EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF SOUTHEAST ASIA
The aquamarine waters, deserted islands, and warm, sunny climes of Southeast Asia are waiting to be explored on board your private yacht. For those looking to try something a little different from the established hubs of the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, this region is as diverse as it is breathtaking. The most popular – and established – yachting destinations in this region are Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar and Indonesia. Guests can expect to cruise for days without seeing another vessel, as they explore the hidden gems of this unbelievable part of the world.
Thailand and Malaysia have drawn sailors to its shores for centuries. Traveling from Phuket through the breathtaking Andaman Islands is an unforgettable expe- rience. After visiting the stunning hotels and tasting the delicious local cuisine in Phuket, escape the crowds on your yacht to explore these deserted islands. Your cruise can take you to the Similan and Surin islands and to the more southern islands of Koh Rok Nok, Koh Lanta, as well as the Butang National Park. Moving into Malaysia, you will find Langkawi and its surrounding islets. Langkawi is incredibly scenic, with its many waterways to discover, hidden bays to snorkel in, and even the possi- bility of seeing whales in its protected waters.
Indonesia’s stunning cruising is incredibly vast, and offers so much to do throughout the year. The Komodo National Park is best visited between July and September. This UNESCO World Heritage Site includes hundreds of deserted islands, fabulous snorkeling, world-class diving, spectacular scenery, and of course the iconic Komodo Dragon. Spend October and November in the remote, stunning surround- ing of the Raja Ampat National Park. Voted the best diving and snorkeling spot in the world by National Geographic, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some of the globe’s most diverse wildlife.
In southern Myanmar, the Mergui archipela- go is unlike anywhere else you can travel to on board a yacht. Best visited between November and April, there are over 800 islands to explore. Almost untouched by the modern world, sailing through the astonishing scenery will feel miles away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. As you cruise through the different islands, you will see the small traditional fishing villages that dot along the shore, as the mountains of lush forest meet white sandy beaches and clear blue ocean. You can drop anchor and spend the day snorkeling and scuba diving in the warm ocean and sheltered bays. For a night spent ashore, the area also boasts two luxury resorts: Wa Ale Island Resort in Lampi Marine National Park and Awei Pila on Kyun Pila Island.
While on board your yacht, you will experience freshly prepared meals from your chef each day, but if you wish to savor some of the local food, this region has rich culinary traditions. The cuisine between countries in Southeast Asia varies hugely, but you can count on delicious meals cooked with fresh ingredients and local spices, most often using noodles or rice as a base. Phuket, Thailand has a thriving gourmet food scene. Pru is Phuket's first restaurant awarded a Michelin star, with fresh dishes made from Thai ingredients that have been sustainably sourced and organically grown on the restaurant's farm.
When it comes to traveling to Southeast Asia, the most popular times to visit the region are between October and April, which means guests will miss the rainy seasons. However, the sheer size of the area means that the weather does vary between each destination. There are regular international flights into Phuket, Thailand; Yangon, Myanmar and Kuala Lumpur or Bali, Indonesia, all of which are excellent bases to travel from to begin your yacht cruise.
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