Mergui Archipelago, Island group in Tanintharyi Region, Myanmar.
The Mergui Archipelago spreads across more than 800 islands featuring limestone cliffs, dense tropical forests, and white sand beaches along the Andaman Sea. The island group is surrounded by mangroves and coral reefs that support diverse marine life.
British surveyors conducted the first accurate mapping of the archipelago in the early 1800s, building on centuries of limited exploration and maritime activity. This surveying work provided the first scientific understanding of the island group.
The Moken people have inhabited these islands for generations, using traditional wooden boats for daily fishing and living closely tied to the sea. Their way of life shapes the everyday rhythm of the region.
Visiting the islands requires special permits that must be obtained before arrival. The best season for diving and exploring runs from December through April when weather conditions are most stable.
The archipelago is home to whale sharks, dugongs, and several whale species that visit the nutrient-rich waters seasonally. These abundant fishing grounds make the region a notable location for marine wildlife encounters.
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