung, is visible on the interactive map. Use the map to understand the scale of this cruising ground — over 450 kilometres of island-studded coast — and to place the individual anchorages in their geographical context. Myanmar on the map shows the country's extraordinary coastline running from the Bangladesh border in the north to the Kawthaung gateway in the south, in relation to the broader Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea routes that bring adventurous sailors to these waters.