Thailand a secret no more
It is not called the Caribbean of Asia for nothing. Yet, until recently, Thailand's unparalleled marine playground has been quite difficult to access, enjoyed by but a handful of cruising yachts and an even smaller group of charter holidaymakers. But no more.  A surge in the development of marina facilities and in the number of yachts available for charter mean that Thailand is set to burst upon the international scene as the world's newest yachting playground.
Unimaginable coastline, &beaches
Over 1,000 miles of coastline bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, literally thousands of islands, countless beaches with pristine white sand, crystal waters and superb coral reefs, hidden creeks and headlands meeting the sea, mystical sea mountains. All these combine with a tropical climate to create the world's most stunning cruising waters. Welcome to Thailand... The Thailand that independent cruising yachtsmen tell tales about on their travels... The Thailand that many have never left.
Safe tropical climate
Although in the tropics, Thailand has no typhoons. It is not in a hazardous weather zone. Even the seasonal monsoons are gentle. Temperatures range from 25' - 35'C for most of the year, and the sea rarely varies from a balmy 28'C. This means comfortable, exotic cruising all year round. 
Stunning culture
Who has not heard of the friendliness of Thailand's people, the magnificent cuisine and the stunning culture? They are all fact. And all are harnessed to ensure visitors to this magical Kingdom have an unforgettable experience. Whichever part of the kingdom you visit, the experience of Thailand adds a wonderful extra dimension to a boating holiday.
Thailand's weather
Coastal Thailand lies between 5'C and 13'C north of the equator, which places it firmly in the monsoonal weather patterns of the northern hemisphere. This means that the prevailing winds from November to April are northeasterly and from May to October are southwesterly. Typhoons are not a risk in Thai waters and temperatures range from maximum 35'C to minimum 25'C.
The Andaman Sea coast in the West experiences regular, fair to strong, breezes between May and October, when the best sailing is in the sheltered waters of Phang-nga Bay. Rain showers are frequent but not persistent and are interspersed with excellent sunny clear days. During this season, the Gulf experiences the same prevailing winds, but tends to be dryer in the lee of the southern Thai peninsula.
Between November and April, the winds can be quite strong in the early mornings tailing off in the afternoons. Later in the season, the winds become lighter. Thailand is unique as a sailing holiday destination. There is no off-season. Indeed, the May-October 'Green Season' offers near-perfect conditions for keen sailors with reliable winds averaging 12 – but rarely exceeding 25 – knots, bright sunshine interspersed with showers, and generally cooler temperatures. 
A regional base
Thailand has deservedly become Asia's premier cruising and boating destination. Residents of South East Asia already take advantage of this magical marine world, as do cruising yachts on their way between the two hemispheres. If you base your own boat in Thailand, you may find you never need finish exploring within the Kingdom's borders, but should you want to look further, there is no better base from which to explore the whole region. And Thailand welcomes you each time you return.
Explore the region from Thailand
Thailand's coast borders three other countries – Myanmar, Cambodia and Malaysia – each with coastal assets of its own. North of the Andaman Sea coast is the border with Myanmar and its magnificent Mergui Archipelago. An unspoiled region with many uninhabited islands, only a few dive and adventure holiday operators have been given access to date, but the region is earmarked for sustainable development. The gateway to this little-explored area is Phuket and Ranong.
Southwards, at the entrance to the Malacca Straits, is the Malaysian west coast with a number of islands offering marina facilities. Phuket and Satun are well placed to provide easy access to these cruising grounds, the last stop in Thai waters being Ko Tarutao. On the Gulf coast of Malaysia, marinas are planned in each major sea port as stepping stones to or from Ko Samui.
Cambodia is the least developed coastline in the region and, along with neighbouring Vietnam, is set to become the next significant area of interest. The Cambodian border is just a few miles from Ko Chang.
To the east of Phuket lie the Andaman Islands, in Indian waters. These sleepy islands, steeped in tradition, are just 350 miles off Thailand's west coast and have only recently begun to welcome visiting yachts. If you are looking for new frontiers, Thailand provides the perfect hub from which to explore the budding cruising grounds of the region.
A thousand places to see
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. The almost unknown and unspoiled islands off Thailand's west coast, heading towards the Myanmar border, to the extraordinary Similan Islands northwest of Phuket and south to the Malaysian border.
From the favourite holiday islands Ko Samui and Ko Pha-ngan in the Western Gulf of Thailand across to the mountainous and heavily forested Ko Chang and Kut Archipelagos in the Eastern Gulf.
The sheer number of destinations awaiting you within Thailand's borders is outdone only by the unbelievable variety. From world-class marina to tiny fishing village, from big city Pattaya to deserted beaches and uninhabited islands, this is the marine wonderland of Thailand. This is Asia's boating playground. This is the ‘Caribbean' of the East.
The unspoiled West Coast & The Similans
The west coast of Phuket dazzles visitors with some of the clearest water and most striking beaches in the whole region. Tiny coves inaccessible by land nestle between occasional clusters of luxury resorts, villas, restaurants and nightlife – perfect spots to take your fill of civilisation before heading north or south along the unspoiled coastline.
From Phuket to the harbour of Thap Lamu, the islands north of Takua Pa and the border town of Ranong is an Andaman wonderland of largely undeveloped beaches and tranquil islands, with the Similan and Surin island groups the gems of The unspoiled West Coast & The Similans the area, presenting an exquisite contrast to the towering limestone monoliths of the Phang-nga Krabi region.
The Similan Islands
Here, huge granite boulders tell of an entirely different geological process to that which created Phang-nga Bay. Astonishing smooth, weatherworn rocks the size of cars and houses tumble down the islands' shorelines, looking like the leftover playthings of a mystical giant. Plummeting 35 metres and more to the seabed, these rocks create a phenomenal underwater world that has been a magnet to divers for years. The crystal-clear water is legendary, while the coral reefs are reputed to be the most colourful and diverse in Thailand.
On the surface, the huge boulders blend seamlessly with lush forest and sparkling white sandy beaches, while the waters surrounding the islands teem with tropical fish, including Whale Sharks and Mantas – even the legendary Black Marlin.
The Surin Islands
Sail 50 nautical miles to the north and you enter a marine national park, the Surin Islands, the closest Thai islands to Burmese waters – but a long step back in time. The Surins are uninhabited except for a few rangers and the ‘Lion Tribe' of ‘sea gypsies', a nomadic sea people who continue a primitive way of life to this day.
For them, time is a vague concept. None knows his own age or can count beyond the fingers on his hand, yet they can hew an ocean-going boat using only the most basic tools, catch fish by hand, and are renowned for their talents as deep divers without scuba gear. For visiting yachtsmen too, the Surins can make time stand still, can make you contemplate staying forever.
Ko Lanta & Ko Rok Nok
To the south of Phuket you'll find yet another varied wonderland of islands not to be missed: the low-lying sandy beaches of Ko Lanta, Ko Rok Nok with its ancient fertility carvings and Ko Muk famous for the magnificent ‘Emerald Cave'.
Tarutao & Butang Group
Just 30 miles south of Ko Muk, you discover the remote, almost uninhabited Butang Group – part of the Hat Chao Mai National Park – teeming with an abundance of fascinating and unusual wildlife.
A short sail east brings you to the mysterious unspoiled island of Tarutao close to the border with Malaysia, interesting caves and hidden creeks lead into the mountainous interior, inviting you into a primeval world where time stands still.
Ko Chang & Ko Kut group
Ko Chang National Park, a group of more than 50 islands near the Cambodian border – many uninhabited – has achieved well-deserved international recognition for its spectacular coral, hidden waterfalls and pristine beaches.
Consisting chiefly of prehistoric granite rock, Ko Chang itself was formed between 200 and 230 million years ago and is the second largest island in Thailand. Ko Chang enthrals, not only because of the long picture-postcard beaches, spectacular Ko Chang & Ko Kut group coral, the magnificent sunsets, the enchanting waterfalls and hushed mangroves, but also because of the vast tropical rain forest – one of the best preserved in Southeast Asia – that covers 75 percent of this mountainous island, whose highest peak stands 743 metres tall.
Not surprisingly, these primordial jungles are home to a great variety of wildlife. Recent studies found 30 different kinds of land animals, 60 types of bird and 40 species of reptile and amphibians on the island, including Pythons, Rat-Snakes, King Cobras, lizards, monkeys, ant-eaters, wild pigs and bats. Ko Chang even has its own, exclusive creature, the ‘Rana Kochang' (Ko-Chang-frog), that is found nowhere else in the world.
Yet, some of Ko Chang surprises. While much of the island remains untouched, beach restaurants and bungalows on the more developed beaches provide the opportunity to
touch base during a cruise around the peaceful islands in this national park group.
The last group of islands in Thai waters, the Ko Kut archipelago – including Ko Kut itself, Ko Kra, Ko Maisi Lek and Ko Raet, is less well-known and less explored than Ko Chang. Flatter than its neighbour, the main island is nevertheless heavily forested with endless coconut groves and rubber plantations in the low-lying plains. Ko Kut's splendid waterfall, Nam Tok Khlong Chao, is one of the most striking spots on the island.
Visit the running streams at the upper two tiers, and then stop for a relaxing freshwater swim in the lower level a large pond.
Access to Ko Chang
By road
5.30 hours by bus from Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal to the Trat Bus Terminal (departures between 6.00 am - 12.00 pm).
If your charter operator has not arranged transfer from the bus terminal, continue by local transport (songthaeo) to Laem Ngop or the ferry landings at Ao Thammachat and Ko Chang Centre Point where services are operated all day. Distance from the bus terminal to Laem Ngop is 17km. Passenger boats usually leave from Laem Ngop to Ao Sapparot on Ko Chang every hour from 8.00 am - 5.00 pm. The trip takes 45 minutes.
By air
Bangkok Airways operates two flights per day (morning and afternoon in each direction) between Bangkok's Don Muang International Airport andTrat airport. Flight time is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
Keeping a yacht in Thailand
Phuket is undoubtedly one of the best sailing destinations in the world equal in beauty to the Mediterranean or Carribean. Yachts are warmly welcomed here, while zero import tax on boats ensures that Phuket is fast becoming a yachting hub in the region. Anyone may keep a private pleasure boat here, and many who are resident in other parts of Asia – and even further a-field – have recognised the advantages of having their own escape route moored a few minutes from an international airport, within easy distance of spectacular cruising waters. Imagine flying in and out as often time allows, to enjoy the marine wonderland of Thai waters.
For those who want to bring their own yacht for an extended visit into Thai waters without importing it, a stay of up to one year is possible. Those wishing to leave their boat in Thailand, while returning home for a period of time, can do so.
And if you are looking to buy a new boat, the local option is brimming with new ideas and new designs – both local and international – together with an innate commitment to the highest quality.
For detailed information on yacht ownership or on leaving your yacht in Thailand, you should contact an established agent or yacht broker.
In addition the maintenance and running costs of boats are a more affordable option. For instance fuel in Thailand is 75% cheaper than in Europe and 60% cheaper than in Hong Kong. Maintaining a crew is 80% cheaper than Europe and 50% cheaper than in Hong Kong.
Yacht services
Phuket
C&C Marine (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
Tel: +66 76 273 247
Fax: +66 76 273 248
Email: info@candc-marine.com
www.candc-marine.com
Electrical Marine
Tel: +66 76 239 112
Fax: +66 76 239 112
Email: damian@electrical-marine.com
www.electrical-marine.com
Octopus Electrical
Tel/Fax: +66 76 273 379
Email: info@octopusasia.com
www.octopusasia.com
Phuket Boat Lagoon
Tel: +66 76 239 055
Fax: +66 76 239 056
Email: marina@phuketboatlagoon.com
www.phuketboatlagoon.com
Precision Shipwright
Tel: +66 1 891 3067
Fax: +66 76 239 113
Email: info@precision-shipwright.com
www.precision-shipwright.com
Ratanachai Slipway
Tel: +66 76 252 852
Fax: +66 76 212 443
E-mail: info@ratanachai-slipway.com
www.ratanachai-slipway.com
Yacht Haven Marina
Tel: +66 76 206 704-5
Fax: +66 76 206 706
Email: info@yacht-haven-phuket.com
www.yacht-haven-phuket.com
Yacht Solutions
Tel: +66 76 239 114
Fax: +66 76 239 139
Email: info@yachtsolutions.net
www.yachtsolutions.net
Pattaya
Ocean Marina
Tel: +66 38 237 310-23
Fax: +66 38 237 325
Email: omyc@ocean.co.th
www.oceanmarinayachtclub.com
Agents & brokers
Derani Yachts (broker)
Tel: +66 1 893 0272
Email: info@derani-yachts.com
www.derani-yachts.com
Gulf Charters (broker)
Tel: +66 38 237 752
Fax: +66 38 237 752
Email: info@gulfchartersthailand.com
www.gulfchartersthailand.com
Lee Marine (broker/agent)
Tel/Fax: +66 76 239 729
Email: brokerage@leemarine.com
Royal Phuket Marina (RPM)
Tel: +66 (0) 7623 9762
Fax: +66 (0) 7623 9756
Email: yachts@royalphuketmarina.com
www.royalphuketmarina.com
Thai Marine Leisure (broker/agent)
Tel: +66 76 239 111
Fax: +66 76 238 974
Email: charter@thaimarine.com
www.thaimarine.com
Yacht Solutions (agent)
Tel: +66 76 239 114
Fax: +66 76 239 139
Email: info@yachtsolutions.net
www.yachtsolutions.net
Yacht services
With a long coastline and so many islands, it is no surprise that Thailand has a long marine tradition. This has led to development of skills – and equally important an affinity for the water – that are at a high level. Thailand has a sophisticated range of marine service companies and boat builders, currently centred on the west coat in Phuket and in the Gulf of Thailand, near Pattaya.
For boat owners, refit projects in Thailand are especially attractive, given the combination of relatively low labour costs with high skill levels. While your yacht is being refitted, you get to take advantage of the beauty of Thailand, its culture and cuisine onshore.
Phuket & Phang-nga Bay
In the south of the Kingdom, Thailand’s largest island, Phuket, forms the gateway to the wonders of Phang-nga Bay.By far the biggest centre for boating in the Kingdom, Phuket is home to two marinas, with a third nearing completion. But be sure to visit Ao Chalong, a safe harbour on the south east of the island, the adopted home of Phuket's yachting society and an informal, bustling community of restaurants, shops, pubs, a yacht club and more.
Phuket as a whole offers a unique combination of sophistication, tropical island charm, splendid white, sandy beaches and Southern Thai culture that is not to be missed. A few days anchored off beaches such as Nai Harn and Kata on the island’s southwest coast will not be days wasted. Explore the central and northern parts of the island from your marina base. 
Just a few miles northeast of Phuket is the star attraction – Phang-nga Bay. Here are more than 100 islands with geology varying from low, gently sloping hills to the sheer-sided limestone sea mountains (karsts) that rise vertically out of the water to stunning heights. Images of Phang-nga and its steep, majestic and strange outcrops have travelled the world.
While the bay itself is not large, the number of islands, inlets, mangrove channels and sea caves to be explored ensures that no matter how long a yachtsman spends here, new experiences will always be around the corner.
Sailing the ‘Green Season’
Phuket and the surrounding areas are best known as a ‘winter’ destination amongst package holidaymakers looking for constant sunshine. But the ‘summer’ months-Phuket and Phang-nga’s ‘green season’ – offer perfect conditions for keen sailors who want something more than a gentle cruise between idyllic islands.
From May through to October, the southwest monsoon brings with it reliable winds averaging 12 knots. Spells of brilliant clear blue skies are interspersed with occasional showers – and temperatures are never lower than 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 yacht racing with cruising Phang-nga Bay under sail.
The Ko Samui Archipelago
Imagine a sailing area with more than 80 islands spread over a canvas of 50 miles of azure tropical seas. Imagine beautiful powdery white sand beaches, fringed with swaying coconut palms, lush emerald green vegetation stretching over the limestone hills and mountains. Imagine cool freshwater streams cascading over ancient towering granite boulders. Imagine a place where you can still easily find a deserted bay to anchor for the night… Welcome to sailing in the Samui Archipelago.
Away from main cruising routes, Samui and its neighbours do not see many visiting yachts and, until now have remained a retreat for the adventurous, or the privileged few local sailors.
Stretching 50 miles from Ko Rap in the south, via Ko Samui and Ko Pha-ngan, to Ko Tao in the north, and 25 miles east from Samui to the Ang Thong Marine National Park, nowhere is more than a leisurely day sail away.
Ko Samui is a wonderland of the rich hues of wild vegetation, dappled with the contrasting greens of coconut palms and emerald paddy. Yet even in this sleepy tropical paradise – dubbed Thailand's ‘Coconut Island' – an excursion into Chaweng Beach will bring you to a tasteful melange of international and local restaurants, supermarkets, shops and nightlife.
Once you've exhausted the relative civilisation of Ko Samui, a wonderland of outlying islands awaits discovery.
Five miles away is Ko Pha-ngan, famed worldwide for its full moon parties, but better described as a wonder of mountains, jungle and waterfalls – features that have ensured Pha-ngan stays unspoiled by ‘civilising' concrete. Transport from one part of the island to another is still by local ‘longtail boat', yet no bay is without its beachfront restaurant.
Sailing north 17 miles brings you to Ko Tao (Turtle Island), the Gulf of Thailand's diving capital. Enjoy the sparkling clear waters, bounded by and a boulder-rock shoreline before moving on to the Ang Thong Marine National Park, a natural extension of the geological structure which formed Phang-nga Bay, and stretches across the mainland to shape this string of over 40 islands.
The towering limestone karsts, the inland lakes and sink holes, the caves and lagoons are all reminiscent of Phang-nga, but there the similarity ends. This Marine National Park has just one inhabited island and you could cruise for days without seeing another yacht or even another person.
Chartering a yacht and visiting the islands
Yacht charter, long popular in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, is yet to grow to similar proportions in Thailand.
Surprisingly, given the beauty and fascination of the waters around Thailand's long coastline, yacht chartering grew more slowly here than in other parts of the world. Lack of infrastructure and low worldwide awareness of the region were among the reasons.
But things have changed. Expanding charter fleets and marina facilities, together with the mature professionalism of Thailand's tourism industry and its operators, have created the opportunity to experience what, until recently, was an exclusive
secret shared by a small number of cruising yachts and adventurous yacht charter clients.
Yacht charter in Thailand means cruising in uncrowded waters, where you are more likely to come across exotic local vessels, such as traditional ‘longtail boats', than hordes of cruising yachts. It means exchanging pleasantries with friendly local fisherman – perhaps even buying some of their catch for lunch. It means discovering small island communities, with curious yet welcoming villagers. Yet it also means easy access to charter bases and operators with a wealth of experience in the charter business.
A choice of charters
Join in tours
By power boat, traditional-style sailing junk or classic yacht, you can join groups of between 10 and 20 passengers for a day's visit to islands and remote beaches – or for several days' discovery. Perhaps a first taste that will whet your appetite for an independent exploration next time.
Bareboat charter
Choose from among 50 sailing yachts available for bareboat charter, from a growing number and diversity of charter bases throughout the country. Within two hours sailing  you can reach the first islands from your base in Phuket, while Pattaya's offshore islands are within easy reach of charter bases. The Samui Archipelago and Ko Chang, until now out of reach for charter holidaymakers, now beckon those looking for somewhere new, somewhere unexplored – the ultimate goal of sailors worldwide.
Fully crewed and catered
If being pampered is more your style than intrepid exploration, a growing fleet of fully crewed and catered motor or sailing yachts is on hand, including several beautifully- maintained classic sailing yachts and even superyachts. Friendly yet professional crews and top quality cuisine are the hallmark of Thailand's crewed charter boats.
Support structures
Facilities as well as operators have matured over the years. Today, services are at least as good as you would expect anywhere – but with the added bonus of the renowned Thai friendliness. Well trained English-speaking guides are on hand to assist, and Thailand's now legendary culinary delights can be sampled on most of the islands. Good engineering and maintenance are of the highest standards and all vessels are insured.
Join-in cruises
Overnight on-board traditional junks & classic
sailing yachts
S/Y Dauw Talae
Traditional wooden Junk:
4 to 5 Days cruise from Krabi.
Lazy Tour Co
Tel: +66 1 892 1967
Email: lazytour@phuket.ksc.co.th
S/Y June Bahtra
Traditional wooden Junk:
Day tour to Phang Nga Bay (Phuket).
East West Siam
Tel: +66 2 651 9768-9, Fax: +66 2 651 9770
Email: info@asiavoyagesonline.com
www.phuketcruises.com
S/Y Suwan Macha
Traditional wooden Junk:
4 Days cruise from Phuket.
East West Siam
Tel: +66 2 651 9768-9, Fax: +66 2 651 9770
Email: info@asiavoyagesonline.com
www.phuketcruises.com
S/Y Seraph
Traditional Old Gaffer:
Day tours from the South of Phuket Island.
Sea-Phuket.com
Tel: +66 1 797 1120, Fax: +66 76 388 315
Email: info@sea-phuket.com,
www.sea-phuket.com
Day trips on-board power boats
There is a vast and varied choice of power boats
available for day trips, both as private charter and
join-in tours – too many to list here. On arrival at
your resort, you are advised to consult a tour agent,
either at your hotel or independently.
Yacht charter agencies
Charter Yacht Sailing
Tel/Fax: +66 76 273 476
Email: info@charter-yacht.com
www.charter-yacht.com
Sea-Phuket.com
Tel: +66 1 797 1120, Fax: +66 76 388 315
Email: info@sea-phuket.com
www.sea-phuket.com
Thai Marine Leisure
Tel: +66 76 239 111, Fax: +66 76 238 974
Email: charter@thaimarine.com
www.thaimarine.com
Expedition and diving operators
Faraway Sail and Dive Expeditions
Specialist in sail & dive expeditions to Andaman
Islands & Myanmar.
Tel/Fax: +66 76 280 701
Email: info@far-away.net
www.far-away.net
Kingfisher Marine
Large luxury motor yacht for charter from Phuket
– Diving operator.
Tel/Fax: +66 38 273 467-8
Email: kit@kingfisher-marine.com
www.kingfisher-marine.com
Sailing yacht charter operators
Sunsail
International operator with a fleet of bare boats
based in Phuket.
Tel: +66 76 239 057, Fax: +66 76 238 940
Email: sales@sunsailasia.com
www.sunsail.com
Thai Marine Leisure
Longest established bare boat and crewed boat
operator in Phuket.
Tel: +66 76 239 111, Fax: +66 76 238 974
Email: charter@thaimarine.com
www.thaimarine.com
Latitude 8 Yacht Co
Catamarans available for bare boat charter from
Phuket. Also boat builders.
Tel: +66 76 281 299, Fax: +66 76 281 298
Email: info@latitude8yachts.com
www.latitude8yachts.com
Gulf Charters
Bare boats and crewed boats operated from
Jomtien Marina (Gulf of Siam).
Tel/Fax: +66 38 237 752
Email: info@gulfchartersthailand.com
www.gulfchartersthailand.com
Samui Ocean Yachting
Fast and light catamarans available for charter in Samui.
Tel: +66 9 726 5728, Fax: +66 77 430 404
Email: info@samuiyachting.com
www.samuiyachting.com
Nava Mai
Operator of crewed boat S/Y Meroja (Phuket).
French Skipper. Thai crew.
Tel: +66 76 330 087, Fax: +66 76 330 140
Email: info@meroja.com
www.meroja.com
Castawaycats
Overnight and day trips on a light catamaran in Samui.
Tel: +66 9 289 3355
Email: info@castawaycats.net
www.castawaycats.net
Regattas in Thailand
Perhaps one of the most satisfying ways to take a sailing holiday is to spend part of it racing against local and international sailors in a local regatta.
Thailand plays host to more regattas than anywhere else in the region. It all started with the Phuket King’s Cup Regatta 18 years ago and now many newer, fresher events have come onto the scene.
New and old, all Thailand’s regattas have something in common: they are meant to be fun (parties feature high on the organisers’ priority lists); they welcome new faces and all have a sizeable charter contingent.
Below are the key events, together with dates.
January: Andaman Sea Rally
Power and sail yachts head off to the Andaman Islands after New Year. Time is set aside for free cruising amongst the islands before returning to Phuket or cruising onwards to the Med.
www.andamansearally.com
February: Phang-nga Bay Regatta
A fun-filled four days of racing in between the islands of beautiful Phang-nga Bay. Perfect for families and less serious racers. Held around Chinese New Year, there is a party in a different beach venue each night.
www.bayregatta.com
April: Top of the Gulf Regatta
Based out of Ocean Marina in Pattaya, it enjoys a big fleet of dinghies and beach cats as well as some top racing boats from Hong Kong.
www.topofthegulfregatta.com
May: Samui Regatta
Based in Chaweng, this regatta attracts a growing number of keelboats. Parties are as relaxed and splendid as you would expect from the ‘coconut island’.
www.samuiregatta.com
July: Phuket Race Week
First held in 2004 and based at the 5-star Evason Resort and Spa on the sheltered side of Phuket Island, this is the ‘Green Season’ regatta. Guaranteed to be breezy with top beachside parties. Aims to attract a strong charter element, with attractive off-peak charter and hotel rates.
www.phuketraceweek.com
August: Hua Hin Regatta
Organised by the Yacht Racing Association of Thailand off the gulf town of Hua Hin. Mostly a one-design class dinghy regatta, many of Thailand’s top sailors take part.
www.yrat.or.th
December: Phuket King’s Cup Regatta
In its 18th year, this high class regatta attracts as many as 90 yachts and 600 sailors for a week of coastal and inshore racing and legendary parties. Raced on Phuket’s west coast and culminating with the Royal Awards Ceremony, it is truly a world class event.
www.kingscup.com
Krabi & Ko Phi Phi
The stunning sea mountain scenery of Phang-nga Bay extends down to Krabi, reaching south into deeper, crystal clear waters. In contrast to the hushed, green-tinged mystery of the bay, here you will find fine snorkelling, diving and fishing.
Many argue that Krabi's beaches, backed by dense rain forest, are amongst the most beautiful in the world. One of Thailand's best kept secrets, Krabi is undergoing an awakening. First discovered by cruising yachtsmen and backpack travellers – and remaining sleepy for many years – it now hosts bungalow resorts, top international hotels and numerous restaurants.
Yet the area retains the flavour traditionalists have always loved – for example, the fabulous beaches to the south of Ao Nang, tucked below towering rock walls, are still accessible by boat only.
South of Krabi, and east of Phuket you discover the Phi Phi Islands – one of the most beautiful island groups anywhere. Spectacular vertical cliffs rising from clear seas, beautiful lagoons enclosed by rock walls and idyllic tropical beaches have rightly made these islands amongst the most famous in the world.
In 1998, the southernmost of the two islands, Phi Phi Le, was chosen as the location for filming ‘The Beach', starring Leonardo Di Caprio.
Sleepy, exotically tropical and remote when you want it to be, Phi Phi can keep you as busy as youlike, too. Clustered around the main town – Ton Sai Bay –resorts, restaurants, pubs and shops jostle for position with strolling vacationers and bicycles. Phi Phi has no cars.
Facilities
Krabi
Krabi Town: With provisioning of a similar standard to Phuket available, Krabi Town can be accessed from Phra Nang by longtail boat or dinghy, or by road from Ao Nang.
Ao Nang Beach: Ao Nang is important due to its access to the main road to Krabi Town. Rock walls prevent road access from beaches further south. Resorts, bungalows, shops and restaurants are found along the beachfront road. Telephone, transport, and all the usual amenities of a growing resort town are available.
Krabi airport is to the northwest of Krabi Town, about 40 minutes by road from Ao Nang. There are regular direct flights to Phuket, Bangkok and Singapore.
Ko Phi Phi
Ton Sai Bay on Phi Phi Don is the place for shopping, provisioning or transport to Phuket, Krabi or neighbouring islands. The village, with its restaurants, hotels and shops is concentrated on the narrow sand isthmus connecting the two lobes of Phi Phi Don, extending along the northeastern side of the bay for well over a kilometre. Most needs of visiting yachts can be catered to here.
Pattaya to Ko Samet
World famous as a hectic holiday resort, Pattaya is an essential stopover on any cruising holiday in the Eastern Gulf of Thailand. This 10-km stretch of coast is a favourite retreat for Bangkok residents as well as international tourists.
But for a taste of frenetic resort-city life to contrast with the solitude of Thailand's spectacular islands, Pattaya is ready to welcome all-comers.
Pattaya's proximity to Bangkok has distinct advantages for sailors too.
Both Royal Varuna Yacht Club, based in a secluded cove between Pattaya and Jomtien beaches and Ocean Marina run regular yacht races, while the Yacht Cruising Association of Thailand organises cruising weekends to the offshore islands.
Just five miles from Pattaya Bay is Ko Sak, in days gone by an exclusive island resort for Thailand's rich and famous, as well as a favourite with international jet-setters.
Take the footpath leading south from the beach restaurant and discover who was there before you. Some of the island's famous visitors including many Hollywood names from the 1950s  left their hand and footprints set into the cement paving slabs.
Apart from the opportunity to recharge excitement levels, Pattaya is the natural starting point for a cruise east towards the islands near Cambodia. Not many yachts ply this coast, but a voyage from Pattaya to the Ko Chang and Ko Kut archipelagos is a rewarding experience, with several splendid unspoiled islands en route.
A number of these small offshore islands are within easy reach of Pattaya and Ocean Marina. Ko Larn, Ko Phai and Ko Kram – together with the smaller islets around them - are favourites, with their white sandy beaches, clear waters and great snorkeling.
Cruising further along the coast, 45 miles from Ocean Marina, is one of Bangkok's favourite away-from-it-all weekend destinations, Ko Samet, part of the Khao Laem Ya - Ko Samet National Park.
Ko Samet has plenty of restaurants and bungalows, but they are all built behind the tree line, preserving the beauty of beaches and coves that first attracted the backpacker set in the 1970s. The east coast is the most beautiful, with several untouched parts that holidaymakers rarely visit. Tucked into the northeast corner is the tiny islet, Hin Khan Na. An idyllic day-stop, there's an attractive, peaceful beach ideal for swimming. Ashore are a few restaurants and even a bakery.
Marina facilities
Phuket has three fully-operating marinas, with more on the drawing board. Throughout the rest of the country there is currently only one other major marina – Thailand’s first – in Pattaya.
The Boat Lagoon, Phuket
Phuket’s first marina has berthing for 180 yachts, a substantial and very busy hardstand area with three travel lifts, and a pleasing collection of houses, condominiums and a resort hotel. The site of Phuket’s annual boatshow (PIMEX), this is the marina where most of Phuket’s yacht maintenance service and supply companies are based. The Boat Lagoon is centrally situated on Phuket’s east coast and just 20 minutes from Phuket Airport.
www.phuketboatlagoon.com
The Yacht Haven, Phuket
Yacht Haven Marina, at the North East End of Phuket island, is Phuket’s only 24-hour access marina providing services for both cruisers and super yachts up to 55 metres.
Set in idyllic surroundings, the marina is on the door step of Phang-nga Bay, presently providing berthing for 160 vessels, soon to increase to 220 boats of up to 70 metres length. Full services provided: restaurant, coffee shop, showers, toilets, car hire, dock service and more.
www.yacht-haven-phuket.com
Ocean Marina, Pattaya
Ocean Marina is one of Thailand’s international yachting centres, with an exclusive yacht club, 5- star hotel and the biggest marina in Asia.
Ocean Marina offers superb hotel and yacht club facilities, as well as high-end residences for the yachting community. Equipped for both wet berth and dry storage, and utilising a large travel-lift and a forklift for yacht mobilization, the marina has the capacity to handle over 500 yachts in the water and 200 yachts – from 18-150 feet – in the dry stack.
Expert maintenance crews, around-the-clock security, ship-to-shore radio and telephone systems, as well as a boat building yard, boat service facilities and retail shops and an international standard breakwater complete the picture.
www.oceanmarinayachtclub.com
Royal Phuket Marina (RPM), Phuket
Newly opened in 2005, Royal Phuket Marina is Asia’s first world class, state of the art, fully integrated marina, residential and retail resort, on the East Coast of Phuket. The 250 berths and 80 dry berths complement luxury waterfront condos and villas. The berths range from 10-35 metres and are fully equipped with electricity, water, highspeed wireless broadband, TV and telephone line. The 60 tonne travel lift with lifting bay is 16m deep and 5.8m wide. A unique concierge marina service takes care of residents and visiting yachts.
www.royalphuketmarina.com
Paradise Bay Marina, Phuket
An ambitious residential marina development, planned on 800 Rai of beachfront land. Located on the East coast cape of Yamoo close to all amenities and within 20 minutes of Phuket Airport. The master plan is now in its final phase of preparation and work is due to start on site during 2005.
According to current plans, the completed project will incorporate an international-standard full service marina over several basins, with 24 hour access, accommodating over 500 yachts up to 40 metres long, a marina village, a 5-star beach resort, residential, retail and leisure facilities plus a stateof- the-art Technology Park.
Ko Chang
Already home to a small, 20-berth marina, Ko Chang – with a new international airport across the water on the mainland – has a new, international standard marina in the planning stages.
New marinas
The next few years will see an explosion in marina development throughout Thailand. New marinas in Phuket, Krabi and Ko Chang will come on line. Ko Samui is planning its first marina on the island’s northeast coast at Bo Phut, while a projected series of small municipal marinas around the country will mean excellent facilities wherever you explore.

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