Local and foreign tourists can start visiting pearl farms in Tanintharyi Region in October as part of a tourism-promotion programme, according to the Myanmar Tourism Federation.

Pearl farms in the Myeik archipelago are not normally open to the public, but tourism operators convinced government officials to allow tourists to visit them, U Myo Win Than, a federation central executive member, said.

Among the 11 pearl farms that will be opened to the public are private farms on Golden island, Lga Lone La Phal island, Jalan island and Kyun Su island and a government-managed farm in Bokepyin township.

The farms will be opened three days a week, and there will be no limit on the number of visitors. A visit to the farms would only require a day trip.

Visitors to the farms can see the processes involved the production of pearls, such as preserving the oysters in floating houses and incubation places where the oysters stay until they produce pearls. They can also buy pearls and oyster products at the farms. Visitors can also go snorkelling near the islands.

Most visitors to Myeik archipelago come from Thailand, but there has recently been a spike in domestic travellers.