Sailing in Thailand

Day Two - Early start the next morning - we have a big day going "hong exploring" ! "Hong" literally means "sea room"; entered usually through a well-hidden little crevice in the cliff-face; a narrow tunnel opening up into an awe-inspiring oasis on the interior. Perfect for kayak expeditions!

Tide dependent, we'll hope to explore a few different hongs that day; ending up anchored off the gorgeous, tiny island of Ko Roi - more awesome cliffs and a "mini-hong" leading to a mangrove river.

Day Three - A relaxed morning's cruise southwards again, past more impossibly-balanced rocks, cliffs & islands. There is another hong to explore en route, paddling through a dramatic, mangrove-lined stream which winds its way inside a huge crevice in the island.

For the evening, we'll anchor at the famous Railey Beach, near Krabi. Sheer, palm-covered mountains rising vertically from the ocean, it's a well-known spot for those who like to scare themselves silly scaling these cliffs. There are even beginner's rock-climbing opportunities, for any adrenalin-addicts amongst us! Dinner ashore, there's dozens of fun little beach bars and restaurants.

Day Four - Chance to visit Tiger Cave and Temple , a 20 minute minibus ride inland. This place is not as overtly dramatic and ornate as some of the more well-known Thai wats; what attracts us is it's deeply spiritual, calm Buddhist ambiance. This is not a "tourist destination" - it's a place that the locals visit to pay their respects to the monk community there. For the energetic, there is a steep climb to a stunning viewpoint, a huge Buddha keeping an eye on us mere mortals below; for those who prefer to take it easier (and cooler!), there is a shady hike through an enormous and ancient forest. It's also home to a troop of very mischievous monkeys, watch out for your drinks and snacks, they're fast!

Just around the corner from Railey beach is the little town of Ao Nang - a great place to do a little shopping. There'll be a couple of hours ashore here - then it's a short hop to Chicken Island. A quiet, tranquil contrast to the day's activities, and usually a beautiful sunset to accompany our infamous Pina Coladas! It's also our first great snorkelling spot, lots of coral and tropical fish to swim amongst.

Day Five - The next day will be a leisurely sail south to Phi Phi Li - "little Phi Phi". made infamous by the Leonardo diCaprio movie "The Beach". It's a spectacular little island - dramatic limestone cliffs, pure white sands and unbelievably bright turquoise waters. Great snorkelling too! It's become crazily busy with daytrip boats during the day - hence we arrive there late in the afternoon, leave early in the morning. Inbetween, we have this stunning little spot all to ourselves...(well, ok perhaps a few other yachties too!)

Day Seven - Ko Muk is our next island, and Charlie Beach - a wonderfully laid-back little hangout. Somewhat smaller than Ko Lanta, but with a very cosy little beach bar and great BBQ restaurant. Cocktails on the beach at sunset, it doesn't get any more romantic than this !

We'll be leaving at the crack of dawn the next morning - yes, seriously - at sunrise ! Our dawn adventure is The Lost Lagoon - an old pirate hangout. To find it, we swim through a winding, pitch-black sea tunnel (it's ok, we do have waterproof lights!). It's a spooky and thoroughly exciting feeling - especially when one emerges the other end into a "Lost World" in the center of the island.

Unfortunately, the local daytrip boats from Phi Phi have now discovered this spot too - but as long as we get there early in the morning, we have it all to ourselves!

Day Eight - The further south we sail, the further away from any kind of "tourist development" - and today's islands are right out in the middle of nowhere! A Marine National Park, Rok Nok is a protected wildlife habitat. An amazing array of coral gardens and brightly-coloured fish are literally right underneath the boat - one could snorkel for hours in the tropically warm waters! For our experienced divers, there's a chance to put tanks on and explore further underwater too.

Day Nine - A morning to explore some more of that ever-changing underwater scenery. under the water as well as above. It's also a very fun place to take out the kayaks and explore along the rocks and crevices of the beach.

We'll then be heading off to Ko Racha - an island of icing-sugar smooth sand and more great snorkelling along the surrounding rocks.

Day Six - Our next destination is Ko Lanta - a long island of many extensive, white sand beaches. We stay away from the more touristy north end; our little hideout is a wonderful beach in the south, with just a few little restaurants, massage places and beach bars.

It's also home to the infamous "Why Not" bar, a super-cool little spot with a local live band who are into reggae & "old fart music" (60s, 70s, etc); it's a lounge-around-on-bean-bags sort of place, and the answer to "Would you like another drink" is.... guess what? "Why Not!! " 😊

Day Ten - Our final day - we'll be headed back to Phuket, to our lovely home base of Ao Yon. Chance to get a last, muscle-melting massage on the beach, stroll along the quiet beachfront (still not a single sunbed in our little hideaway bay!), before farewell cocktails on board, and dinner at the aptly-named Secret Cove.

Day Eleven -Disembarkation at 9am. We can organise taxis on arrival in Ao Yon; if you have a later flight and want somewhere quiet to mellow out for the day, there is a nice little hotel nearby (with pool!) who are happy to do a "day stay".

Please keep in mind that this is a provisional itinerary only. One of the greatest things about being on a sailing boat is the flexibility to change our minds and our route to suit personal preferences, prevailing wind conditions, etc. The start and finish points are fixed, of course - but all else is changeable according to the whims of the wind gods and those on board!