Marine Wonderland Thailand Bangkok Cambodia Chonburi Thailand Rayong A voyage of discovery Myanmar Trat Chumphon Ranong Surat Thani Phang-nga Krabi Phuket Trang Satun Malaysia 3 Thailand – a voyage of discovery Stunning culture Rain showers are frequent but not persistent and are interspersed Thailand is often referred to as ‘the Caribbean of Asia.’ However, The friendliness of Thai people, the magnificent cuisine, and the with clear sunny days. During this season, the Gulf experiences until recently, the country’s unparalleled marine playground stunning culture are known throughout the world – and they’re all the same prevailing winds but tends to be dryer in the lee of the has been sometimes difficult to access and only enjoyed by true! Each of these elements ensures visitors will have unforgettable southern Thai peninsula. a small number of cruising yacht s and groups of charter experiences. Whichever part of the kingdom you visit, Thailand Between November and April, the winds can be relatively strong in holidaymakers. But this situation is changing. A surge in the always has something special to add to a boating holiday. the early mornings,but tail off in the afternoons. Later in the season, development of marina facilities and the number of yachts the winds become lighter. available for charter means that Thailand is set to burst upon the Thailand’s weather Thailand is unique as a sailing holiday destination as there is no off- international scene as the world’s newest yachting playground. Coastal Thailand is between 5° and 13° north of the equator, which season. Indeed, the May-October ‘green season’ offers near-perfect places it firmly in the monsoonal weather patterns of the northern conditions for keen sailors with reliable winds averaging 12 knots but Unimaginable coastline, islands, and beaches hemisphere. This means that the prevailing winds from November rarely exceeding 25 knots, and there is bright sunshine interspersed Over 1,000 miles of coastline along the Andaman Sea and the Gulf to April are north-easterly and from May to October south-westerly. with showers, and generally cooler temperatures. of Thailand, literally thousands of islands, countless beaches with Thailand does not experience typhoons, air temperatures are usually pristine white sand, crystal waters, and superb coral reefs, hidden creeks, between 25° and 30°C for most of the year, and the ocean rarely varies headlands, and mystical sea mountains await any water-lovers. All these, from a balmy 28°. These conditions ensure comfortable, exotic cruising combined with a tropical climate, create the world’s most stunning all year round. The Andaman Sea coast in the west experiences regular, cruising waters. Welcome to Thailand, the country that cruising sailors fair to strong breezes between May and October, when the best tell tales about on their travels, the place you will never want to leave . sailing is in the sheltered waters of Phang-nga Bay. Hat Karon, Phuket Muko Similan, Phang-nga A regional base and its magnificent Mergui Archipelago. This is an unspoiled Cambodia is the least developed coastline in the region and, Thailand has become Asia’s premier cruising and boating region with many uninhabited islands to which only a few along with neighbouring Vietnam, is set to become the next destination. Residents of South-East Asia already take dive and adventure holiday operators have been given significant area of interest. The Cambodian border is just a advantage of this magical marine world, as do cruising yachts access to date, but the region is earmarked for sustainable few miles from the Thai island of Ko Chang. on their way between the two hemispheres. If you keep your development. The gateways to this little-explored area are To the west of Phuket lie the Andaman Islands. These sleepy boat in Thailand, you can launch many voyages of discovery Phuket and Ranong. islands, steeped in tradition, are just 350 miles from Thailand within the kingdom’s borders, and it provides a convenient Southwards, at the entrance to the Malacca Straits, is the west and have only recently started to welcome visiting yachts. base from which to explore the whole region. coast of Malaysia with a number of islands offering marina If you are looking for new frontiers, Thailand provides the facilities. Phuket and Satun are well-placed to provide easy perfect hub from which to explore the new cruising sites of Explore the region from Thailand access to these cruising grounds, the last stop in Thai waters the region. Thailand’s coast borders three other countries – Myanmar, being Ko Tarutao. On the Gulf coast in Malaysia, marinas are Cambodia and Malaysia – each with coastal assets of its own. planned in each major sea port as stepping stones to and/or North of the Andaman Sea coast is the border with Myanmar from Ko Samui. 5 A thousand places to see From the world-famous ‘Pearl of the Andaman’ – Phuket – to the mysterious limestone karsts, mangrove swamps, creeks, islets, and perfect beaches of Phang-nga Bay, Krabi, Ko Phi Phi, and Ko Lanta, there is always something new to see. Off Thailand’s west coast, there are the almost unknown and unspoiled islands heading towards the Myanmar border, including the extraordinary Similan Islands northwest of Phuket and other islands to the south of the Malaysian border. You can journey from the favourite holiday islands of Ko Samui and Ko Pha-ngan in the west of the Gulf of Thailand across to the mountainous and heavily forested Ko Chang and Ko Kut Archipelagos in the east. The sheer number of destinations awaiting you in Thailand Ao Railay, Krabi is outdone only by their unbelievable variety. From world- class marinas to tiny fishing villages, from big cities such as Pattaya to deserted beaches and uninhabited islands, this is the marine wonderland of Thailand, Asia’s boating playground, ‘the Caribbean of Asia.’ Ko Laoya, Trat Krabi Ko Tapu (James Bond Island) Ko Chong Lat Ao Luk Phuket Phang-nga and Phang-nga Bay Yacht Haven Ko Yao Noi Ko Hong (Krabi) Ko Yao Yai Boat Lagoon Phuket Ao Chalong Ko Lon Phang-nga Bay 7 In the south of Thailand is the country’s largest island, Phuket, Phuket offers a unique combination of sophistication, tropical just a few miles north-east of Phuket is a star attraction – Phang-nga a hub of tourism for the Andaman Coast and convenient to island charm, white sandy beaches where comfortable resorts and Bay; blessed with the stunning view and embraced with serenity. The get to neighbouring locations; such as, Muko Similan, Ao convenient accommodations are located, some beaches are bay has more than 100 islands with terrain varying from low, gentle Phang-nga, Muko Hong, and/or Muko Phi Phi. available for yacht i.e. Nai Han Beach. Moreover, the old town sloping hills to sheer-sided limestone sea mountains (karsts) rising is worth to visit, the sino-portuguese buildings, an outstanding vertically out of the water to stunning heights. Images of Phang-nga Phuket is by far the biggest centre for boating in the kingdom museum or old residences reflect its graceful history through and its steep, majestic, and strange outcrops are known throughout and the home to four impressive marinas located in the east the beautiful remains. Phuket’s residents also cherish their the world. The bay itself is not large but the number of islands, inlets, and south-east of the island, Ao Chalong Pier, a harbour for Peranakan and Southern Thai culture and some of them presented mangrove channels, and sea caves available for exploration ensures yachts, plus three private establishments. These provide a through local delectable dish. On the other hands, a few days that no matter how long sailors spend here, new experiences; such complete range of services for yachters, including anchorage, anchored off beaches; such as, Nai Han and Kata on the island’s as, spend some few days off shore, dining in the remarkable ambience, maintenance, and/or charter. Accommodation, restaurants, south-west coast are not wasted. From here, you can explore the and celebrate this perfect moment with a beautiful sunset and and tours are also available for everyone. central and northern parts of the island from your marina base. stay overnight under the velvet sky are always around the corner. Karon Viewpoi snt, Phuket 8 Ko Tapu (James Bond Island), Phang-nga Sailing the ‘green season’ Phuket and the surrounding areas are known as a ‘winter’ destinations for sailors from the Northern Hemisphere and package holidaymakers looking for constant sunshine. But May to October – the ‘green season’ for Phuket and Phang-nga – offers perfect conditions for keen sailors who want something more than a gentle cruise between idyllic islands. During these months, the south-west monsoon brings with it reliable winds averaging 12 knots. Spells of brilliant clear blue skies are interspersed with occasional showers – and temperatures seldom drop below 25°C. Phuket Race Week, held in July each year, is timed to take advantage of the green season’s perfect sailing weather and presents the perfect opportunity to combine a few days of yacht racing with cruising Phang-nga Bay under sail. Suggested programme and itinerary Day trip from Phuket Cruise south of the island to Ko Hae, Ko Racha Yai, and Ko Racha Noi Enjoy the beautiful sunset at Phang-nga Bay Feast your eyes on the wonderful limestone landscapes in Muko Hong and Krabi Overnight trip Head to Similan and stay overnight on the island, or sail to Phi Phi and enjoy the nighttime in this wonderful location How to enjoy Phuket town Walk around the city and enjoy the distinctive Sino- Portuguese buildings as well as learn about Peranakan culture of people of Malay and Chinese descent.