The Mergui Archipelago is a hidden gem of the Andaman Sea. It has breathtaking underwater landscapes, untouched dive sites, and an exclusive diving experience away from the crowds. Diving from a liveaboard means that you really get the best scuba diving in Myanmar. With over 800 islands spread across 12,000 km² of crystal-clear waters, this remote paradise is home to a huge variety of diving. There are stunning pinnacles, caves, tunnels, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life. Our sales staff Nick and Sonja boarded back to back trips aboard Thailand Master in March 2025, and they found it was nothing short of spectacular.
A Liveaboard in the Mergui Archipelago
The adventure began for both with a shared transfer from Phuket to Ranong. This is a five-hour drive but there were stops for food and restroom breaks. Some guests chose to fly into Ranong and stay for a night, where they were picked up from their hotels and met the rest of the gang at Thailand immigration where everyone gets exit stamps. A team member from Thailand Master was there to assist with the required paperwork, ensuring a smooth process.
With immigration complete, Sonja explains… “from Ranong, it was then on to B.C. Badin Resort, where we boarded the Thailand Master at around 11 AM. Excitement was in the air as we stepped onto the vessel, were greeted with welcome drinks and then a warm introduction from the crew. The cruise director, Marco, led us through a welcome briefing, safety procedures, and an introduction to the crew. With paperwork out of the way, it was time to settle into our cabins.”
Life Onboard
Thailand Master is a traditional Indonesian sailing yacht designed specifically for liveaboard dive trips, accommodating up to 18 divers. With a spacious dive deck and a covered outdoor dining area, it provides comfort while you enjoy the stunning views. Cabins are cozy, air-conditioned, and equipped with en-suite facilities.
Back to Nick and Sonja… “As we set sail toward Myanmar’s border town of Kawthaung, we adjusted our clocks half an hour back. Upon arrival, a guide from Myanmar joined the boat along with immigration officers, who quickly processed our paperwork. We then disembarked briefly for Myanmar immigration to get our entry stamps before officially beginning our diving adventure.”
Scuba Diving in Myanmar: the Mergui Archipelago
“There is no diving scheduled on embarkation day, allowing us to relax and prepare for the days ahead. We set up our diving gear at the spacious dive deck. Once set up, we started to get to know each other and quickly discovered that we were in for a fantastic time together. It was a great bunch of people from different nationalities, each bringing their own stories to share. The first evening was already filled with laughter and excitement for the upcoming dives.”
“The next morning started with an early wake-up, a light breakfast, and then it was time for our first dive. With 17 guests onboard, we were divided into four dive groups. Our dive guide, Indy, was fantastic—always smiling, highly professional, providing clear instructions, and with an exceptional eye for spotting ghost pipefish. We jumped in groups, ensuring that we hardly ever crossed paths underwater. Already as the only diving boat out there, and being only with our dive group, it was clear from the start that this trip was going to be something special.”
Marine Life Encounters
Scuba diving in Myanmar with Thailand Master covers some of the most breathtaking and remote dive sites in the Mergui Archipelago, including Black Rock, Western Rocky, and Burma Banks. Each site offers its own unique experience, from drift dives to exploring underwater tunnels and caves.
Sonja is quick to point out that “The marine life in the Mergui Archipelago was truly spectacular. We encountered seahorses, ghost pipefish, mantis shrimps, nudibranchs, frogfish, eagle rays, and whitetip sharks. Schools of barracuda and fusiliers moved gracefully through the currents. One of the most memorable moments was watching nurse sharks at Burma Banks actively hunting, darting around close to us in an incredible display of predatory behavior.”
For Nick, “The legendary Black Rock exceeded all expectations! Across three dives, we encountered four majestic manta rays, schools of barracuda and tuna, moray eels, and countless shrimp species. The dive sites were teeming with life, and we wrapped up the day with a Thai dinner and a fun Australia Day celebration aboard.” Not only that, but “we were lucky to witness a fascinating mating ritual of three cuttlefish! Later, dives at Square Rock and The Submarine near Kyun Pila Island revealed tiny yellow seahorses and thriving marine biodiversity.
Moken Village Island Visit
On each trip there is an opportunity to visit the remarkable Moken community, indigenous to the region. Historically, the Moken people were nomadic seafarers traversing the North Andaman Sea in houseboats, but today, small groups have settled on islands in the Mergui Archipelago and Surin National Park.
As Nick says, “This interaction was not only eye-opening but also a poignant reminder of the challenges the Moken people face in preserving their unique way of life”. Sonja agrees, saying that “We were warmly welcomed by children waving excitedly as we arrived at the beach. We visited a hilltop temple with a stunning view of the bay, where we could appreciate the natural beauty of their home. The crew brought clothes, pencils, coloring books, and dog food for the stray animals as gifts for the community, making the visit even more special.”
Final thoughts on Scuba Diving in Myanmar
Diving in Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s remote, unspoiled dive sites boast an incredible diversity of marine life, from manta rays to vibrant soft corals and rarely seen species. With limited dive operators exploring these waters, you’ll enjoy crowd-free dives and pristine conditions that make this destination a true hidden gem.
Despite Myanmar’s difficulties, now is the perfect time to visit. With fewer tourists, your trip directly supports local communities that rely on tourism for their livelihood. The Mergui Archipelago remains a safe, welcoming, and awe-inspiring destination that deserves a spot on every diver’s bucket list.
If you’re looking for an extraordinary liveaboard diving experience, Thailand Master offers the perfect blend of adventure, comfort, and expert dive guidance. Explore Myanmar’s untouched reefs, vibrant marine life, and rich cultural heritage on a trip you’ll never forget!
