Shambhala

Myanmar is a large country in southeast Asia, with a population of 55 million people. The country is considered as one of the safest country to travel in Southeast Asia. The presence of unimaginable wealth of natural resources is acknowledged throughout the world.

The famous precious gems such as the Imperial Jade exists only in Myanmar and the world famous South Sea Pearls could only be found in the Mergui Archipelago. Snowy mountains are at the northernmost tip of Myanmar, where the Himalaya mountain range starts. Irrawaddy, one of the largest river in the world, flows through the center of Myanmar and this river is considered as one of the kindest river in the world. At the southernmost area of Myanmar is the Mergui Archipelago in the Andaman Sea. 

MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO

Mergui Archipelago (or Myeik Archipelago as it is now known), is an enormous area, with more than 800 islands, covers approximately 36,000 sq km (14,000 sq miles). Two islands among them are larger than the country of Singapore. Much of the area remains unexplored and in near isolation. Incredible diversity of flora and fauna are swarming in the islands and the waters surrounding them. Some of the islands have magnificent white-sand beaches, unparallel to any of the world's most famous beaches. Among these islands are varieties of mangroves, forests, wild life, lagoons, caves, freshwater falls and rivers. The area is perfectly safe for shelter even during the strongest of Monsoon season weather.

There are many locations for Sea Kayaking and Sport Fishing that are also considered among the best in the world. Many magnificent and world famous dive sites, such as the Burma Banks, Roe Banks, Western Rocky, South Twins, North Twins, Shark's Caves, etc., have not been thoroughly explored. In the deeper waters of the offshore islands of the Mergui Archipelago, rock pinnacles covered with healthy corals, attract larger marine life such as dolphins, sharks and rays. Many species of fish not found in the Indian Ocean are present in the area. For more information, please visit http://www.travelmergui.com 

Kawthaung

Kawthaung, the southern most town in Myanmar (800 km from Yangon and 2,000 km from the country's most northern tip), formerly known as Victoria Point, is one of the entry ports into Myanmar and is only separated from Thailand by a broad estuary in the Pakchan River. Across the river is the border town of Ranong, Thailand. Ranong is 120 miles North of Phuket. Visitors from Ranong could take a 30 minutes boat trips to Kawthaung for sightseeing and shopping. There are regular flights from Yangon to Kawthaung. Entry visas, valid for 28 days, and Border Passes are issued at Kawthaung. 
The main business of Kawthaung is trade with Thailand, fishing, rubber and cashew nuts. Most Kawthaung residents speak Burmese and Thai. Kawthaung's bustling waterfront is lined with teashops, stores and shops arranging boat charters to Thailand for visitors and traders. A SHAMBHALA Duty Free Shop and a few restaurants in the Burmese palace replica building is located in front of the Kawthaung harbor. A huge bronze statue of King Bayintnaung, one of the great Myanmar kings, out-fitted in full battle regalia with brandishing a sword stands at the crest of a hill on the cape. A spectacular sea and island view from a hilltop pagoda known as the Three Mile Pagoda is located in a fishing village five kilometers north of town. 

The Salone Island (Sea Gypsy Is @ Pulo Basin)

The Salone Island is 4 miles from Kawthaung, Myanmar and 6 miles from Ranong, Thailand and 122 miles from Phuket. Due to it's proximity to these towns the visitors could make a day trips and excursions. It has a pagoda on the hilltop and the best beach around Thai-Myanmar Border. It is very close to many good sport fishing sites, sea kayaking sites and snorkeling sites.

Myauk Ni Island (Red Monkey Is @ North Phipps Is)

Myauk Ni Island is known as Red Monkey Island and 20 miles northwest of Kawthaung. The white sand beaches, wild dolphins, corals, fishes, forests and birds around the Myauk Ni are also supreme. Salones live on their boat to collect sea-shell, fish and various marine products around the Red Monkey Island. 

Myinn Khwar Island (Horseshoe Island)

Myinn Khwar Island is also known as Horse Shoe Island is 22 miles South West of Kawthaung. It has protected beach for all seasons, with white sand, crystal clear water and visitors can arrange day trips. It is also very close to a lot of good sport fishing sites, sea kayaking and snorkeling sites. The visitors could enjoy climbing the lime stone rocks, going into bird's nests caves, lagoons, corals, Cycus trees, forests and birds around the Horse Shoe Island. The area is also ideal to explore by Sea Kayaking.