To the Southern Islands: Dragon Islands - Lord Haven Myanmar

LORD LOUGHBOROUGH & LORD HAVEN : MYANMAR

Hello everyone, after a short break from reviewing on Pantip and after returning from a trip to explore Indonesia (Bromo - Kawah Ijen - Surabaya) last July, I didn't go anywhere because I was waiting for the end-of-year trip. But then I suddenly came across a trip called **Dragon Islands and Lord Heaven (LORD LOUGUH & LORD HEAVEM)** in Myanmar. So I decided to go on this trip right away. Plus, I've never been to Ranong and Myanmar before, so I thought I'd try the Myanmar sea. So this time, I'm going to review this trip first because it was a sudden and impromptu trip, and I invited people without any notice because I was wondering who would go with me. In the end, I got a friend who went on a trip to Taiwan to be my companion. This time, the trip will be like this, so stay tuned.

Before we dive in, let's address the elephant in the room. When you think of Myanmar, most people imagine Yangon, Bagan, or its iconic temples like the Shwedagon Pagoda. While those are located on the mainland, we're not going there. Instead, we're taking you on a journey to discover the hidden gem of Myanmar's coastline. Wait, Myanmar has a coastline? Absolutely! Take a closer look at the map, and you'll see a long stretch bordering Thailand's southern region, along with various islands scattered in its waters. Now, when you think of Myanmar's coastline, the "Emerald Heart" probably comes to mind. But hold on, that's old news! We have a new destination in store for you. Stay tuned to find out where it is.

Our trip this time will be a little different because we are salarymen with limited time, so we usually take advantage of promotional flights. However, for this trip, we had to start in Ranong Province, where only Nok Air has a monopoly, making the price expensive. In addition, we decided to take a bus after work because we had to go on short notice. Let's take a look at our trip, or rather, let's take a look at the information about the places we will be visiting first.

**Lord Loughborough Islands**, also known as **Dragon Islands**, are located in the Andaman Sea. This remote archipelago is approximately four hours away from Emerald Heart by long-tail boat and 1.5 hours by speedboat. The islands, when viewed from above, resemble the shape of a dragon's spine (unlike the Dragon's Back in Hong Kong, which I previously reviewed). However, on a map, they appear more like a seahorse.

This is a map of the remote Dragon Islands (LORD LOUGHBOROUGH), which are located far from the two islands we had to cross. In the next image, we will see the distance between these islands and the Emerald Heart.

According to Google Maps, Emerald Heart Island (COCKS COMB ISLAND) is closer to the mainland than the Dragon Islands. The only tour company that currently offers trips to Lord Loughborough and Lord Heaven Islands is "LOVE ANDAMAN". If you want to visit both islands, it is recommended to start your trip from Ranong, not Phuket, as you may end up visiting other islands instead.

**Journey to the Dragon Islands - Lord Haven**

- Board a tour bus at the Sai Tai Mai Southern Bus Terminal, Taling Pling. There are various bus companies offering services from Bangkok to Ranong, such asสมบัติทัวร์, นิวมิตรทัวร์, and others. On this occasion, I booked a VIP 32-seat bus with นิวมิตรทัวร์ for 470 baht (excluding travel insurance). A VIP 24-seat bus costs over 600 baht. Recommended departure times are 8:30 PM and 9:00 PM. For instance, นิวมิตรทัวร์ departs at 9:00 PM, while สมบัติทัวร์ departs at 8:30 PM. The arrival time in Ranong is approximately 6:00 AM.

• If you don't want to take a bus, you can fly to Ranong Airport according to your budget. But I'm broke, so I'll choose the first option.

The bus ticket booth at the Southern Bus Terminal. Wherever you want to go, you can go. Oh, I have to go to Ranong! This trip, we're going to Ranong, the city of eight rains and four suns.

My friend and I boarded the 9:00 PM bus from Bangkok to Ranong. The bus was not crowded, and there seemed to be someone in every seat (confusing, right?). I was excited because it had been a long time since I had taken a bus down south. How many years had it been? Oh well, I'll know my age soon enough. The last time I had taken a bus down south was when I went back to Phang Nga for the Qingming Festival several years ago.

After a long journey of almost 9 hours, the bus finally brought us to Ranong Bus Terminal (Bor Kor Sor) amidst heavy rain. The atmosphere this morning was quiet and not many people were around. The bus departed from Sai Tai at 9 pm and arrived at Ranong Bus Terminal at 6 am.

As the tour bus arrives around 6 am and the van from the tour company will pick us up at Ranong Bus Terminal around 7 am, we will have time to wash our faces, brush our teeth, and change clothes before continuing our trip to the sea.

The tour company's van picked us up at the Ranong Bus Terminal (I had informed the company to pick us up at the bus terminal before the trip). We set off on our trip as soon as we arrived. The van then picked up people from various hotels and headed towards the Ranong Lighthouse Pier.

At the lighthouse pier in Ranong, Thailand

This location serves as a border crossing point between Thailand and Myanmar. As the islands are situated within Myanmar's territorial waters, a border pass is required. Fortunately, the company handles all the necessary arrangements, making the process hassle-free for travelers.

This is the atmosphere on the Myanmar side, which is located opposite the pier. As I mentioned earlier, the atmosphere is gloomy and it rains all the time. It is truly a city of "eight days of rain, four days of sunshine, Ranong". But it also gives a good feeling in a different way.

Upon arrival at the port, we registered our names to receive identification wristbands and enjoyed a light breakfast.

The snacks consisted of a large sandwich and a box of juice. As for the atmosphere on the day of the visit, it rained in Ranong early in the morning, and when we arrived at the lighthouse pier, the rain had stopped but the sky was still overcast. It was a very heartwarming welcome.

This is the atmosphere on the Ranong side, near the lighthouse pier.

It was then time to gather with everyone to travel to Koh Song, located at the VKR Club pier (Myanmar). There, we submitted our documents for Myanmar immigration clearance.

The first group of passengers to visit the Dragon Islands are boarding the Love Boat. (Before the official opening of the island, there were bloggers who went there, including Riu.)

After a short boat ride, we arrived at the VKR Club pier (Twin Islands, Myanmar), a neighboring country. We are currently waiting for immigration clearance. While waiting for the immigration officers, I took some photos of the Burmese way of life. (I'm so excited, it's my first time in Myanmar!)

Upon arrival at the VKR Club pier on Koh Song, Myanmar, everyone waited on the boat for the Burmese immigration officers to inspect passengers and verify their information. While waiting for the officers, we took some photos of the pier area.

The atmosphere of life for the Burmese people around Koh Song, in the area of the VKR Club pier.

The atmosphere of life for the Burmese people around Koh Song, in the area of the VKR Club pier, is one of bustling activity. The pier is a hub of activity, with boats arriving and departing regularly. The people are friendly and welcoming, and there is a sense of community among them.

The VKR Club is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. It offers a variety of amenities, including a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool. The club is also a popular spot for fishing and boating.

The Burmese people are known for their hospitality and their love of life. They are a hard-working people, and they are proud of their culture and heritage. The people of Koh Song are no exception. They are a resilient and resourceful people, and they have a deep love for their home.

The atmosphere of life for the Burmese people around Koh Song is one of hope and optimism. They are a people who have faced many challenges, but they have always emerged stronger. They are a people who are determined to build a better future for themselves and their children.

Two Burmese immigration officers are inspecting passengers, who are suspected of chewing betel nut while on duty.

After the Myanmar immigration officers finished checking the passengers, they told me and my friend "Good luck". My friend and I replied in English, "55". After that, we headed towards the Myeik Archipelago and entered Myanmar waters.

As the boat sailed further, the sunny weather turned cloudy. Looking back, the fog covered the mountains, creating an illusion of being on a lake in New Zealand. (A vivid imagination indeed!) I will continue this story later in the evening.

The further away from the area of Koh Song, Myanmar, the atmosphere began to become more gloomy. The mountains in the back looked like ice mountains, making me think of Alaska or a lake in New Zealand (my imagination again).

As we approached the Dragon Islands, the company's boat stopped briefly for the staff to unload supplies onto the shore. Afterwards, we were taken snorkeling to observe the coral reefs.

The First Dive Site: Tomato Point at Lord Loughborough Island

The first dive site, Tomato Point at Lord Loughborough Island, boasts an abundance of diverse coral reefs, home to a wide variety of marine life. Notably, this area is renowned for its vibrant red anemonefish, which reside in the anemones and gracefully swim around, showcasing their beauty. Unfortunately, due to a malfunctioning underwater camera, only blurry images of these magnificent creatures are available.

Diving amidst the sea and light rain is a truly invaluable experience. It's important to note that visiting the Dragon Islands and Emerald Heart during the rainy season offers a slightly different experience. The Dragon Islands are surrounded by other islands, acting as a barrier against strong winds, unlike the Emerald Heart. However, while sailing, you might encounter strong waves. During my visit, the waves were surprisingly calm, almost like a lake rather than the sea. The diving session lasts for about an hour before returning to the Lafu Bo Islands for lunch.

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Lord LOUGHBOROUGH Islands

The atmosphere is remote and secluded, taking over an hour to reach. The weather is also unpredictable, with rain and sunshine alternating throughout the day. Let's take a look at the lunch prepared by Love Andaman.

A spread of savory and sweet dishes, along with desserts, awaited the hungry divers after their swim in the light rain.

The yellow liquid is not urine from diving, but rather chrysanthemum tea. It is important to note that there are no restrooms on the boat, so it is best to take care of any bathroom needs before boarding. If you do need to use the restroom, there is a toilet on the boat that you can use. However, it is important to note that the toilet is not very clean, so you may want to bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

The lunch menu consists of two boxes per person: a large box with rice and two side dishes, and a small box with seafood, including shrimp, squid, and jellyfish (but be warned, the seafood dipping sauce is very spicy!).

Let's raise a toast to our lunch on this remote island, where the tranquility and the rain-soaked wounds are our companions.

For lunch, we ate without restraint, as if we had never eaten before in our lives. But everything was delicious, especially the cookies. 555 Next, we will take you to see the atmosphere of the Loughborough Islands, or the Dragon Islands.

The initial observation was that the overcast sky, alternating between rain and sunshine, affected the vibrancy of the green seawater. Despite the overcast conditions, the seawater remained beautiful. However, the snorkeling experience was hampered by the rain and lack of sunlight, which made it difficult to appreciate the coral reefs due to the potential for murky water.

After a satisfying lunch, it was time to depart from the Lofborough Islands and head to Lord Howe Island, the final destination of the day's trip. Oh, I forgot to mention that there is a viewpoint on Lofborough Island, but our group was unable to climb it due to rain. The staff were concerned about the risk of accidents, so they did not allow us to ascend. Does this mean we have to come back again? Oh, no!

The Myanmar Sea during the rainy season is beautiful in a different way. Even though the sky is not bright and looks gloomy, it gives a view similar to a mountain covered with ice or a mountain with fog, which is also beautiful in its own way.

Lord Heaven Island

While picking up trash, I also took pictures of the scenery. I wasn't just goofing off, I was picking up trash while taking pictures. The rain tree, even though it is far from the mainland, still grows beautifully.

The atmosphere of garbage collection at Lord Howe Island was fun and enthusiastic. Everyone was happy to help. 555 While waiting for the results, let's enjoy the atmosphere.

The weather is starting to cooperate, the sky is clearing and the sun is coming out. But I have to say, "Aren't you a little late?" We're about to return to land, my dear. But thank you for showing me the unique natural side of the Myanmar Sea.

Ultimately, my team came in last place, but it didn't matter because it was a social activity. The staff gave souvenirs to all participants, and the winning team received towels. Afterward, the staff led us through a small forest to the other side of Lord Howe Island, where there were strange rocks. Let's take a look.

This rock formation, resembling a shark's fin, is a highlight of Lord Howe Island. Nearby, a natural archway formed by trees creates a picturesque tunnel perfect for capturing memorable photos.

Continuing from the shark fin rock area, on the right-hand side, you will find a small tree tunnel arch perfect for taking some chic photos. Feel free to get creative with your poses! As for me, I was too exhausted to pose due to the sweltering weather.

The area behind Lord Howe Island is surrounded by other islands, which means there are not many waves or wind. After walking around Shark Fin Bay (my own name), I walked back to the boat to prepare to return to Ko Song and Ranong.

As mentioned, the sun is out, but it came out late. The green of the seawater contrasts with the bright blue sky in the late afternoon, giving a feeling of peace and ultimate comfort.

It was time to say goodbye to the Dragon Islands and Lord Howe Island and head back to Koh Song, Myanmar, to clear customs and enter Thai waters. From Lord Howe Island onwards, the sun was very strong, but as we got closer to the Myanmar mainland, the atmosphere began to darken, as shown in the picture above. But it was still beautiful in its own way.

After clearing Myanmar immigration, we entered Thai waters and prepared to return to our hotel. This concludes our one-day trip to the Myanmar Sea.

The sun sets over the lighthouse pier in Ranong, marking the end of this journey. But don't worry, I'll be back soon with reviews of the accommodation I stayed in and some of the nearby attractions in Ranong town. Stay tuned!

Here is a summary of the expenses for the Dragon Islands - Lord Heaven trip in Myanmar:

• VIP 32-seat bus from Sai Tai Mai Southern Bus Terminal, Taling Chan (Bangkok - Ranong) to Ranong Bus Terminal, 470 baht/person (one way)

* On the return trip, I flew back by boarding a plane in Surat Thani instead of Ranong because the flight from Ranong was too expensive. I couldn't afford it because I had to rush back to work.

• 1 Day trip to Dragon Islands - Lord Heaven 3500 Baht/person (currently 3900 Baht/person)***

• The promotional price of 3,500 baht is valid for the opening of the route. After the promotion ends, the price will be 3,900 baht, excluding accommodation costs.

The price includes border crossing fees and Burmese island entry fees for Thai nationals, as well as a morning snack set, lunch, and snacks during the journey. It also includes snorkeling equipment and travel accident insurance.

• Accommodation: Luang Phojn Boutique Hostel, included in the Dragon Island package (3900 THB/person)

• Roundtrip bus fare from Ranong Bus Terminal to Surat Thani city center (near the agricultural market): 190 baht per person.

- The fare from Surat Thani city (at the agricultural market) to Surat Thani Airport is 100 baht per person.

(Note: Excluding airfare from Surat Thani to Don Mueang)

Cruise details of Love Andaman Co., Ltd.

- The boat departs for Dragon Island only on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

- The sailing season runs from September 24, 2016 to May 15, 2017. I didn't see any during my visit, but I was a bit apprehensive about diving because I had just watched Shallow. Also, diving here is different from places like Lipe, where there are ropes and boats to mark the swimming area. Here, there are none, and I sometimes accidentally swam beyond the coral reef. The staff teased me, saying, "Hey, what's behind you?" I quickly swam back to the reef, but there was nothing there.

Luang Poj Boutique Hostel

**Luang Poj Boutique Hostel** is a boutique-style hostel that offers a homey atmosphere, reminiscent of similar accommodations like "Luang Ratchamitri" in Chanthaburi. Ranong also boasts its own "Luang Poj," with its history available at the hostel. The two-story building stands out with its bright orange color at the Krungthai intersection.

Conveniently located next to the accommodation is a familiar convenience store, 7-Eleven. So, there's no need to worry about late-night snacks, as the slogan goes, "A true friend when you're hungry."

A small wooden sign with the name of the accommodation engraved on it, not too big, but the power lines obscure the beauty of the building. Next, we will take you to see the first floor of Luang Pho Chin Boutique Hostel. The images will alternate between day and night to provide continuity between floors.

The lonely raccoon sitting by itself, waiting for someone to come and sit beside it. Wait, is that a raccoon? I thought it was a bear.

**The first floor** is a common area with seating, a microwave for heating food, and a check-in counter. When I visited, there were only four other guests staying, so it was very quiet. After checking in, we went up to the second floor, where the guest rooms are located. Let's take a look at what it's like.

This is the central hall area on the second floor.

The bathroom area is a shared facility with 3 toilets and 3 shower stalls.

This is the area of the washbasin. There are 3 basins as well.

This section is a window into the local lifestyle of the people of Myanmar, or rather, the people of Ranong province. It gives you a sense of stepping back in time.

Bedroom Overview

The bedrooms at this accommodation offer both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned options. Non-air-conditioned rooms feature windows with views of the surrounding urban community. Air-conditioned rooms, however, lack windows and are more enclosed. All rooms are equipped with queen-sized beds only; no twin beds are available. The room assigned to me and my friend was aesthetically pleasing and boasted a classic design.

Let me show you another room. This one has a simple white color scheme with a beautiful painting of a birdcage. It's another kind of beauty.

This is a painting of this road in the past.

Luang Phojn Boutique Hostel, Mueang District, Ranong

Benefits

1. Situated in close proximity to a vibrant community hub, offering convenient access to a variety of amenities, including convenience stores, morning and evening markets.

2. Located near the replica of Ratchawat Ratchawangsan Palace and the kuti of 9 eminent monks, just a short walk from the hostel's entrance.

3. Offers a warm and homey atmosphere.

4. Affordable, suitable for backpackers or those who are not too particular about accommodation.

Disadvantages

1. Shared bathroom, as mentioned earlier, it's a hostel-style.

You will clearly hear the sounds from the next room because the room is not soundproof.

3. As mentioned in point 2, rooms located near windows may experience traffic noise or other loud sounds.

This concludes my review of the eight-rain, four-sun city of Ranong and the trip to the Myanmar Sea. See you on the next trip. Goodbye.