Mergui Archipelago
The southern islands of the Mergui Archipelago lie only
120 miles to the north of Phuket and directly west of Ranong, Thailand's
last northwest, coastal province.
There are about 800 islands opposite the Myanmar Tennasserim coast,
forming one of the last remaining untouched paradises on earth.
These islands are densely forested and mountainous, with impenetrable
jungle meeting white silica sand beaches. There are plenty of natural
harbours providing a complete range of day and overnight anchorages
for cruising yachts.
The starting point for any venture into this area is Kaw Thaung
(Cow Tong), formerly Victoria Point. (Koh Song in Thai.)
Tidal movement within the southern group can range up to 4 metres,
creating strong currents, especially in the shallower areas and
through the narrow passages. This tidal flow also causes a short,
sharp chop when wind and tide are opposing.
Diving
Scuba diving and snorkeling are superb, with plentiful
fish life and undamaged corals in all but a few stopovers.
In general, the western shores of these islands provide the best
underwater topography. Visibility improves significantly west of
the 98th meridian. The condition of the reefs becomes more pristine,
and sightings of large pelagic fish species more prevalent, the
further west you venture.
The inhabitants of the area are a mixed race of sea nomads
known locally as ‘Salones' or ‘Mowken'. Salones
have their own language and live with extended families (dogs and
cats included) on board tarred, wooden boats. They survive on a
diet of fish, sea cucumber and island game. On shore is an abundance
of fresh water, wild animals and reptiles to sustain them. They
are the real “Sea Gypsies” of the archipelago, preferring
not to live ashore but move from island to island. The ‘Mowken'
are neither inquisitive nor afraid, preferring to be left alone.
Wildlife
Animal and bird life is prolific on the islands. Although
impenetrable jungle prevents sightings of larger mammals, their
tracks are plentiful above the high tide mark on the beaches of
larger islands. Macaque (pronounced ma-cak) monkeys and large monitor
lizards are seen frequently on the beaches and rocky shorelines.
Monkeys visit the shoreline at low tide to feed on crabs, eating
the sweet meat under the shell and discarding the rest to the sea.
The larger islands are believed to support a wide variety of mammals
and reptiles within the dense forests, although no formal study
has been done this century. Crocodiles have been seen, and there
has even been a suggestion that the rare Asian rhinoceros might
still survive on the larger islands.
There are literally hundreds of anchorages in this southern Mergui
group.
Mergui Archipelago Map
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