away from the ordinary
Sailing in South-East Asia
Cruising around South-East Asia is characterized by island hopping amid fantastic tropical scenery. Discover breathtaking coastlines framed by magnificent high peaks, steep cliffs and luscious hillsides. Explore pristine beaches, anchor off deserted islands and dive into true blue waters. This sailing area remains relatively undiscovered by tourists and is a step back in time. Although there are some 5-star resorts and fabulous duty-free shopping, this is truly a place to escape and get away from it all. South-East Asia is a wonderful area to explore, suitable for sailing enthusiasts at an intermediate or expert level.
Malaysia - Langkawi
Sunsail's base is located on Langkawi, the largest of the 99 islands that make up the cruising area. Coupled with natural white sand beaches, lush jungle foliage and craggy mountain peaks, the island has been called Malaysia's best-kept secret.
The cruising area is characterized by island hopping amid fantastic tropical scenery. Although there are some 5-star resorts and fabulous duty-free shopping, this is truly a place to escape and get away from it all.
Our cruising ground is the Andaman Sea including the 99 islands which make up the Langkawi group and also the southern Thai islands of the Butang group and Turatao. Clients can sail to the Butang group and Turatao, but not to Phuket. Clients chartering for just one week are recommended to stay within Malaysian waters, but for those on a longer visit, a trip to Thailand is well worthwhile. The border with Thailand is only two miles north of Langkawi and the cruising area extends approximately 24 miles into Thai waters. Entering Thai waters requires entry stamps that sometimes take between 24 and 48 hrs to arrange and cannot be pre-bought.
Thailand - bareboat yacht charters
Based in the province of Trat on the eastern Gulf of Thailand, the new base will offer amazing sailing throughout the Koh Chang archipelago. This area incorporates Koh Chang National Park which includes the islands of Koh Chang, the second largest in Thailand after Phuket, Koh Kut, Koh Mak and around 50 other inviting islands.
Discover breathtaking coastlines framed by magnificent high peaks, steep cliffs and luscious hillsides. Explore pristine beaches, anchor off deserted islands and dive into true blue waters. This sailing area remains relatively undiscovered by tourists and is a step back in time.
The climate of Thailand is tropical, with an average annual temperature of 28°C and high humidity. It can get very hot in the Central Plains and south, but is cooler in the northern hills. Overall the best time to visit is November to March when days are mostly dry and the humidity lower, although Koh Samui is best from June to September.
Thailand is an ALL YEAR ROUND sailing destination. There are two main seasons, which are called the wet and dry season, or the SW or NE monsoon, respectively. Seasons tend to be predictable, although there may be inconsistencies as they change from one to the other.
Ko Chang Marina (Thailand)
Expanding even further into Asia, this seasonal base in the eastern Gulf of Thailand, is based in the province of Trat. The base offers amazing sailing throughout the Koh Chang archipelago. This area incorporates Koh Chang National Park which includes the islands of Koh Chang, the second largest after Phuket, Koh Kut, Koh Mak and around 50 other islands.
Koh Chang
Koh Chang itself is surrounded by clear waters while a terrain of high peaks and steep cliffs provide a magnificent backdrop to its breathtaking coastline. If peace and tranquility is more your scene, head over to Klong Prao beach instead. As you sail the waters of Koh Chang and its islands make sure you visit the quaint fishing villages such as Bang Bao and Salak Phet. Theses communities are built on stilts and welcome visitors into their daily life. The whole archipelago is not only famous for its' waterfalls but also for its' abundant coral reefs. The entire area is still relatively undiscovered by sailors and Koh Mak, only 10 miles from Koh Chang, it's worth a full day to explore.
Koh Mak
With a 12 mile coastline, Koh Mak is the third largest island of the Marine Park. Its flat terrain is home to numerous coconut and rubber plantations which are skirted by long beaches and clear waters. Shaped like a cross, the best beaches are on the southwest coast at Ao Kao and the northwest coast at Ao Suan Yai.
From Ao Suan Yai you can look out across to Koh Raet, Koh Phee, Koh Kham while soaking up the captivating sunset. During low tide a sand dune appears between Koh Maak and Koh Kham allowing you to walk across - but keep an eye on the water and don't get stranded!
Koh Kut
Local Koh Kut island has adapted more to tourism over the last few years but still offers peaceful overnight anchorages. Situated approximately 40 miles southeast of Trat, Koh Kut (known locally as Koh Kood) is the farthest island from the mainland. The oldest village on Koh Kut is the Klong Mad village where the residents are of both Thai and Cambodian origins. About 70% of Koh Kut is covered by tropical rainforest and the island boasts a whole host of scenic beauties including crystal clear waters, pristine beaches and breathtaking waterfalls.
Boat Lagoon Base, Phuket (Thailand)
Phuket's glory is its majestic coastline. Thailand's southern isle of paradise is blessed with a wide array of attractive beaches and idyllic islands surrounded by the warm turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. Beaches range from gentle crescents of sand with calm waters to dramatic rocky headlands rising out of the surf. The cruising area has a tidal range of up to 3.00m at high water springs.
The island's western shore is dotted with dozens of spectacular beaches, bays, capes, cliffs and coral reefs. Phuket and Krabi are just two of the highlights of the west coast. Phuket boasts the stunning Phang Nga Bay and the shady escape of jungle walks, while Krabi enjoys awesome rock formations that tower above you as you swim.
Thailand is an ALL YEAR ROUND sailing destination. There are two main seasons, which are called the wet and dry season, or the SW or NE monsoon, respectively. Seasons tend to be predictable, although there may be inconsistencies as they change from one to the other.
North East Monsoon (Dry - Nov to Apr)
The NE monsoon, as the months from November to April are called, have wind speeds of force 2 to 5 from the NE. The winds are quite stable during this period and temperatures are usually in the region of 30°C. It is consistently dry and sunny with ideal conditions for sailing. Clients wishing to visit the Similan Islands can do so but will be asked to sign a Sunsail disclaimer before they leave the base and obtain permission from the National Park Authorities - there may be a charge for this.
South West Monsoon (Wet - May to Oct)
The SW monsoon takes place from May to October with winds force 2 to 6 from the SW. There is slightly more wind during this season making sailing a bit more exhilarating. During this season there are some rainy periods which come in from the Indian Ocean, usually only lasting 1 to 2 hours in the late afternoon / early evening. Unfortunately it is not possible to visit the Similan Islands during the south west Monsoon due to the direction of the prevailing wind. During the SW season there are approximately 2 to 3 weeks of bad weather usually lasting up to 5 days at a time.
Bo Phut Base, Ko Samui (Thailand)
Located 50 miles off the coast of Suratthani and about 340 miles south of Bangkok, Koh Samui's unique style means it is is rapidly becoming one of Thailand's most popular destinations. Due to its unique location, Koh Samui and its surrounding islands offer fine and dry weather from May to September.
The island, Thailand's third largest, measures 13 miles at its widest point and 15 miles at its longest and is one of a group of 80 tropical islands, most of them deserted. A mountain ridge runs east to west and the rich hues of wild vegetation inland are dappled throughout with the contrasting greens of coconut palms and emerald paddy fields. The local population of a mere 34,000 consists mainly of Buddhist Thais and until the recent arrival of tourism.
The largest and most popular beaches on Koh Samui are Chaweng, Lamai, Maenam and Bo Phut where Sunsail is based. Bo Phut has followed a low-key approach, transforming itself from a fisherman's village to a classy, friendly beachfront restaurant area. This is the best anchorage on Samui and a great place to start your charter.
Due to its unique location, Koh Samui and its surrounding islands, offer fine and dry weather in the European Summer season of May - September.
The largest and most popular beaches on Koh Samui are Chaweng, Lamai, Maenam and Bo Phut where Sunsail is based. Bo Phut has followed a low-key approach, transforming itself from a fisherman's village to a classy, friendly beachfront restaurant area. This is the best anchorage on Samui and a great place to start your charter.
Away from the beaches there is still so much to see and do. If you have time after your charter why not try your hand at golf, bungy jumping, elephant trekking, canopy tours, Thai cooking courses or the popular all encompassing jungle safari?
Due to its unique location, Koh Samui and its surrounding islands, offer fine and dry weather in the European Summer season of May - September.
During the Sunsail sailing season of May through to October, the winds are from the SW-W and are generally light to moderate, with calm seas and mainly sunshine. This is the dry season in the Gulf of Thailand with ideal sailing conditions and only occasional rain showers.
All travel arrangements provided by TRAVEL AWAY INC, TICO 1891374       TICO authorized travel company