Andaman Sea Pilot - the definitive cruising guide for the Andaman Sea...and more

The definitive guide to 380 anchorages in more than one million square miles of ocean

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DOMMEL ISLAND TO MERGUI PORT

Click links on right to go to anchorages: Thayawthadadanyi Kyun (Elphinestone Island) | Mergui Town

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Pan Daung Island (Dommel Island)

A beautiful deep bay, with a gradual sloping sandy bottom. Good anchorage is found in 6-8 metres on a sand bottom.

The beach is approximately 1 mile long, with a tidal river at the southern end ideal for kayaking and dinghy exploration trips.

There is a thriving bird population and lots of wildlife, including pythons and huge monitor lizards. Dommel also supports larger game including buffalo and wild boar.

There is a rumour among the local fishermen that the almost-extinct Asian rhinoceros may still survive in the thick forest.

A beautiful anchorage off the northern of the 3 beaches in 15 metres on sand.

This is another great area for wildlife enthusiasts with superb kayaking and jungle walking.

The floating structures and the buildings ashore in the southwest bay of Dommel are a pearl farm which is off limits. Stay well clear of this and do not anchor anywhere near it.

Another ideal anchorage for jungle walks, kayaking and wildlife viewing. Anchor in 5 – 7 metres on sand off a very gently shelving beach. This is a great place for exploratory trips by dinghy.

The northern island group east of Dommel has spectacular limestone karsts similar to Phang Nga Bay in Thailand. If you look carefully you will find a lagoon hidden inside the island with access through caves that you can swim through.

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Thayawthadadanyi Kyun (Elphinestone Island)

A well protected anchorage with a small fishing village and military base ashore on the southern beach. You are permitted to go ashore here. The south western side of the bay has good kayaking and jungle walking.

Hetarious Bay is a long deep bay, a good protected anchorage with a gently sloping bottom. There are a few small beaches set around the bay.

It is a perfect night anchorage in the northeast monsoon.

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Mergui Town

Approaches to Mergui Port
Iron Passage
Approach from north through the Iron Passage between Thamihla Kyun and Kadan Kyun (King Island). There is plenty of water through the passage although there can be strong currents.

Travelling south after navigating the passage is straight forward until you come to the lighthouse (Fl.8M) at the northern approaches to Mergui Port. The light is a significant structure and can be seen quite clearly.

Pass to the west of the light within 100-150 metres. The waters are shallow during the approach and there are mud flats that dry at low tide further to the west of the light. This area is known as the Mergui Bar.

The port is visible at this point and further south in town is another quick flashing navigational light which may be more difficult to see. The depth of water will remain constant until reaching the anchored vessels in front of the town.

The best anchorage is to be found slightly south of the town directly in front of the large reclining Buddha image on Pataw Island. Depth of water is approximately 15 metres and the holding is good but strong currents prevail. Boat traffic is a little less hectic here.

Fell Passage
The shorter route to Mergui Port for shallow draft vessels is the Fell Passage which saves about 25 miles. The depth through the passage is never less than 3 metres in the centre of the channel.

The navigation is straightforward, although by looking at the chart it does seem daunting. This route is not advisable at spring low tides.

Mergui Town
There are three floating pontoons that provide shore access. The middle of the three should be used. It is safe to leave tenders tied to the inner-side of the pontoon.

You need to check in at the port offices, as well as at customs, the harbourmaster and immigration, which are located at the

entrance to the floating pontoons, before proceeding into the town.

Mergui is a fascinating town with a colourful history. Established around 1500, Mergui’s strategic position ensured its rapid growth into a major trade entrepot.

Sailing ships of the time, faced with the fickle winds, uncharted reefs and pirates of the Malacca Straights to the south, preferred to offload their trade goods in Mergui.

From here the goods were trans-shipped by elephant convoy across the Malaysian Peninsula to the ancient kingdoms of Ayutthaya, Cambodia and southern China.

The invention of the steam driven cargo ship lessened the importance of Mergui and it gracefully declined into the market town it is today.

The importance of Mergui on a historic Indian Ocean trade route can still be clearly seen today. There is an interesting mix of Chinese, Indian, Arabic and Burmese influences.

Take the time to explore the back streets of Mergui: visit the Chinese tea shop, the market bazaar, the temples and the various restaurants to really get a feel for the unique culture of Mergui.

While every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this book is accurate, the charts of anchorages are based on personal experience and satellite imagery and are intended as a guide only. They should not be used for navigation. Please refer to Official Hydrographic charts of the respective countries.

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