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.
Surin Island is in Mu Koh Surin National Park, found some 60 km off the west coast of Phang Nga province, and 100 km north of the Similans, is an archipelago of 5 islands: Koh Surin Nuea, Koh Surin Tai, Koh Ri, Koh Khai, and Koh Klang. The excellent diving, snorkelling, hiking and game fishing are what most visitors come for, and those hoping to find a quiet refuge from the tourist traps and urban centres will be delighted with the islands' lack of "development". Those seeking convenience, comfort and 5-star service had best choose another destination - or travel there on a luxury liveaboard cruise. The main island of Surin Nuea has several bays, the largest being Ao Mae Yai on the southwest, which features calm waters and safe anchorage. On the southeast side is Ao Luek, which has shallow corals and an abundance of marine life. Ao Mai Ngam is where the National Park's office is found, as well as a 2-kilometre walking path. There's good snorkelling and swimming here off its long beach. Ao Chak at the north of Surin Nuea is a beautiful bay of pristine coral reefs.
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.
Nyaung Oo Phee (aka Mackenzie) Island. Is one of the prettiest islands in the archipelago. This private island is blessed with two powdery white sand beaches and fringed by coral reefs. The islands interior is hilly and jungle covered. Nyaung Oo Phee Island and resort offers travellers activities from snorkelling, diving, and kayaking to jungle walks and massages. The island is good base for day excursion dive trips to some of the most famous dive sites of Andaman Sea.
Situated in the southernmost corner of Myanmar, the small port town of Kawthaung lies shares a border crossing with Ranong Thailand, separated by a broad estuary in the Pagyan River. Visitors can look forward to a variety of different activities. Visit the magnificent Maliwan Waterfall, and explore the Mergui National Reserve. Make sure to see Pyi Daw Aye, Kawthaung’s most popular pagoda, featuring a golden chedi and offering panoramic views overlooking the Kraburi River, the town, and the Thai mountains in the distance.
