Phuket and her islands…

Log Book

Phuket is Thailand's largest island, and also the best known destination in a country known for its exceptional countryside and the warm welcome that the inhabitants reserve for tourists. The sailing area around Phuket really is wonderful. Underwater zones are sumptuous, and there are many islands and anchorages which are almost always deserted: in short it's a paradise for cruising sailors. The white sand beaches, fringed with luxuriant vegetation, are lapped by waters which can be turquoise or emerald. A cruise departing from Phuket is an opportunity to sail around one of the natural wonders of the world: the famous Phang-Nga Bay, surrounded by the incredible sugarloaf-shaped rock formations. It's an experience that will linger with you for a long time... After that, you can head for an anchorage in the Phi-Phi islands, less than thirty miles away. And then what about Mu Koh Similan National Park, a group of islands which became a national park in 1982 and which offers one of the best diving locations in the world? Thailand is something else as a destination: opposite every anchorage (where you'll usually be on your own), you'll find a small restaurant where the quality of the welcome will only be matched by the quality of the food. After spending a week or two sailing around Phuket's islands (there are 130 of them in total), you will wish for just one thing: to return again and again, and to become one of the voluntary ambassadors for a destination which is also known as the Smiling Country!

From Phang-Nga Bay to the white sandy beaches of Phi-Phi, Thailand is an array of colors. (Photo: Dream Yacht Charter)

Suggested Itinerary

When sailing in Thailand, you have a choice between the Gulf of Thailand or the Phuket region. Here's an example of an itinerary that you can follow, setting out from Phuket, which is very accessible thanks to its international airport.

Making the most of family time together on vacation...

Thaïland: Practical Information

Formalities: Current, valid passport. No visa required if your stay is less than 30 days. 

Weather: The north east monsoon affects Thailand from November through April. In the south there is much less rain. The rain can be violent but in short bursts. There is always the chance of squalls, and the wind can then reach over 40 knots. But even so, the sea stays manageable, as the swell rarely exceeds 1 meter. 

Temperatures: between 22 and 34°C. 

Sailing conditions: Be careful, as although the sailing itself doesn't present any particular problems, (you can navigate visually), you can encounter difficulties where there are strong currents, shallows or a large tidal range. 

Navigation Marking: Random. As is often the case, avoid night sailing. 

Diving: World class sites. The waters that surround the islands are home to a host of corals and fish (jellyfish too, so watch out!); there are also numerous shipwrecks to explore for enthusiastic divers. The scuba diving is fantastic. 

Getting there: international airports at Bangkok and Phuket. 

Languages: Thaï, but English is also spoken just about everywhere. 

Currency: Thai Bath (1 Euro = 40 THB). Most credit cards are accepted in the hotels and restaurants...On the smaller islands it's better to have some cash with you.