Dunkin Island (Saytan Kyun), Kawthaung
Myanmar’s Last Untouched Andaman Paradise
Far south of Myanmar, where the Andaman Sea meets the legendary Mergui (Myeik) Archipelago, lies a beach so pristine it still feels undiscovered. Welcome to Dunkin Island — locally known as Saytan Kyun — one of the most breathtaking yet least-crowded islands in Southeast Asia. For travelers craving powder-white sand, crystal-clear water, and genuine castaway tranquility in 2026–2027, Dunkin Island should be at the very top of the list.
Where Is Dunkin Island?
Dunkin Island sits roughly 35 miles (about 1.5 hours by speedboat) from Kawthaung, Myanmar’s southernmost town and the official gateway to the 800-island Mergui Archipelago. The island is cradled by a ring of equally stunning neighbors — Cash Island (Pan Kyun) to the south, Cocks Comb Island (A Thae Pone Kyun) to the northwest, and Horseshoe Island (Myint Khwar Kyun) to the west — making it a perfect base for island-hopping across the Andaman Sea.
Why Dunkin Island Belongs on Every Bucket List
Powder-white beaches. Forget golden sand — Dunkin Island’s shoreline is a soft, almost flour-fine white that gently slopes into turquoise water, ideal for sunbathing, beach walks, or simply doing nothing at all.
A snorkeler’s playground. Beneath the clear, calm waters lives a vibrant reef community: clownfish (yes, real-life Nemo), graceful jellyfish, and more than ten other fish species dart through coral gardens just steps from the beach.
Panoramic island views. Hike up to Point 241, the island’s highest peak, for sweeping vistas across the Andaman Sea and the scattered emerald islands of the archipelago — one of the best sunrise and sunset viewpoints in the entire region.
Untouched, uncrowded nature. Rare birds and monkeys roam the surrounding forest, and because Dunkin Island sees a fraction of the visitors of Thailand’s nearby islands, the experience feels personal, peaceful, and refreshingly authentic.
Things to Do on Dunkin Island
- Snorkeling and scuba diving across vibrant coral reefs
- Kayaking along the coastline
- Banana boat rides and jet skiing
- Birdwatching and monkey-spotting in the island’s forest
- Trekking and hiking to Point 241
- Fishing trips
- Multi-island hopping tours to Cash, Cocks Comb, and Horseshoe Islands
- Evening bonfires, karaoke, and sunset cocktails at the island’s beach bar
Where to Stay
Dunkin Island Resort offers comfortable, eco-style tented accommodation right on the beachfront — think glamping with ocean views. Facilities include full-board dining (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), a sunset bar, and lively evening bonfire and karaoke nights, giving guests the rare combination of remote-island adventure with resort-level comfort.
How to Get There
From Phuket, Thailand: A scenic 3.5-hour drive to Ranong, followed by a short cross-border boat ride to Kawthaung, Myanmar. From Kawthaung Jetty, it’s a 1.5-hour speedboat or RIB ride to the island.
From Bangkok, Thailand: A 1-hour domestic flight to Ranong, then the same cross-border boat connection to Kawthaung, followed by a 1 hour 40-minute boat transfer to the island.
From Yangon, Myanmar: A 1.5-hour domestic flight to Kawthaung, followed by a 1 hour 40-minute speedboat journey to the island. Guests disembark through a protected mangrove forest onto a hand-built rock pathway leading to the resort’s main pavilion — an arrival experience as memorable as the island itself.
All transportation from Kawthaung and Ranong airports to the resort can be arranged directly through the resort.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal window to visit Dunkin Island and the wider Mergui Archipelago is during Myanmar’s dry season, from November to March, when seas are calm, skies are clear, and visibility for snorkeling and diving is at its best. Travelers planning their 2026–2027 Southeast Asia itinerary should aim to book this window early, as boat capacity to the archipelago is limited.
A Hidden Gem Worth the Journey
While islands like Phuket and Koh Samui dominate the Andaman tourist trail, Dunkin Island remains one of the region’s true hidden gems — a place where overseas travelers can still experience Southeast Asia’s coastline the way it looked decades ago. For 2026–2027, as travelers increasingly search for slower, more meaningful island escapes, Dunkin Island offers exactly that: untouched nature, warm hospitality, and a true sense of discovery.
Ready to explore Dunkin Island? Contact Exotic Myanmar Travels & Tours today to design your custom Mergui Archipelago itinerary — combining Dunkin Island with neighboring gems like Cocks Comb, Horseshoe, and Cash Island for the ultimate Andaman island-hopping adventure.
