15 April

Around 1,000 travellers visited the Myeik Archipelago in Taninthayi Region on the second day of the Thingyan New Year Water Festival, said Dr. Thein Swe Myint, the chair of the Myeik Tourism Entrepreneurs Association.

Thirty-three tour operators have designed several holiday packages for travellers to help them explore the natural beauty of the archipelago, which has more than 800 natural islands of varying size. Travellers can choose to visit the Lay Island, the Smith Island (also known as Papant Island), and other popular islands, as well as waterfalls, said tour operators.

Speedboats and air-conditioned boats are also available during the Thingyan Eve, they said. Many devotees from near and far are visiting the town and taking the small boats to Pahtet Island to pay homage to the Reclining Buddha image. Travel agencies are cooperating and sharing updated information for the safety of visitors. Lying in the Andaman Sea, off the coast of southern Myanmar, the Myeik Archipelago offers great opportunities for underwater diving and exploration of the area’s marine life and untouched coral reefs, said tour operators.

Zaw Myo Naing / (Translated by Khaing Thanda Lwin)