Introduction

There is more visible historical evidence of past eras in Thailand than in any other South-East Asian country, so if you're interested in ruins, temples and deserted cities, this is the place to visit.

Thailand's capital, Bangkok, is one of Asia's most exciting cities and it is worth putting up with traffic jams and pollution to see Wat Phra Kaew and the Great Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Traimit (the Temple of the Golden Buddha), silk entrepreneur Jim Thompson's house and it's many other attractions.

Thailand's second-largest city and the gateway to the country's north is Chiang Mai. Chiang Mai is another popular tourist destination - it is a good base for mountain treks and has over 300 Wats (Buddhist temples).

For many, however, idyllic islands and palm-fringed beaches are Thailand's main attraction. The most popular islands are Phuket, Ko Samui (off south-eastern Thailand), and Phi Phi (where 'The Beach' was filmed).

Seal Superyachts Asia has offices located in both Phuket and Ko Samui.

Perhaps first among the boating attractions of the Andaman Sea, however, is Phang Nga Bay, famed for the stunning sea-mountains that rise vertically out of calm, turquoise waters. This staggeringly beautiful scenery continues around the coastline to Krabi where some of the most attractive beaches in the world can be found.

The Similan islands lying northwest of Phuket offer world-class diving and are particular noted for the regularity with which divers meet whale sharks and mantas. This group of rocks and islands was declared a national marine park in 1982 and consequently remains largely undeveloped.

Weather

The Thai-Malay peninsular divides two different oceans - the Andaman Sea (Indian Ocean) and the South China Sea (Pacific Ocean) - and also acts as a distinct atmospheric barrier, dividing two very different and often opposing weather basins.

Usually the Andaman Sea delivers an annual southwest monsoon from mid-May to October and the South China Sea raises a Northeast Monsoon during November to February. High season in Phuket, Phi Phi, the Similans etc is, therefore, from November to April and high season in Koh Samui is from March to October. This generally means that yachting conditions are idyllic somewhere in Thailand throughout the year.

Charts

The Royal Thai Navy charts are the primary charts for Thailand and a selection of these can be purchased from the Seal Superyachts office in Phuket.

Tides

Thailand's tidal range is fairly large. Local tide tables are published by the Hydrographic Department of the Royal Thai Navy and are available from the Seal Superyachts office in Phuket.

Sail Thailand published by ArtAsia Press is a must-have guide for all yachts visiting Thailand. It can be purchased around the island or directly from ArtAsia Press at:

143/1 Charoen Nakorn 13, Klongsarn, Bangkok 10600, Thailand

Tel: +66 (0)2 861 3360

Fax: +66 (0)2 861 3363

e-mail: aapress@loxinfo.co.th

The Cruising Guide to Southeast Asia Volume One by Stephen Davies & Elaine Morgan covers the South China Sea including the Gulf of Thailand, East Malaysia (northern Borneo), Hong Kong and Macau, the Philippines, Brunei, and Singapore.

Text provides sailing directions supported by detailed charts and harbour plans and anchorages. It also provides important background information on the countries, culture, politics, navigation, and equipment.

The Cruising Guide to Southeast Asia can be found in bookshops or can be purchased on-line from companies such as Armchair Sailor Seabooks and Bluewater Charts & Books.

Courtesy Flag

A Thai courtesy flag should be displayed whenever entering Thai waters.

The Thai flag is red, white and blue horizontal stripes. Red symbolises 'the Nation', white symbolises 'the Religion', and blue symbolises 'the Monarchy'. Thai Courtesy flags can be purchased from the Seal Superyachts offices in Phuket.

Security

In comparison to many places, Thailand is a remarkably safe place, crime rates are exceedingly low and the huge majority of the population are very welcoming to foreign visitors.

From Singapore, yachts pass through the Malacca Straits to reach Phuket and the Andaman Sea. There are a number of ports between Singapore and Langkawi - where Malaysian check-out formalities can be completed and duty free stores taken on board; these include the old Dutch port of Malacca, Port Dickson, and the commercial port of Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia's capital), Port Klang.

To reach Koh Samui and the Gulf of Thailand yachts may enter Malaysia at Sebana Cove Marina, opposite Changi on Singapore's east coast, and head up the east coast. Convenient stopovers include Mersign, the Tioman Island group, the islands around Redang and Trenganou river port where check-out formalities can be completed.

Regulations

On entering Thai waters check-in must be completed within 24 hours.

Seal Superyachts can assist with check-in for yachts visiting the Andaman Sea and this is usually done at Krabi or Phuket. Yachts visiting the east coast of Thailand can check in at Koh Samui, Bangkok or Jomtien Beach.

Yachts entering Thailand are granted a six month stay before they have to leave the country. At least one crew member is obliged to register a transit status with the vessel, but can sign off on posting a returnable bond of US$800.

Crew members are usually granted a one month stay before being required to leave the country but certain nationalities, such as Indians, will require a Thai visa in advance.

Yachting Facilities

The most popular base for Superyachts visiting Thailand (and further a field) is Phuket. Phuket boasts three marinas, an international airport, chandlers, fuel barges, sail and awning supply and repair shops, and - of course - a Superyacht services agency.

The main marina in the Gulf of Thailand is the Ocean Marina Yacht Club. It is situated on the southernmost point of Jomtien Beach, 157km from Bangkok and is a part of the Ocean Marina complex, which includes the 32-storey San Marino condominium.

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