Popular Destinations
Phang Nga Bay
In the north is Phang Nga Bay, a marine national park and an area of beautiful unspoilt scenery. The sailing is safe all year round for both the experienced and the novice sailor.
Here you can anchor at Koh Yang and take a long tail boat to the world famous James Bond island, and a typical "Sea Gypsy" village ( a Muslim village built on rafts) called Panjee. There is also the Koh Hong group of caves to explore.
East Coast Phuket
There are many small islands down the east coast of Phuket, with beautiful long white sandy beaches and coconut groves. The water is crystal clear, with good sailing and good holding for anchorages. This is perfect for novice sailors chartering a bareboat yacht from Sunsail for the first time. The wildlife is spectacular - monkeys, sea eagles, fruit bats, jumping fish and more to keep you on your toes during your sailing holiday.
There is a great deal to see and do, including a visit to Koh Naka Noi, a pearl farm with lunch time seafood restaurant, educational demonstrations and pearl shop. There is also Koh Phi Phi Don, where dry goods and beverages can be bought, and other small shops sell some fruit and vegetables. There are dive trips, big game fishing trips, masseurs, restaurants and bars. A daily ferry also operates to Phuket.
You may choose to visit Koh Phi Phi Lee, from where you can go to Maya Bay (where "The Beach" was filmed), a scenic sandy lagoon with white sandy beaches surrounded by limestone cliffs and absolutely breathtaking views. Viking Cave is well known for its bird nests, which are harvested by locals to make the famous 'Bird's Nest Soup'. Swimming and snorkelling in the area is excellent. We recommend that Koh Phi Phi Lee is visited by longtail from Phi Phi itself as the anchorages around Phi Phi Lee are very deep (approx. 25 metres).
From Bamboo and Mosquito Islands, you can visit 'Hin Klang' reef by either dive boat or longtail, which has the best diving outside of the Similan Islands. Take time out from your sailing to experience the wonders of the local Thai sea life.
Krabi (mainland) and the Koh Dam Group
In Krabi, the two bays recommended for mooring do not have access to the road system, so transport tends to be water-based. However, the beaches and scenery in the area are fantastic with excellent snorkelling. Clients may take a 1 hour longtail trip up the river to Krabi town, or jump into a tuk tuk (small Daihatsu truck) for a 20 minute ride to obtain provisions from the fresh markets and shops. The market in Krabi is open during the mornings only. There are also many Thai restaurants and bars with fantastic cuisine.
The snorkelling in the Koh Dam Group is excellent, with many coral reefs to explore during your sailing trip through Thailand. There is a restaurant for daytime dining (during northeast monsoon only), and the island is worth seeing on foot. Look out for Chicken Island! There are few moorings in the cruising area - the majority of places require anchoring.
Similan Islands
Situated 34 miles off the west coast of Thailand, 52 miles NW of Patong, this marine park is one of the world's top dive destinations and a highly recommended inclusion in your sailing agenda. The waters around The Similans are teeming with fish and surrounded by coral . During the NE Monsoon ( November to April) entry is allowed to the National Park subject to payment of entry fees which can be done in Phuket.
Due to the distance from the Sunsail Thailand base in Phuket, clients will be asked to sign a disclaimer. Cruising to and among The Similans is not permitted in Sunsail charter yachts during the SW Monsoon. Additionally, passage in early November and April may not be recommended due to changeable weather conditions and a scarcity of protected overnight anchorages.
