Thailand is increasingly attracting superyacht owners and charterers away from a cold European climate as Phuket develops its infrastructure, streamlines regulatory processes and adds high standard marinas.
The country has already seen a significant increase in superyacht arrivals this year reports Asia Pacific Superyachts (APS) co-founder & director Gordon Fernandes. “Thailand isn’t trying to copy the Med or Caribbean – it stands out because it delivers a completely different charter experience profile, especially for those that have already ‘done’ the traditional circuits.”
“Around Phang Nga Bay and the Similan Islands are awesome limestone karsts rising vertically out of the sea, hidden lagoons only accessible by tender and beautiful anchorages with no visible development. Our cruising season is opposite to the Med so we’re not competing with this established cruising ground. And, Thailand’s hospitality culture is a major, often underestimated edge.”
Thailand offers an enormous number of memorable island explorations and white sand beaches, incredible natural beauty in surrounding islands, natural beauty and cultural experiences amidst a genuinely kind and gracious people.
“Thailand’s hospitality culture is a major, often underestimated edge.”
Gordon Fernandes, Co-founder and Director, Asia Pacific Superyachts
A yachting paradise in Phuket
After arriving in Phuket it’s time to relax at many of the white sandy beaches, perhaps visiting the island’s Wat Chalong (Buddhist temples) and interesting villages. In the evening, the Patong beach area has a buzzing nightlife, high-end beach clubs along the West Coast beaches and Michelin star restaurants can cater to guest needs. These attractions, along with exclusive villas and 5-Star resorts make Phuket a yachting paradise.
The ‘Land of Smiles’ natural wonders are among the world’s most breathtaking sights, both on land and at sea.
Exploring Phuket’s nearby islands
Nearby Phang Nga Bay Marine National Park covers an area of about 400 sq km, comprising 42 islands and islets. One of the unique sites in the region, the bay’s distinctive feature is the sheer limestone karsts that vertically jut out of the emerald-green water. Located to the north of Phuket, the bay is protected from both the northeast and the southwest monsoon seasons and waters remain calm year-round. This adds to the appeal of its scenic wonders and abundant wildlife. James Bond Island, Koh Panyee, and Samet Nang She View Point are some of the must-visit sites in Phang Nga Bay.
The Phi Phi islands are picture-postcard islands and home to classic tropical beaches, stunning rock formations, and vivid turquoise waters teeming with colourful marine life. A group of six islands, the two main islands are Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh. The smaller uninhabited Phi Phi Leh hosts stunningly beautiful bays and beaches, including the world-famous Maya Bay, site of the filming of the popular The Beach film.
Gordon Fernandes can recommend the best in yacht planning, which includes an itinerary that begins in Phuket with the above islands to the group of islands called the Similans, located in southern Thailand’s Andaman Sea off the coast of and a part of, the Phang Nga Province. The Similans is comprised of nine islands of varying sizes, most with uninhabited and pristine white sand beaches. A general sail time is four hours distance from Patong; Phuket is 65NM’s sail away the hours under the best conditions.
Earning a rating as one of the ‘top ten global dive destinations’ the Similans are a paradise for diving and snorkelling and can only be reached by boat. The small islands are surrounded by abundant reefs hosting an amazing array of colourful reef fish and extensive varieties of coral and marine life. Cruising Thailand’s seldom visited waterways with stunning views and visiting uninhabited pristine beaches to while away a sunny afternoon diving followed by a sunset beach BBQ offers unforgettable experiences.
Gulf of Thailand
When cruising the eastern side of the country in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Samui has gorgeous anchorages and offers side trips to world famous diving spot Koh Tao and Ang Thong Marine Park archipelago, with over 800 uninhabited islands.
Ocean Marina Jomtien in the Gulf of Thailand has over 450 modern berths and provides safe anchorage for yachts up to 75m, Ocean Marina Jomtien is Southeast Asia’s largest marina and the gateway to yachting in the Gulf of Thailand.
Thailand is a great option for visiting superyachts over the December through April season and the options are endless – a world of fun, sun and beautiful islands to explore while experiencing a unique culture.
Recent key changes in Phuket for yachts visiting Thailand
- Marina and infrastructure development: Thailand is investing in its marinas to accommodate large vessels, with existing facilities capable of handling yachts up to 90 metres in length.
- Policy and regulatory changes: The government has revised regulations, including those for arrivals, to streamline the process for foreign-flagged yachts and boost yachting tourism.
- Increased accessibility: The country has eased entry requirements, visa application and travel restrictions, making it easier for international visitors to travel to Thailand.
Read the full feature
Featured in Superyacht Australia Magazine Issue 14. Explore the full digital edition for more destination guides, industry news and interviews from across the Asia Pacific superyacht sector: https://online.flippingbook.com/view/197365019/
