The Mergui Archipelago
The Mergui Archipelago, also known as the Myeik Archipelago or Myeik Kyunzu, is located in the far southern part of Myanmar (Burma) and is part of the Tanintharyi Region. This archipelago consists of over 800 islands, ranging in size from tiny islets to vast expanses covering hundreds of square kilometers, all situated in the Andaman Sea off the western shore of the Malay Peninsula near its northern end where it connects to the rest of Indochina. Occasionally, these islands are referred to as the Pashu Islands, named after the local Malay inhabitants known as Pashu.
The islands are predominantly composed of limestone and granite, and are generally covered with dense tropical vegetation, including rainforests. Their shorelines feature a mix of sandy beaches, rocky headlands, and mangrove swamps in certain areas. The waters surrounding the islands boast extensive coral reefs, adding to the region’s natural beauty and biodiversity.
