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Phuket is THE base for sailing the Andaman Sea,
and there are few places on earth that compare to the Andaman Sea
when it comes to sailing.
The Andaman Sea, with Phuket as its hub, will always be
Thailand's reigning maritime jewel. Here we find some of the
most beautiful islands and beaches in the region, crystal clear
waters and stunning geography. The diversity of this geography is
also a powerful attraction.
Phuket has emerged as the star performer in Thailand's thriving
tourism industry. Beautiful beaches, a warm winter climate and isolated
islands are the core attractions that lure millions of tourists
from colder climates each year. These are exactly the kind of attractions
that those on boats are much better positioned to seek out and enjoy.
A look at the major sailing destinations and anchorages around
Phuket and highlights of each. Courtesy of Image Asia, publisher
of Andaman Sea Pilot.
Where to find top-quality vessels to sail the waters of Phuket
and beyond. Crewed charters - Bareboat
charters - Luxury Yachts - Daytrips
A comprehensive listing of Phuket's marine product and service
suppliers. Marinas - Sails - Chandlery - Yacht
Clubs
A guide to the important sailing happenings in Phuket, and the
local sailing scene.
An overview of the local Rules & Regulations, Entry & Exit
procedures, Communications, Contacts and Sailing Conditions.
Phuket has natural advantages that attract sailors from around
the world: balmy temperatures year-round,
stunning tropical scenery, safe waters and a fabulous lifestyle
on shore. On top of that, even the luxury life is cheaper in Phuket
than most other marine centers in Asia and a lot cheaper than the
Mediterranean, say, or the Caribbean. (Read more...)
Phuket has natural advantages that attract sailors from around
the world: balmy temperatures year-round (let’s face it –
there’s nothing less dreamy than freezing rain coming in sideways),
stunning tropical scenery, safe waters and a fabulous lifestyle
on shore. On top of that, even the luxury life is cheaper in Phuket
than most other marine centers in Asia and a lot cheaper than the
Mediterranean, say, or the Caribbean.
Sailing Highlights
First among the boating attractions of the Andaman is Phang
Nga Bay, famed for the stunning sea-mountains that rise
vertically out of calm, turquoise waters. This bay offers year round
shelter, and even during the heavy months of the monsoon a yacht
can find calm waters, tranquility and dramatic beauty here.
When the clear skies of the northeast season arrive in November
or December the bay can offer both a fabulously beautiful playground
and great day sailing.
Cruising the Bay
Safe anchorages are numerous in Phang Nga Bay, as our Sailing
Guide shows. In fact, we have only listed some of the good
anchorages here, leaving the rest for the more experienced and adventurous
yachtsmen to discover alone. When exploring the bay, a dinghy, or
preferably a sea canoe, is needed to get into many of the quaint
little coves and bays.
Moving from the north of the Bay southwards, the water clarity
changes from a thick milky turquoise to near crystal around the
islands off Krabi. These offer beaches
of outstanding beauty, though there are often many day visitors
from the resorts of Krabi out here. Krabi itself, while relatively
crowded in the ‘high' season, is one of the most dramatically
beautiful places imaginable. Phra Nang beach, where moutainous
rock pillars tower over each end of the sand, has been called one
of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
From Krabi south the snorkelling becomes ever more interesting,
with beautiful corals and an abundance of small, colourful reef
fish. The Phi Phi islands are again
both beautiful and dramatic due to the combination of palm-lined
beaches and vast rock faces rising directly from the sea.
The Phi Phi Islands are a must-see port of call in the common,
circular route taking in the three provinces that enclose the bay
of Phang Nga. This runs from Phuket to the northwest corner of Phang
Nga Bay. Anchorages here are plentiful and always beautiful.
From here boats sail east, then turn south to the Koh Hong (Krabi)
group of islands. If weather permits, these make a delightful overnight
stop. Phra Nang, Krabi is the next overnight stop for most.
South of Krabi it's an open sail to Phi Phi for another overnight
stop or two, before completing the circle with a final leg back
to Phuket. |
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