Destinations - Phuket - Langkawi and Beyond

The greater Phuket area including the provinces of Phang Nga, Krabi and Trang have emerged as star performers in Thailand's thriving tourism industry.

Pristine beaches, crystal clear blue waters, warm winter climate and isolated magical islands are the prime attractions that lure millions of tourists here every year. It is these very same attractions that 'yachties' from all over the world seek out.

The first amongst the boating attractions of the area is Phang Nga Bay, famous for its stunning limestone mountains that rise vertically out of a tranquil aquamarine sea.

The bay offers year round shelter, even during the heavy months of the monsoon a yacht can find calm waters, tranquility and dramatic beauty. When the northeast monsoon season arrives in November/December, the bay transforms itself into a fabulously beautiful playground and great day sailing destination.

Safe anchorages are numerous in the bay. When exploring the bay, a dinghy, or a sea canoe is needed to get into the many little coves, bays and tidal seacaves which open up to hidden lagoons within the center of many islands.

Moving south from northern Phang Nga Bay you'll discover that the water clarity changes from a thick milky green to a near crystal clear clarity around the islands off Krabi.

These islands offer outstanding pristine beaches.

Krabi itself is one of the most dramatically beautiful places you'll ever see. Phra Nang beach, where moutainous slabs or limestone tower over each end of the beach has been called one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Heading further south from Krabi the snorkelling becomes even more interesting. There are beautiful coral reefs and an abundance of small, colourful reef fish.

The Phi Phi Islands are a must see port of call in the common, circular route taking in the three provinces that enclose Phang Nga bay.

Anchorages here are plentiful, usually deserted and always beautiful. From here boats sail east, then turn south to the Ko Hong (Krabi) group of islands.

If weather permits, these make a delightful overnight stop. Phra Nang, Krabi is the next overnight stop for most.

The Similan Islands is another major, but very different island attraction in the Andaman Sea.

They are located north west of Phuket and compose nine, low-lying islands which are completely different in there geological form to Phang Nga's Bays sea mountains.

Here, great boulders of smooth granite, often the size of houses and cars, lie in great jumbles along the shorelines.