 
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.
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