Thailand borders both the sparkling Andaman Sea and the stunning Golf of Thailand – surely two of the most beautiful yachting destinations on Earth. We all know how popular Thailand has become for its sheer beauty, delicious food, white sandy beaches and jungle-clad hillsides. Visiting by yacht allows you to dip in and out of the hubbub as and where you feel. Many of the surrounding islands are still uninhabited and unspoilt, and Thailand retains an authentic charm.
Many charters will start or finish in glitzy Phuket, the busiest island in Thailand which caters for each end of the tourist spectrum but still has some of the world’s greatest beaches and smartest hotels. Phuket Yacht Club and Acqua are good places to dine. Swing by the Banyan Tree Phuket for a post-flight massage to help you unwind.
From Phuket, take a trip to Koh Rock for some of the best diving and snorkelling in clear blue waters.
Take an elephant trek through the Krabi National Park. Krabi deserves special mention for its beaches - some are so soft that the sand puffs up like talcum powder when you walk on it.
After Krabi, be sure to visit The Phi Phi Islands which rise like giant fingers from the blue – Maya Bay was the setting for Leonardo Di Caprio’s “The Beach”. Take a dip at Pileh Lagoon, nature’s grandest swimming pool and visit Koh Tao (Turtle Island) is the best spot for scuba diving.
Thailand and its islands are full of natural beauty, the Phang Nga Bay area is no different. The area is made up of over 100 islands and towering limestone outcrops, some of which have collapsed in the centre to form hongs (huge hollowed rooms with sunlight above) that are usually accessible at low tide. Emerald green waters and secluded anchorages make it ideal for yachting and Phang Nga Bay was the iconic location for Bond’s The Man With The Golden Gun (which will explain the feeling of déjà vu).