Myanmar remains a land cloaked in mystery, where the path less travelled yields memories that linger for a lifetime. From the endless temple plains of Bagan, to the floating gardens and graceful fishermen of Inle Lake, to the pristine stretches of powdery sand along Ngapali, the country is a visual and cultural feast. Vast and diverse, roughly the size of France and England combined, Myanmar is home to more than 130 ethnic groups, each contributing to its extraordinary cultural mosaic. Stretching from snow-capped Himalayan peaks in the north to coral-fringed islands of the Andaman Sea in the south, Myanmar’s landscapes offer dramatic contrasts: fertile valleys, forested hills, serene rivers, and unspoilt coastlines. Ancient pagodas, royal palaces, and traditional villages pepper the terrain, offering a sense of timelessness and discovery. Whether seeking secluded beaches, cultural immersion, jungle adventures, or contemplative retreats among sacred temples, Myanmar presents an unrivalled opportunity to experience Southeast Asia in its purest and most authentic form—a country both enchanting and remarkably untouched.
Mergui Archipelago, located in southernmost part of Myanmar (Burma), comprises over 800 beautiful islands. Due to its virtual isolation, the island and surrounding seas are alive with an amazing diversity of flora & fauna and very beautiful underwater scenes and marine life. Just north of the Surin Islands, an imaginary line divides Thai waters from Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago. Also known as the Myeik (Mergui) Archipelago, this immense area covers approximately 36,000 sq km (14,000 sq miles).
Diving here is still in its infancy, as the entire region has been off-limits to outsiders since the late 1940s. The archipelago was opened for tourism in 1997, yet much of the area remains unexplored. The islands are similar to their Thai counterparts, eg. Phuket, Surin with rugged, high-profile, limestone and granite topography. One obvious difference, aside from the sheer number of islands, is their unspoilt terrestrial scenery.
Among those islands are various mangroves, wild life, caves, lagoons fresh water falls and rivers in the forest. Dense bush and rainforest cover most areas above the high-tide line, while vast stretches of mangroves and magnificent mile-long white-sand beaches are interspersed with rocky headlands, tidal creeks and a few freshwater rivers. The only human inhabitants in the area are Mokens or Salone Sea gypsies. They live on boats during dry season and remain on land during rainy season. They still practice the same fishing and boat building techniques used for generation.
Fondly known as 'the land of smiles', Thailand is commonly associated with gorgeous golden sand, palm-lined beaches, warm aquamarine waters, glorious temples and verdant jungle-clad mountains. Thailand is the primary travel hub of Southeast Asia, offering a diverse range attractions and activities to suit all tastes and budgets. Whether exploring the teeming metropolis of Bangkok, relaxing on the tropical beaches of the southern islands, scuba diving in the underwater wonderland off the coast, jungle trekking to hill tribe villages in the North, or discovering the ancient capitals, Thailand is filled with attractions to satisfy any interest.
Located on Thailand’s southern peninsula near the Myanmar border, the small city of Ranong is a fascinating cultural crossroads where Thai, Burmese, and Chinese influences blend seamlessly with the traditions of the region’s many ethnic minorities. The town is famed for its naturally occurring hot springs—long considered among the best in the country—set amid tranquil forest just outside the city centre. Ranong also serves as the gateway to some of the Andaman Sea’s most remote and enchanting islands, including Koh Chang (Lek) and Koh Phayam, as well as diving expeditions to the Surin Islands and Myanmar’s pristine Mergui Archipelago. A stroll along Thanon Ruangrat reveals the city’s layered history through its 19th-century Sino-Portuguese shophouses, elegant arches, and shuttered windows, with signage in Thai, Chinese and Burmese reflecting its multicultural spirit. Colourful annual festivals, such as the Ranong and Andaman Fair and the Image Boat Procession and Races, further bring the town’s rich heritage to life.
Koh Phayam, set off the coast of Ranong near the Myanmar border, is one of Thailand’s most enchanting off-the-radar islands—an idyllic haven of long palm-fringed beaches, lush rainforest and an irresistibly mellow atmosphere. With no ATMs, limited mobile coverage and mostly rustic accommodation, the island remains wonderfully untouched, attracting travellers who value simplicity, nature and a slower rhythm of life. Inland, forested hills and jungle trails offer excellent opportunities for hiking and quiet exploration, while the small pier-side village provides a handful of local restaurants, cafés and motorbike rentals for getting around. Wildlife is part of the island’s charm: hornbills, sea eagles, monkeys and other forest creatures are often seen in the treetops or along secluded paths. With its pristine coastline, relaxed ambiance and unspoiled natural setting, Koh Phayam is a rare tropical retreat for those seeking tranquillity and authentic island charm.
