Myanmar (formerly Burma) is a Southeast Asian country bordering Thailand and Bangladesh. The Mergui Archipelago (Myeik), over 800 islands in the Andaman Sea, was closed to tourists until 1997. It ranks among the least-dived destinations on earth: pristine reefs, abundant marine life, and the Moken sea nomads. Access is exclusively by liveaboard from Thailand.
Myanmar (officially the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, formerly Burma) is a Southeast Asian nation of 54 million people, sharing borders with Thailand, Laos, China, India and Bangladesh. It has 1,930 km of coastline along the Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal. The political situation has been unstable since the 2021 military coup, but the Mergui Archipelago remains accessible via Thailand. The administrative capital is Naypyidaw; the commercial hub is Yangon. The archipelago is officially called the Myeik or Mergui Archipelago.
Underwater geography: the Mergui Archipelago comprises more than 800 islands in the Andaman Sea between southern Burma and Thailand. The vast majority are uninhabited or home only to the Moken sea nomads. Water temperatures run 27-30 °C, visibility 20-30 m (best November to April), with exceptional coral biodiversity (over 250 species). The area is a transit zone for bull, grey, leopard and nurse sharks, plus seasonal oceanic manta rays.
Top dive sites: 1) Black Rock (isolated open-water pinnacle, oceanic mantas and reef sharks, 18-35 m). 2) Western Rocky (underwater arch with schooling fish and sleeping nurse sharks, 12-22 m). 3) Shark Cave (cave with resting leopard sharks, 15-25 m). 4) Three Islets (vertical walls and pelagic fauna, 18-32 m). 5) North Twin (soft corals and sailfish, 15-30 m). 6) High Rock (open-water walls with current, 18-35 m). 7) In Through The Out Door (macro site with pygmy seahorses).
The Moken: the archipelago is home to roughly 2,000 Moken, a maritime nomadic ethnic group living on traditional boats (kabang) or temporary coastal villages. They are natural freedivers — recorded dives of 30+ metres and 5+ minutes without equipment — and have sharper underwater vision than most people due to evolutionary adaptation. They hunt with traditional spears. Moken culture is threatened by forced settlement and fishing restrictions. An encounter with Moken communities is an anthropologically unique aspect of this destination, managed by responsible tour operators.
Logistics and costs: access is exclusively by liveaboard from Thailand. Boats depart from Phuket, Khao Lak or Ranong, check in at Kawthaung (Myanmar) and run 7-10 night itineraries. Operators include The Junk, Smiling Seahorse, Worldwide Dive and Sail Aurora and Thai Sila. A 7-night liveaboard costs €2,500-3,500. Myanmar permit is included by the operator (€200-300 extra cost). Myanmar e-visa is available online (USD 50). The liveaboard covers accommodation, meals, diving and guide. There is no stable land-based option.
The pleasant surprise: the Thailand combination. Departing from Phuket or Khao Lak allows combining Mergui with the Similan Islands or Ko Bon-Ko Tachai on a single route. For a 14-21 day trip, the destination pairs Burma diving (4-7 days Mergui) with Thailand diving (4-7 days Similan) plus Thai or Burmese culture (Yangon, Mandalay, Bagan, Shwedagon Pagoda, ancient cities). It adds up to a complete Southeast Asia package.
The downside: political instability. Myanmar's 2021 military coup has prompted international sanctions and ethical tourism boycotts. Liveaboards technically continue to operate, but some divers prefer not to support the military regime. The situation could deteriorate further and the destination could close again. The operational season is narrow (October to May). The distance from Europe is as long as it gets. For a stable and ethically clear alternative, the Philippines or Indonesia are better choices.
The verdict: Myanmar Mergui suits experienced divers with political awareness. Pristine waters, abundant fauna (oceanic mantas, sharks, huge schools of fish), Moken encounters, outstanding coral diversity. For an ethically unambiguous, operationally stable destination, alternatives exist (Philippines, Indonesia, mainland Thailand). For an exclusive Asian frontier with minimal tourism and intact reefs, Mergui is unique. Recommended November to April via liveaboard from Phuket or Khao Lak. Can be combined with Thailand's Similans for a complete 10-14 day Andaman voyage.