Kawthong

Kawthong is located in southernmost tip of Myanmar, 800 km from Yangon itself. Kawthong retains the atmosphere of a fishing village. Kawthong is a busy fishing post, although most of the catch is ultimately sold in Ranong, where it fetches better price. It does a successful trade in raw rubber and cashew nuts. The town always seems to be noisy, largely due to the constant roar of motorbikes, which are the main means of transport. To go anywhere, you hop aboard one of the bikes as a pillion rider. There are few cars, mainly because of lack of good roads.

Mwe-Daw or Relic Island

Mwe-Daw or Relic Island is home to two hilltop pagodas said to contain holy relics of  Buddha. Because of this, the island is visited constantly by a stream of devotees, crossing over on a five-minutes boat ride from the mainland.

Third Mile Pagoda

In the Third Mile Pagoda , the main stupa is gilded with an octagonal base containing eight niches each filled with a seated Buddha. On the highest level, the Buddha sits on a lotus flower, protected by the Naga or serpent god, which curls its head over that of the Buddha.

Andaman Club Resort

Andaman Club Resort, which occupies the 700 hectare Thahtay Kyun, runs a well patronized casino and offers visitors duty-free shopping. Located on a hilltop with panoramic view of Kawthong, the resort is the only sign of habitation on the rocky island. It has 205 rooms, each with a view of the sea. Recreational facilities include a swimming pool, gym, sauna, electronic games room and library. Its three restaurants overlook Kawthong and its harbour.

Myeik (Mergui)

Myeik Archipelago comprises of some 800 islands scattered more or less parallel to the coast of 480 km long Myeik Peninsula on the Andaman Sea, in the Southwest of Myanmar. Myeik (formerly Mergui) Archipelago is famous and well-known for its crystal blue water, untouched coral reef and uninhabited islands clustered close to one another. Some are rocky and some are forested with sandy beaches. Hilly islands are of limestone stretched-out for hundreds of meters forming caves and enclosed lakes accessible at low tide through rock tunnels. Sea swallows (swifts) build their nests high, which are very hard to reach. The agile collectors take the risk to reach the nests, as bird’s nests are valuable for human consumption. The nomadic Salones or sea gypsies sail from island to island, stopping off to repair their boats or fishing nets.