Thailand is fast becoming one of the premier yachting destinations in Asia and with good reason. The country's geography lends itself perfectly to seaborne exploration and the mild climate makes cruising possible most of the year. Add to that the world famous Thai hospitality, captivating culture, stunning natural beauty and a fast-developing marine infrastructure, and it is easy to understand why people from all over the world are attracted to the prospect of yacht charters in Thailand.

Thailand's cruising grounds can largely be divided into two main areas; the Andaman Sea – stretching along the peninsular west coast of the country and home to the famous Andaman and Similan Islands – and the Gulf of Thailand, which comprises the Koh Chang archipelago to the east and the popular Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao to the south.

Most charters to the Andaman Sea start on Phuket, which is the main sailing destination of Thailand and indeed a marine hub in the region. The island is home to no less than four modern marinas: Yacht Haven is located on the island's northeast coast only 15 minutes drive from the airport and it offers an ideal starting point to explore the picturesque Phang Nga Bay. Yacht Haven also offers deep water access which makes it suitable for larger vessels with up to 5 metres draft. Also located on the northeast quadrant of the island, Ao Po Grand Marina can accommodate superyachts with an LOA of over 80 metres and zero tide restrictions. On the east coast of the island you will find Boat Lagoon, the island's longest established full service marina, which offers year round berthing and maintenance and repair facilities for vessels up to 140 feet. Boat Lagoon also features a resort and residences for those wanting to make the most out of the yachting lifestyle, as well as a choice of restaurants, shops. Adjacent to Boat Lagoon is Royal Phuket Marina, an integrated lifestyle marina complete with luxury residences, some of which have direct access to their own private berth.

Phang Nga Bay

The waters around Phuket are perfect for waterborne exploration. Phang Nga Bay offers picturesque cruising grounds and is famous for its dramatic limestone karsts that pierce the tranquil crystal clear waters. The spectacular scenery around Koh Tapu was made famous the world over when in 1974, the James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun was filmed there. But Phang Nga Bay is much more than just limestone cliffs – the many uninhabited islands that pepper the bay also lend themselves perfectly for kayaking, swimming and snorkelling.

The Similan and Andaman Islands

The Similan Islands, some 70 miles to the northwest of the island, are famous for their clear waters and tropical island feel. The archipelago is popular with divers as the underwater environment is one of the most diverse and best kept in the region; sightings of larger species such as rays, turtles and whale sharks are not uncommon. Further to the northwest are the Andaman Islands, possibly even more pristine than the Similans. Charters to these islands will take longer but the awards – remote, tropical islands, diverse wild life and clean sailing waters – are well worth the extra miles.

The Gulf of Thailand

The other main cruising ground in Thailand is the Gulf, which covers the entire east coast of the country from Bangkok and Pattaya on the top of the Gulf, to Koh Chang and neighbouring islands in the east and Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao in the south. The two main marinas to service the Gulf of Thailand is Ocean Marina Yacht Club, located in Jomtien Beach just north of Pattaya. The marina is easily accessible from Bangkok – just about an hour's drive from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport – and also comprises a boutique hotel and modern marina facilities.

The other marina is located within the Siam Royal View development on the island of Koh Chang, which also includes luxury residences, restaurant, golf course and a water sports centre. Yacht charters from Siam Royal View has the benefit of several less visited islands on the doorstep: Koh Chang Noi, Koh Mak and Koh Kood to name just a few in the expansive Mu Koh Chang Marine National Park, which is made up of 40 islands, the majority of them uninhabited.

Weather conditions

The best time for yacht charters in Thailand is generally from November to August, depending on the area you plan to visit. In general, the conditions in the Gulf of Thailand tend to be more mild than in the Andaman Sea due to the sheltered nature of the Gulf. The weather from November to August is characterised by warm, humid weather with little rainfall. Starting from August, the monsoon season brings with it heavy rainfall and stormy conditions, especially on the west coast.

A melting pot of people and cultures from all over the world, Singapore has become one of the most dynamic travel and lifestyle destinations in the world and a natural gravitation point. In 2013, the island state was visited by almost 15.5 million people, or more than three times the number of people living in the country; every year, thousands more relocate to the Lion City in order to start new careers and pursue new challenges.

A City of Contrasts

One of the most fascinating aspects of Singapore is the way in which the city state has managed to constantly renew itself and progress with the times while staying true to its unique history. A trading hub in its region for centuries before the arrival of the British in 1819, Singapore enjoys a strategically beneficial location at the entrance of the Malacca Straits right on the trade routes between China, India, Europe and Australia. Still to this day, the Port of Singapore remains the second busiest port in the world in terms of total shipping tonnage and one-fifth of the world's containers come through this port.

All this commercial activity has seen the development of a political and economic powerhouse and the Singapore government has invested heavily in infrastructure, human development and, especially in recent years, tourism. The redevelopment of Sentosa Island was a key part in rebranding the city as 'fun and entertaining' and depart from the somewhat stiff image of the Singapore of the 80s and 90s. Branded Asia's Favourite Playground, Sentosa Island comprises a plethora of amusement parks, gardens, a casino, fine dining venues and an aquarium to name just a few.

Similarly, the area around Marina Bay has also undergone an impressive transformation, spearheaded by Marina Bay Sands, the mega integrated resort and casino developed by Las Vegas Sands. Attractions include Gardens by the Bay, a tropical breathing space right in the middle of the Marina Financial District, and a host of shopping, dining and exhibition options.

As a contrast to its striking mega structures and integrated resorts, Singapore's many ethnic neighbourhoods are also well worth a visit. The area around Chinatown, Little India and Arab Street are excellent examples of how eclectic the city is and the importance local authorities place on cultural heritage and conservation. Many of the old shophouses in these area have original facades that date back to the beginning of the 20th century and are protected for their cultural and historic significance.

Destination Highlights

Singapore has a number of modern marinas of the highest standard and given the city's location in the middle of some of Asia's most exciting cruising grounds, it is no wonder that yachts from all over the world come here every season to explore the many tropical destinations in the region.

ONE°15 Marina Club, located within Sentosa Cove, is an marine lifestyle complex and the largest marina in Singapore with 270 wet berths, inclusive of 13 megayacht berths. A number of quayside restaurants, on-site accommodation, events space, and wellness facilities complete the integrated offerings. Situated on a private island along Singapore's southern coast, the Marina at Keppel Bay is home to 168 berths which can accommodate yachts of up to 280 feet, a sailing academy, as well as waterfront dining and wining options. Located along the western shores of Singapore, Raffles Marina is a 5 Gold Anchor Marina nestled within a country club with comprehensive berthing and services for yachts of up to 300 feet (100 metres). There is a well stocked chandlery on-site, as well as a repair yard complete with a 70-tonne travel lift.

Located just south of Singapore lies a cluster of islands known as the Riau Islands belonging to Indonesia. The islands are made up of a handful of islands, two of them, Bintan and Batam, which are both popular destinations for visiting yachts as well as locals from Singapore who use the islands as a weekend getaway. On Bintan, the Bintan Resorts, an area on the northern coast of the island is usually the centre of attention with its high end resorts and recreational facilities, yet visitors should not miss the opportunity to explore Tanjung Pinang, the dynamic capital of the Riau Province and the largest city on the islands. The city used to be a haven for gamblers and prostitution rings but today the city has cleaned up its act and visitors come for the vibrant market, shopping and eating. Don't miss the Buddhist Temple and its sculpture park and learn about local history at the Raja Haji Fisabillah Monument, or what's left of it, raised in memory of one of the Indonesia's national heroes who died during the battle of Malacca against the Dutch in 1784.

West of Bintan is Batam. Not quite as glamorous as Bintan, Batam also has its share of resorts and golf courses, yet the island is mainly known for its industry with large electronics factories, ship repair industry and oil service sector. The island enjoys a special economic status and most of the facilities here cater to the many expats and professionals who come here to work.

Surrounding Bintan and Batam are several smaller, less developed islands, such as Karimun, Kundur, Singkep-Lingga, Anambas, Natuna and Moro. There isn't much to see on these islands in terms of historical monuments or pretty architecture but they are nevertheless a good window into local life and many of them have beautiful beaches and fresh seafood. In recent years, they have also become popular bicycling destinations with cycle enthusiasts from Singapore and Malaysia.

Malaysia has a growing reputation as one of Asia's most exciting travel destinations. From the bustling city life and business centres of Kuala Lumpur to the historic and architectural wonders of Penang to the white sand beaches and ecological diversity of Malaysian Borneo, Malaysia has everything one could wish for in a world-class tourist destination.

With two distinctive stretches of coastline – east and west – Malaysia offers a choice of berthing options. The island of Langkawi on the west coast is perhaps the country's best known sailing destination – an attractive duty free port with marina facilities. Yachties making landfall on the island have a choice of three main marinas. The 200-berth Royal Langkawi Yacht Club on the southeast corner of the island can accommodate vessels measuring up to 70 metres. Superyachts of up to 60 metres in length can also call in at Telaga Harbour Marina. Visitors to Rebak Island Marina can enjoy the adjacent resort facilities and 189 wet berths for vessels measuring 10 to 35 metres in length.

Kota Kinabalu on the east side also provides berths in an area famous for its diverse marine life and rich, forested hinterland. The 104-berth Sutera Harbour Marina is one of the main anchor tenants of the integrated Sutera Harbour resort complex alongside two five star hotels and a 27-hole championship golf course. There are also berthing options on the popular yachting layover destination of Penang, including Straits Quay, a dining-retail-marina complex on the northeastern coast of the island.

Kuala Lumpur

Most people start their journey in Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur, the country's eclectic capital. A bustling metropolis and a financial powerhouse on one hand and cultural melting pot on the other, Kuala Lumpur is one of the most dynamic cities in Southeast Asia. The old city centre with the Merdeka Square Sultan Abdul Building and Selangor Club is the historic hub of the city and the administration centre of the former colonial powers. This area is also home to the city's Chinatown where you can find fantastic Chinese food from the many hawkers stalls and open air restaurants lining the streets.

Modern Kuala Lumpur concentrates around the Golden Triangle, the city's main central business district, home to the iconic Petronas Twin Tower – the tallest twin towers in the world – endless shopping malls, upscale hotels and the KLCC Park.

Penang

North of Kuala Lumpur, along the west coast lies Penang, a must on any cruising itinerary in this region. A trading hub for centuries and a strategically important player in the British activities in the region, Penang attracted people from all over the world who came to seek a better life. As such, the island is one of the most ethnically diverse in the region with an captivating mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian, British and Siamese influences. It is also home to a variety of hybrid communities such as Peranakan, Baba Nyonya and Eurasians. Most of the tourist attractions centres around the island capital, George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its eclectic mix of architecture, historic and religious monuments, vibrant cultural scene and world class food.

The northern coast of Penang is home to beautiful white sandy beaches and a number of high end resorts and townships that offers a host of recreational facilities such as golf and water sports.

Langkawi

North of Penang and closer to the border of Thailand lies Langkawi, the ultimate travellers' paradise complete with picture perfect white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, jungle-clad hills and mysterious caves.

Unsurprisingly, one of the main draw of the island is the beaches. The most popular is Pantai Cenang, located on the southwestern tip of the island, dotted with several upscale resorts, restaurants and bars. For a more laid back experience, head to some of Langkawi's many other beaches, such as Tanjung Rhu on the north tip of the island where limestone caves, mangroves and waterfalls make it a perfect choice for nature lovers.

Divers from all over the world also head to Langkawi for its crystal clear waters and diverse underwater life. There are several diving schools and tour operators on the island offering day trips or liveaboards where divers and snorkellers alike can experience some of the many dive sites that surround the island.

Borneo

To the east of mainland Malaysia lies the island of Borneo, the third largest island in the world and home to the two Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak as well as Brunei and several Indonesian states. Borneo is one of the most ecological diverse places in the world with the majority of the world's plants, trees, animals birds and fish found here.

The main city of Sabah is Kota Kinabalu, a charming city with a rich history and a mix of peoples and influences. Most tourists use Kota Kinabalu as a gateway to Mount Kinabalu, the tallest mountain in Southeast Asia, as well as trips and excursions inland or to the surrounding islands.

The cruising grounds off the coast of Sabah offer something for everyone. From west to east, the state is surrounded by idyllic islands one more picturesque than the next. On the west coast just off Kota Kinabalu lies Tangjung Aru, a small tranquil island with a few high end resorts and little to do other than relax on the beach.x

One of the main attractions in Sabah is the world class diving found off the state's east coast, namely Sipadan, which has gained world wide recognition due to its unique geographical features, incredibly diverse underwater ecosystems that extend several hundred metres into the deep and the almost year-around good conditions. The surroundings islands of Mabul and Kapalai also offer excellent diving conditions, countless tropical fish species and well conditioned soft and hard corals.

With more than 18,000 islands, Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world and potentially one of the best cruising grounds when it comes to diversity and adventure. Covering a huge geographical area between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, the country stretches all the way from Malaysia to the north, East Timor and Papua New Guinea to the east, Australia to the south and India to the west. The country boasts everything from ancient tropical rain forests, world class diving, bustling metropolis, rich culture, vibrant ethnic diversity and a fascinating history and it is no wonder this exciting country is fast becoming one of the main fixtures on the world's best cruising destinations.

Although yet to offer cruising yachts a full scale marina, Indonesia's myriad islands offer plenty of choices for safe, protected moorings and some of the islands now boast berthing facilities such as those at Nongsa Point Marina in Batam and Big Boat Quay in Benoa Harbour, Bali, which is also the country's only dedicated superyacht facility.

Bali

When it comes to travel destinations in Indonesia a lot of people will instantly think of Bali. Just one of countless islands in the Indonesian archipelago, Bali distinguishes itself with its unique Hindu culture which fascinates people from all over the world due to its colourful and spiritual characteristics. Another major attraction here is varied nature with its lush terraces rice fields in the island's interior, black volcano sand beaches to the north, rugged coastlines in the remote west side of the island and beautiful, wide sandy beaches to the south and southwest. Combined with world-class entertainment and night clubbing in Kuta, and hip restaurants, bars and shops in the upscale lifestyle area of Seminyak, the island is so versatile there is entertainment here for what seems a lifetime.

One of the must see places of Bali is Ubud which is located a couple of hours north of Kuta. The town is littered with art galleries and art works and hand crafts can be bought and shipped home from most of the galleries. On the road between Kuta and Ubud lies the village of Celuk famous for its gold and silver smiths. The town offers a multitude of jewellery, with designs ranging from the very tribal to the very modern with western and eastern influences.

Gili Islands and Lombok

To the west of Bali lies Lombok. Roughly the same size as Bali but with a mostly Muslim population, the island has remained relatively un-developed compared to its neighbour. There are several untouched beaches and plenty of sleepy fishing towns to explore and the island's interior is covered in dense rainforests where there's a good chance of seeing monkeys, rare birds and plants. The main attraction on Lombok, however, is Rinjani, an active volcano which can be seen from far away. The trek to the caldera is challenging but worth it as it affords excellent views of the crater lake within and an opportunity to experience the diverse flora and fauna of Lombok, some of which exist only here.

Off the northwestern tip of Lombok lies the Gili Islands, like pearls on a string not far from the coast. Initially a sleepy backpackers hideaway, the word of these islands' natural beauty got out, and they have become more developed. The island of Gili Trawangan, which is the largest and most visited of the three, offers some high end accommodation options with Gili Meno and Gili Air being smaller with a more laid back atmosphere. All three islands have several operators offering scuba diving courses and excursions to the many excellent dive sites around the islands.

Komodo and Flores

The cruising grounds east of Lombok all the way to Timor Leste comprise one exciting island paradise after the other. Sumbawa, known for its remote, sandy beaches and great waves, making it a paradise for surfers who make up the majority of visitors here. A Bali of 30 years ago, the islands has little in terms of tourist infrastructure and visitors have an excellent opportunity to explore daily life on this charming island.

The next large island east are the Komodo islands where the famous Komodo dragons live. Part of the Komodo National Park, the island is recognised by several international bodies such as WWF and Conservation International as a conservation priority area due to its fragile ecosystems both over and underwater which are not rich in diversity but rare in terms of the kind of species found here, amongst them of course the Komodo Dragon but also the Timor Deer and wild boars amongst others. It is possible to visit the park on your own but there are also some tour operators that organise educational tours where visitors can learn more about the island environment and the local inhabitants.

The last large island to the east before Timor Leste is Flores, another divers' and snorkellers paradise. The main attraction here is the three coloured crater lakes of Mount Kelimutu, and traditional villages where visitors can live with locals.

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