The Gulf of Thailand with its center Koh Samui might not be the most famous cruising area for yachts. The main reason for this is, that there´s no marina around (which is no problem for our yacht). Yet, the Koh Samui Archipelago can compete with the more famous regions in Asia like Phuket and the Andaman sea. We even have a few advantages here:
- perfect weather conditions ALL YEAR ROUND: apart from very few stormy days from mid October till end of November the weather is perfect to go out boating.
- all attractive places are reachable within a day or two. Thus our concept: bareboat charter PLUS hotel accommodation in order to have all the comfort combined with all the freedom and the adventure aspects
- navigation by sight posiible to most destinations
- low soundings, that means waves usually don´t get very high
- pleasant sailing winds all year round
The Koh Samui Archipelago has over 80 islands spread over 50 sq miles of azure tropical seas. Stretching from Koh Rap in the south, via the bigger Koh Samui and Koh Phangan to the diving paradise of Koh Tao (Turtle Island) in the north and the uninhabited Ang Thong National Park group 25 miles to the east, nowhere is more than a leisurely day sail away.
Away from the main cruising routes the region is just beginning to open up with charter yachts available to explore this tropical wonderland. Imagine beautiful white sandy beaches, fringed with swaying coconut palms, lush emerald green vegetation stretching over limestone hills and mountains where you can easily find a deserted bay to anchor for the night. Welcome to the Samui archipelago.
The attractions in detail:
- Koh Phangan: Samui´s sister island, 7 miles north of Koh Samui, offers many secluded beaches, many of them only accessable by boat, very good snorkelling in the North and the West, waterfalls, mountain trails, plenty of anchorages, very scenic viewpoints and last not least the full moon party beach of Hat Rin. Restaurants can be found in every second bay and there´s plenty of accommodation options or anchorages for an overnight stay; Phangan can be fully explored within 2-3 days. It´s possible to do that from Samui or stay there for a night or two.
- Koh Tao (Turtle Island): 20 miles north of Koh Panghan, THE diving and snorkelling paradise of the Gulf of Thailand; 25m+ vision under water plus millions of fish around makes you feel like beeing part of a huge aquarium; great for snorkelling only and perfect for the passionate diver. We can arrange professional equipment and diveguides by a diving school in Koh Tao. They can also take you to the Chumphon Pinackle another 20 miles North-West of Koh Tao, which is famous for whalesharks and other stunning sea creatures; In the North of the island you will find Koh NamKoh Tao can be reached within a daytrip from Samui or Koh Phangan. You will need only a day to explore the whole island, but up to now everyone we took there wished to stay for at least one day more. Accommodation options available, an overnight stay is recommended
- Ang Tong National Park: 15+ mostly uninhabitated islands with spaectacular rock formations, beaches and caves only 14 miles west of Samui. This is the scenery for the the movie "The Beach" with Leonardo di Caprio". There´s a emerald inland lake on one of the islands which is worth visiting and on 2 or 3 locations you can rent canoes and explore the caves and rocks in close up mode. There are places for snorkelling and there´s also the option to rent a little tent or bungalow if you wish to stay on terra firma for the night. If you do that yo will encounter a lovely wild monkey family who lives in the trees of the main island. You will need one day to explore the main attractions of Ang Tong and about 3 days to see every part of it.If your time is limited to a daytrip we recommend to go with www.bluestars.info.
- further places that are worth a visit are: Koh Tan, a quiet island south off Samui - perfect to get away from it all; it´s sister islands Koh Madsum (one of the prettiest beaches in the area at low tide), Khanom, part of Thailands mainland, homespot of dolphines and apart of that a stunning beach area with lovely bays that has a great potential for the future.
You will recieve detailed informations (places to see, anchorages, accommodation, restaurants...) about each spot to provide a maximum of pleasure and safety for your journey.
Cruising recommendations:
1 day:
- cruise around in Samui area or make a day trip to koh Phangan
2 days:
- go around Samui and sleep at Koh Tan Island, also called the Greenpeace Island. Koh Madsum is another lovely spot to visit, you´ll find a stunning beach there and a pearl farm on the other side.
- explore the beautiful Koh Phangan
- make a quick trip to the national marine Park Ang Tong 25 miles off Samui
3 days:
- take your time to see the Ang Tong Marine Park or
- cruise to Koh Tao, the best diving and snorkeling spot in the Gulf of Thailand
4-5 days
- combine Ang Tong Marine Park and Koh Tao
1 week:
- explore the whole archipelago, maybe even Khanom - a stunning beach on the mainland (15 minles away) and home to the local pink dolphins
