Yachts Asia

Langkawi's duty free status makes it the ideal place for shopping and provisioning (especially on beers, wines and spirits!). Here in Langkawi, visiting yachts can anchor in tranquil bays and dine in gourmet restaurants attached to 5 star hotels perched high in the hillsides.
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From Langkawi one can sail north to the Butang islands. Part of the Koh Tarutao National Park, they are wild and largely uninhabited and offers some of the best diving in the region, as well as secluded beaches and coves that are great for exploring by kayak. On Koh Lipee there is a stunning anchorage with a crescent-shaped white sand beach, at night dotted with the candlelights of beach bars. From Langkawi one can also venture south to the island of Penang - a bustling & multicultural island that serves up a slice of Malaysia in one neat package.

Penang island, which features 2 marinas, has a rich history full of colonial, Malay, Arab, Indian and Chinese influences. The capital, Georgetown, was established as the first British trading post in the Far East way back in 1776. The old town, now a UNESCO World Heritage listed site, presents a quaint picture from the past with British-era forts and a clocktower overlooking the port, narrow side streets, trishaws, temples, and traders plying their wares who seem to belong to a another time.

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SAMPLE ITINERARY: LANGKAWI TO PHUKET BY YACHT

Embarkation: Langkawi
Disembarkation: Phuket
Duration: 7 days
Optional Activities: Scuba Diving, Spa/Massage, Elephant ride, Rock climbing, Kayaking
Note: Within a 7 day yacht cruise Phuket, Phang Nga Bay and Langkawi can be combined - one can embark in Phuket and disembark in Langkawi, or vice-versa.
Recommended Yachts: Silolona, Moecca, Lady Anita, Raja Laut, Chom Tawan II, Meditation, Meroja, Seraph

Day 1: Embarkation in Telaga Harbour Marina and set sail north around Langkawi's beautiful coastline for a short passage to the Butang Islands. Upon arrival, settle into your new surroundings; snorkel, swim, and enjoy the serene islands.

Day 2: The Butang islands is the southern-most group of islands on Thailand's west coast. Part of the Koh Tarutao National Park, they are wild and largely uninhabited and offers some of the best diving in the Andaman region, as well as secluded beaches and coves that are great for exploring by kayak. On Koh Lipee there is a stunning anchorage and from there one can visit a small sea gypsy settlement.

Day 3: Discover the crystal clear waters of Koh Rok. There is great snorkelling and diving around the islands, and a several miles west-southwest, is a pinnacle rising out of 70 metres depth providing a spectacular dive site.

Day 4: Krabi province, here is a beautiful anchorage with breathtaking limestone formations, and exquisite beaches. Prior arrangements can be made for trekking on elephant-back through the lush hills of the Krabi national park.

Day 5: Koh Hong group. There is a 'hong' (Thai from 'room') that can be entered by kayak: this is a beautiful, enclosed pool with a large chimney opening to the sky. Many of these islands have fringing coral reefs rich in colour and marine life. Larger fish such as Spanish Mackerel, Jackfish, Rainbow Runners and Barracuda readily go for trolling lines in these waters.

Day 6: Koh Racha islands, with white sand beaches and seas that are a vivid aquamarine tending to turquoise, certainly have some of Phang Nga Bay's clearest waters and top dive sites making this an excellent place to experience the beauty of the underwater world.

Day 7: Set sail fro Koh Racha islands to the disembarkation point in Chalong Bay, Phuket. Here in Phuket you can enjoy a variety of attractions, beaches, restaurants, golf courses, shopping, and the buzzing nightlife.

BEST TIME TO GO: Between December and April, although all-year-round sailing is possible here.

PORTS OF EMBARKATION/DISEMBARKATION: Langkawi, or Phuket

HOW TO GET THERE: Fly to Langkawi or Penang directly from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore.