CNI News
24 October 2023
Myeik islands tourism industries in Tanintharyi Region that have been suspended for over two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic have restarted, according to the Ministry of Hotel and Tourism. Currently, tourists have entered Myeik islands reportedly.
Mainly because Kawthaung-Ranong border gate has been opened, Myeik islands trips have restarted, an official from the directorate of hotel and tourism in Dawei District told CNI News.
Myeik Islands
" Kawthaung-Ranong border gate had been closed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Because the border gate has been opened since March, 2023, day trippers from the Thai side come here. And there are also guests who will come by motor-boat. Moreover, there are also guests who will come by yacht. They all mainly visit Myeik island. It has reopened during the tourist season, some local tourism companies are advertising. Because Myeik islands trips had been closed for about two and a half years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It is a bit difficult for us to reach the situation before the Covid-19 pandemic. We have expected we will be able to reach gradually the situation before the Covid-19 pandemic." he said.
Myeik island trips contain Themee Hla, Lay Kyon, Don Waterfall, Don Nyaung Hmaing, Smart Island, Padan Island, Kyelleik and so on reportedly. Although Myeik trips are being arranged, because of too much expenses for accommodation, travel and food, tourist arrival might be few, U Arka, a tourism entrepreneur from Myeik City, told CNI News.
Myeik Islands
" Transportation charges and commodity prices are costly. And charge for electricity use is also expensive. So, hotels can't reduce the price. You can go there if you have 6 to 7 lakh kyats before the Covid-19. Now you'll have to spend about 13 lakh for the fuel. It will cost you about 20 lakh kyats altogether including service charges. So, the number of the guests who can spend that much is just few. If you come by flight, flight fare will cost you 2 lakh kyats. Round trip will cost four hundred thousand. So, people are going to Shan State, Bagan, Inle and Chaungtha. But wealthy people might come to Myeik islands. It's not convenient to come by car because battles are taking place. So, guests who will come may be less." he said.
As Myeik islands trips, it will cost 2 lakh kyats each from Lay Kyun to Thamee Hla Island, 2.5 lakh kyats each from Don Waterfall to Smart Island, 3 lakh kyats each from Smart Island to Padan Island and 3.5 lakh kyats each from Kyelleik to Smart Island, according to tourism industries.
There are over 800 islands in Myeik region and Over and underwater scenes can be viewed and Salon ethnicity can be studied as well.
