Thailand

Thailand has been compared to the Caribbean of Hemingway’s time: untouched, virginal and absolutely enticing. When you anchor, you can look down through 90 feet of crystal clear water and actually see your anchor. The flawless beaches remain unmarred by plastic cups or beer cans, and the many anchorages are yours for the taking. The Andaman Sea is a neon blue, dotted with movie-set islands that rise abruptly from the shimmering water. You’ll cruise past colonial rubber plantations where the water buffalo graze in the fields, colorful Buddhist temples will appear and quickly disappear dream-like in the jungle and you will see the reflections of stars in coves as still as lakes. Thailand is the mysterious Far East, with exotic cultures, fragrant spices, perfect beaches and charming people. No postcard or travel magazine can do justice to Phang Nga Bay, where islands like fingers of limestone point at the sky, their bases precariously eroded and often hiding a secret lagoon. Visit a sea gypsy village on stilts above the water where the restaurants catch their lunch specials from the kitchen window. Walk the sand beaches, swim the tepid waters and finish with an icy Singha beer. Rudyard Kipling loved the Far East; you will, too.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 PHUKET TO PHANG NGA BAY
After boarding your yacht in Phuket, cruise to Phang Nga Bay, famous for its monolithic limestone karst islets. Make a quick stop at touristy James Bond Island, seen in “The Man with the Golden Gun,” but save time for the fishing village of Koh Panyi that’s built on stilts.

DAY 2 PHANG NGA BAY TO KO PHI PHI DON
Move on to the even more stunning Krabi Province, home to 52 islands ringed by coral reefs and powdery white sand beaches. Anchor off of Ko Phi Phi Don, known for its snorkeling, diving, and rock climbing. In the evening, prowl the nightclubs and take in a fire show at Carlitos.

DAY 3 KO PHI PHI DON TO KO LANTA YAI
There are no roads on Ko Phi Phi Don, so take the yacht to remote Hat Yao beach near the island’s southern tip and stretch out on its white sand. At your next stop, Ko Lanta Yai, ride horseback among umbrella trees on the slopes, then linger over a spicy seafood meal on the waterfront in Ban Saladan.

DAY 4 KO LANTA YAI TO KO PHI PHI LEH
Return north to Ko Phi Phi Don’s smaller sister island, marked by soaring cliffs. Discover Ao Maya Bay, the stunning setting of the movie “The Beach.” Snorkel in crystal waters along a coral reef teeming with fish.

DAY 5 KO PHI PHI LEH TO NAI HARN
This picture-pretty bay is home to the Royal Phuket Yacht Club. Tour the club’s model boat room and stay for an elegant dining experience.

DAY 6 NAI HARN TO PATONG BAY
Head north to Katong beach for an exotic Thai spa treatment in one of its upscale resorts, then backtrack to Patong Bay and stroll along its long inlaid mosaic sidewalk lined with boutiques.

DAY 7 PATONG BAY TO PHUKET
If you’ve opted to extend your charter, cruise on to the pristine Similan Islands off shore. Or return to Phuket Town and visit its thriving Ranong day market before heading to the airport.