Yachts Asia

By any standards really, Phang Nga Bay is a magical sailing destination. There is a unique and diverse geography featuring low, gently sloping mountains, bays and islands with palm fringed beaches and hidden lagoons, and the distinctive steep karst (limestone) outcrops that rise vertically from the emerald seas. The Thai mainland surrounding Phang Nga Bay offers nature lovers an unspoiled landscape of beaches, hills, mountains, forested valleys, mangroves and estuaries.

For the active, sporty or even the downright tireless among you there is a seemingly limitless number of activities on offer - scuba adventures, snorkelling, kayaking, waterfalls, rock climbing, elephant treks, regattas, waterskiing, fishing, helicopter sightseeing, visiting temples and cultural villages, golfing, bungy jumping, beach parties and fine dining.

SAMPLE ITINERARY: PHUKET & PHANG NGA BAY BY YACHT

Embarkation: Phuket
Disembarkation: Phuket
Duration: 7 days
Optional Activities: Scuba Diving, Spa/Massage, Elephant ride, Rock climbing, Kayaking, Fine Dining Ashore
Note: Phuket, Phang Nga Bay, Similan/Surin, and Mergui can all be combined on a single cruise (minimum 10 days in duration)
Recommended Yachts: Silolona, Moecca, Lady Anita, Raja Laut, Meditation, S/Y Asia

Day 1: After embarkation at Yacht Haven Marina, we set sail for Phang Nga Bay. Kick back and relax, enjoy the scenery of one of the worlds most stunning cruising playgrounds. The first stop is at Koh Hong, a well-known island with a beautiful, enclosed pool with a large chimney opening to the sky, which you can explore by kayak. In the late afternoon we find an anchorage at the north of Koh Yao Noi, in front of the very pretty and secluded Paradise Resort. Here you can go for Spa & Massage treatments, followed by drinks and dinner on the beach.

Day 2: After breakfast a short sail take us to the inviting waters of Koh Pak Bia and the surrounding islands. There is fringing coral reef rich in colour and marine life. Spanish Mackerel, Jackfish, Rainbow Runners and Barracuda readily go for trolling lines in these waters. There are often fishermen passing in small longtail canoes and fresh fish can be bought directly from them if they come by the yacht. Lunch would be served here at anchor, and after lunch we sail for Krabi, which has a stunning anchorage with breathtaking limestone formations all around the yacht.

Day 3: While the yacht is anchored you can enjoy one of Thailand's legendary attractions: trekking on elephant-back through the lush hills of the Krabi National Park. The elephant is seen as a symbol of the nation and a talisman for the Thai people. With their wrinkly grey skin and swaying trunk, they are a fascinating combination of strength, gentleness and remarkable agility that inspires both respect and affection. With elephants fast disappearing from the wild in Thailand, the best place to see these fascinating animals up close is in a trekking camp. In the evening Krabi town is also good place to go ashore for the markets, lounge bars and nightlife.

Day 4: Discover the legendary Phi Phi islands, some of the most beautiful islands in the world. This is the place for sporting activities - like snorkelling, diving, water skiing or rock climbing - and all of it among absolutely spectacular scenery! We will settle in for the afternoon and evening in the well-protected Ton Sai Bay. There are some very good restaurants and nightlife ashore if you so chose. Ashore one can also go exploring the spectacular cliffs and inlets on the southern-most point of Phi Phi Don.

Day 5: Sail to nearby Phi Phi Le. This is where the film "The Beach" was filmed and has a very good cave and good snorkelling and all water activities. In the afternoon we set sail for 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 6: Set sail early for the stunning Similan islands, Thailands most captivating scuba diving paradise, located 4 hours sail from the Koh Racha islands. Breakfast is served on the way so you can take in the scenery, relax and get ready for amazing scuba diving to come!

Day 7: For the keen scuba enthusiasts there is time for 2 dives in the morning. Lunch is served before the yacht sets sail from the Similan 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 - during this time Phang Nga Bay becomes one of the world's worlds most popular maritime playgrounds - although the area is a year-round yacht charter destination.

PORTS OF EMBARKATION/DISEMBARKATION: Phuket, or Langkawi

HOW TO GET THERE: Fly direct to Phuket from Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Shanghai, Beijing, Seoul, Berlin, Munich, Milan, Rome, Franfurt, Moscow, Sydney.